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Certified Dental Assisting (with extended function)
Diploma program
Duration: 40 weeks
Start Date: September 2010
Institution: University of Technology, Jamaica (UTECH)
Certified Dental Assisting is a Diploma program. It provides knowledge and skill development in assisting dentists, dental hygienists and dental therapists. All students will receive ownership of a new state of the art laptop with all the textbooks
You will learn how to:
- perform intra-oral procedures as specified by Canadian legislation
- counsel patients in regard to maintaining their oral health
- carry out traditional chairside and clinical duties
- implement business and reception procedures
NB: The institution reserves the right to change program information as deemed necessary PRIOR to start of program.
Career Opportunities
Graduates may find employment in private dental offices, community program settings, dental insurance companies or dental supply companies.
Admission Requirements
Applications will be accepted based on two classifications:
General Admissions
An applicant should have a minimum of five (3) subjects (CSEC /GCE O Level) at minimum Grade three (3). Mathematics; English Language; Chemistry/Biology are required. A student who is completing an application form pending examination results is expected to submit an examination slip for the relevant subject(s). The applicant may be conditionally accepted pending submission of final results.
Mature Student
An applicant, 19 years of age or older who has completed an academic program of study leading to a high school diploma, but has not met the criteria described for applicant requesting admission as High School graduate. This individual may be asked to complete the Canadian Adult Achievement Test.
**Note: All applicants must follow the application process outlined and must supply all documentation described. English Language & Mathematics proficiency requirements will apply to all applicants. Where necessary, an applicant may be required to write a placement test in English. The local institution reserves the right to interview any applicant.
Application Process:
Applicants to the Program will be considered for admission only when all of the following have been provided.
- Completed application form (Download application form by clicking here)
- Payment of application fee
- Copy of the official birth certificate (Baptismal certificate not acceptable)
- Certified copy of high school transcript from the Ministry of Education or equivalency certificate
- Copy of official transcript of any post-secondary courses/programs
- Two references
- Personal Statement as to why you would like to be a Dental Assistant
- A personal interview
Provisional Admission
Provisional admission may be assigned to an applicant who has been offered admission to a program. The offer of admission is provisional, based on completion of specified conditions that must be satisfied within the first year of enrolment and by the date specified in the offer. Access to courses, activities, and practicum experiences may be limited until all provisional requirements are met. Provisional admission may be offered only to applicants who have a clear security clearance. Conditions will be stipulated in an admission letter.
Progression
Students must attain a passing grade in each course to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass ALL courses.
Note
- Standard First Aid and CPR Heart Saver ‘C’ AED or equivalent are required prior to entry into the Dental Hygiene program and must be current to the year of the program.
- All relevant post-secondary transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to Registration Services prior to the application document deadline.
Semester 1
- APHY 160 Structure and Function
You will become familiar with the basic structure and functions of the human body and learn that it is an integrated structure. You will focus on the head and neck region. The course content includes cells, tissues, membranes, glands and the skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, digestive, excretory, respiratory and endocrine systems.
3.0 Credit Units
40.0 Lecture hours
Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory
Equivalent Course(s): APHY 162
- BUS_ 160 Dental Practice Management
You will focus on the dental assistant’s role in practice management. You will develop the skills needed to answer phones, greet and dismiss clients, maintain dental business relations, keep records and accounts, process mail, control inventory, compose correspondence related to the dental practice and use a computerized dental office management system. You will learn the importance of efficient and cost-effective operations.
3.0 Credit Units
40.0 Lecture hours
Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory
Equivalent Course(s): OPRO 133
- DENT 160 Dental Materials
You will gain a working knowledge of the properties and clinical use of dental materials. This includes the placement of fissure sealants. You will learn how WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) requirements apply to dentistry.
3.0 Credit Units
46.0 Lab hours
Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab
- DENT 163 Preventive Dentistry 1
You will learn the principles used in controlling and preventing oral disease. You will also study the principles of teaching the essentials of a modern dental plaque control program (including sound oral hygiene techniques).
