Dental Assistant (Level 2)
Healthy smiles don’t happen by accident
| Placement Rate | |
| 2009 | 96% |
| 2008 | 93% |
| 2007 | 92% |
| 2006 | 95% |
| 2005 | 95% |
| 2004 | 98% |
| 2003 | N/A |
| Hourly Rate $11.00 - $18.00 |
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| Average Starting Salary $20,000 - $36,000 |
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As a dental assistant you will contribute to the everyday success of a dental practice. A key player in the delivery of dental services, the dental assistant will assist the dentist in chair side procedures as well as perform many level two dental assisting skills. Dental Assistants are able to perform many skills- such as take impressions, polish, expose radiographs, place rubber dams, fluoride treatments, etc. The objective of the Dental Assistant program is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and clinical experience necessary in order to perform various duties of a level 2 dental assistant. The program will offer instruction by dentists, assistants and hygienists with practical experience and is reviewed by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
New Brunswick's First and only Nationally Accredited Dental Assistant Program
Course Content
DEN–101 COMMUNICATIONS and ETHICS
This module will provide the students with knowledge of ethics and law in dentistry and the dental assisting profession. The class will consist of instruction and practical role playing experiences that will allow the student to implement their communication skills in the dental office and with the public. Includes 1 week of on the job training at midterm.
DEN–102 COMMUNICATIONS and DENTAL OFFICE ADMIN
Students will gain an understanding of the roles of a receptionist and how to communicate effectively. Understanding the psychology of a patient and the proper maintenance of a patient file. Accounts payable/receivable, payroll and insurance form procedures and processing will be taught. Basic banking procedures commonly used will also be covered.
DEN–371 MICROBIOLOGY
Oral microbiology will focus on the study of microorganisms existing in the oral cavity. Knowledge of the microbiology and the role of infectious diseases in the dental office will be covered.
DEN–231 INTRO TO CLINIC
The students will complete the theory required to be able to confidently practice in a clinical setting. Sterilization, disinfections and orientation to the office and clinical set up will be taught and reinforced through clinical experience.
DEN–178 INTRODUCTION TO ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
This module will include an orientation to the structures of the human body and the functions within them. Topics covered: parts of the cell to the major body systems and how they work together.
DEN–109 DENTAL SCIENCES
This course will educate the students in dental sciences including embryology, landmarks of the oral cavity, components of the dentition. Applying the information to a clinic setting by demonstrating the ability to complete a patient record will be achieved.
DEN–349 DENTAL HEALTH & NUTRITION
This course will educate the students in dental health, allowing them to recognize, explain, and demonstrate proper oral hygiene techniques to their patients. The skills required to perform preventative dental assisting tasks will be demonstrated in a clinic setting as students practice on a typodont, each other and graduate to patient care. This course also covers basic Nutrition theory that will allow the student to be able to discuss the relationship between diet and good dental health with their patients. Community dental health projects will be prepared and delivered throughout the year.
DEN–259 PHARMACOLOGY and MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
A dental assistant student will gain the understanding of objectives related to the classification of drugs, how they affect dental procedures and how to use drug reference material, including understanding prescriptions. The knowledge and understanding of medical emergencies and how to assist during one of theses emergencies is key to a dental practice.
DEN–105 RADIOLOGY
Basic principles of physics and radiography will be covered, ensuring that the student understands the importance of radiology and the safety precautions required to operate a dental x ray unit. Techniques will be taught in class and practical experience will be gained later in the program.
DEN–382 RESTORATIVE
Chair side intra-oral procedures and processes will be detailed in a classroom setting, demonstrated evaluated in the clinic. The student will learn to recognize and understand the procedures, instruments and materials used to complete common restorative appointments.
DEN–178 HEAD AND NECK ANATOMY
All systems of the body will be studied: Skeletal, Muscular, Cardiovascular, Nervous, Respiratory, Digestive and Endocrine in order to provide the student with a complete understanding of the workings of the body.
DEN–201 DENTAL SPECIALTIES
This module is comprised of a series of seminars derived from dental specialties. Information will be delivered as it relates to the practice of a dental assistant in any specialty office. The course is supported by a series of guest speakers and office rotations.
DEN–254 ORAL PATHOLOGY
This module will cover the diseases of the oral cavity. Although only a dentist can diagnose pathologic conditions, it is important that a dental assistant, as part of the team can differentiate between normal and abnormal conditions and achieve a professional vocabulary associated with them in order to discuss with the patient.
DEN–483 DENTAL RECORDS
Tooth morphology and proper charting will be covered during this module. A clinical chart will be discussed in depth including details on obtaining information and being able to complete a chart in detail. Students will learn how to complete a chart and to understand the importance of being able to communicate the information to the patient.
DEN–359 LABORATORY PROCEDURES
Taking place in a lab setting, combined with classroom instruction, students will learn the methods of such lab procedures as taking impressions, pouring and trimming models and preparing custom trays.
DEN–444 PATIENT CARE CLINIC
This module will provide the student with the opportunity to learn hands on and be evaluated on all aspects of clinical dental assisting. The complete process of client care will be brought together in a "real" clinic setting as the student schedules patients to be seen in a supervised patient clinic.
DEN–106 RADIOLOGY LAB
The student will practice radiology techniques on a typodont, including safety, exposing, processing mounting radiographs.
DEN–445 JOB TRAINING
4 weeks of supervised practical clinical experience will be achieved. Student's time will be spent in a general dentistry practice and have hands on practice.
DURATION
ADMISSION REQUIRE-
TUITION/
START DATE/
ON-THE-JOB TRAINING