2.0 Credit Units
26.0 Lecture hours
Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory
- DENT 166 Embryology, Histology, and Anatomy
You will gain an understanding of the development and histology of teeth and related structures before and after birth. The factors that affect normal development will be emphasized. Lectures and laboratory experiences will help you examine the basic anatomy of primary and secondary teeth, and supporting tissues. You will also be introduced to eruption patterns, numerical systems for charting the dentition, classifying cavity preparations and occlusion.
3.0 Credit Units
45.0 Lecture hours
Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory
- DNTL 160 Clinical Dental Assisting 1
You will practice and develop the skills you were introduced to in BUS 160 (Dental Practice Management), DNTL 166 (Dental Assisting Principles 1), DNTL 169 (Restorative Procedures), DNTL 168 (Moisture Control) and DNTL 167 (Infection Control and Equipment). The course takes place in the SIAST Dental Clinic where clients are scheduled to receive dental treatment.
2.0 Credit Units
28.0 Other hours
Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum
- DNTL 162 Placement of Treatment Liners
You will learn how to place liners and bases in basic cavity preparations without pulpal exposures. You will practice the skills you developed in laboratory settings during chairside assisting assignments.
2.0 Credit Units
24.0 Lab hours
Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning
Equivalent Course(s): DENT 1604
- DNTL 166 Dental Assisting Principles 1
You will be introduced to the profession of dental assisting and the employability skills inherent to it. You will also develop skills in client management techniques, ergonomics, client/operator positioning, and basic assisting techniques. The importance of keeping accurate records will be emphasized. Working on mannequins in the dental clinic will allow you to apply theory to practice.
2.0 Credit Units
30.0 Lab hours
Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab
- DNTL 167 Infection Control and Equipment
Your studies will focus on the use and care of dental equipment, instruments and materials. You will also study infection control. The importance of preventing cross-infection will be emphasized. You will apply theory to practice in the dental clinic.
2.0 Credit Units
32.0 Lab hours
Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical
- DNTL 168 Moisture Control
Moisture control is fundamental to successful dental care. You will learn a variety of methods with the major focus being on the application and removal of the dental dam. Working on mannequins and fellow students in the dental clinic will allow you to apply theory to practice.
2.0 Credit Units
31.0 Lab hours
Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical
- DNTL 169 Restorative Procedures
You will focus on the dental assistant’s role in dental restorative procedures (including the application of topical anesthetic, the administration of local anesthesia and the application of the matrix system). Working on mannequins in the dental clinic will allow you to apply theory to practice and integrate previously learned knowledge and skills.
3.0 Credit Units
50.0 Lab hours
Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical
- RDGR 260 Clinical Radiography
A dental assistant’s responsibilities include preparing dental radiographs for diagnostic purposes. You will develop a basic understanding of the principles and hazards in radiographic techniques. You will become familiar with operating and maintaining manual and automatic radiographic film processors. You will also practice bisecting and paralleling techniques of film exposure on mannequins.
5.0 Credit Units
70.0 Lab hours
Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical
Prerequisites:
DENT 166 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)
- SEM_ 160 Orientation Seminar
You will learn how the dental assistant fits into the workplace and society, and examine the employability skills needed to be successful in the dental profession. You will also have the opportunity to develop study and life management skills that will help you be a successful adult learner. The course content includes teamwork and SIAST and program policies.
1.0 Credit Units
18.0 Lecture hours
Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory
Semester 2
- COMM 164 Communications
Lectures, workshops, assignments and clinical sessions will help you develop a basic understanding of communication processes, normal age/stage related behaviour, economic and cultural influences on lifestyle and special needs of the disabled. You will also learn methods for modifying dental health attitudes and habits.
2.0 Credit Units
35.0 Lecture hours
Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory
Equivalent Course(s): BCOM 103 PSYC 160
- DENT 161 Dental Technology 1
You will develop a working knowledge of the physical properties of materials used for taking impressions and pouring and trimming study models. You will take preliminary impressions and wax bite registrations. You will also fabricate stone study models.
3.0 Credit Units
50.0 Lab hours
Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical
Prerequisites:
DENT 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 167 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 168 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 169 Minimum Grade of 60
- DENT 261 Dental Technology 2
You will learn how to fabricate custom trays, temporary crowns and mouth guards.
2.0 Credit Units
26.0 Lab hours
Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical
Corequisites: DENT 161
Prerequisites:
DENT 166 Minimum Grade of 60
- DENT 280 Dental Specialties 1
You will receive an overview of dental specialties. These include pedodontics, orthodontics, endodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures. You will gain practical experience in the SIAST Dental Clinic and while participating in a variety of practica.
3.0 Credit Units
48.0 Other hours
Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab
Prerequisites:
DENT 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 167 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 168 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 169 Minimum Grade of 60
- DENT 281 Dental Specialties 2
You will continue with an overview of dental specialties. The course content includes prosthodontics, periodontics, geriatrics, and community oral health. You will gain practical experience in the SIAST Dental Clinic and while participating in a variety of practica (including a long-term care facility).
3.0 Credit Units
42.0 Other hours
Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab
Prerequisites:
DENT 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 167 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 168 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 169 Minimum Grade of 60
- DNTL 260 Clinical Dental Assisting 2
You will refine your clinical dental assisting skills, reception and dispensary procedure skill, and develop an understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety regulations pertaining to the dental profession. The course takes place in the SIAST Dental Clinic where clients are scheduled to receive dental treatment.
7.0 Credit Units
112.0 Other hours
Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum
Corequisites: DENT 280 DENT 281 DNTL 261
Prerequisites:
APHY 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and BUS 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 163 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 160 Minimum Grade of P and DNTL 162 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 167 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 168 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 169 Minimum Grade of 60 and SEM 160 Minimum Grade of 60
- DNTL 261 Preventive Dentistry 2
Classroom discussions and activities will help you acquire the knowledge and skills required to develop a preventive care plan in a classroom setting. This will prepare you to provide direct preventive care to clients in a clinical setting.
2.0 Credit Units
35.0 Lecture hours
Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory
Corequisites: DENT 280 DENT 281 DNTL 262
Prerequisites:
DENT 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 163 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 160 Minimum Grade of P
- DNTL 262 Dental Assisting Principles 2
Lectures, seminars, reading, demonstrations and practicing on mannequins and fellow students will help you develop the skills and abilities needed to provide client care. These skills include recording vital signs, taking and recording medical dental history, recognizing obvious deviations from normal (extraorally and intraorally), assessing and recording oral hygiene status, performing selective rubber cup prophylaxis and applying anticariogenic agents. You will become familiar with standards of conduct, professional ethics, provincial legislation and the scope of practice for dental assisting.
3.0 Credit Units
50.0 Lab hours
Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab
Prerequisites:
APHY 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 167 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 168 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 169 Minimum Grade of 60
- NUTR 262 Nutrition
Nutrition plays a fundamental role in maintaining good health and preventing disease. You will acquire basic knowledge about nutrition. This includes recommended nutrient intakes, Canada’s Food Guide for healthy eating, factors influencing food intake, life cycle nutrient needs, credible sources of nutrition information and applying nutrition to dental health.
1.0 Credit Units
20.0 Lecture hours
Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory
Equivalent Course(s): NUTR 160
Prerequisites:
DENT 163 Minimum Grade of 60
- PATH 262 Pathology
You will learn how pathological conditions affect dental tissues and dental treatment. The course content includes general information on diseases of the body, diseases of the oral cavity and the drugs used to treat these conditions.
3.0 Credit Units
50.0 Lecture hours
Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory
Prerequisites:
APHY 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 166 Minimum Grade of 60
- PRAC 263 Practicum 1
To help you integrate theory to practice and become familiar with the functioning of a dental office, you will spend one week observing and/or assisting in general dental practice. You will focus on professionalism, teamwork and the qualities of an effective dental assistant.
2.0 Credit Units
35.0 Other hours
Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum
Prerequisites:
DNTL 160 Minimum Grade of P
- PRAC 264 Practicum 2
To continue the development of your clinical skills (especially those needed to assist prosthodontic and endodontic procedures), you will spend one week observing and/or assisting in a general dental practice.
2.0 Credit Units
35.0 Other hours
Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum
Corequisites: DNTL 262
Prerequisites:
PRAC 263 Minimum Grade of P
- PRAC 265 Practicum 3
You will gain extended experience working in a dental practice for two weeks. You will work under the mentorship of an experienced dental assistant who, in partnership with the dentist, will give you feedback and evaluate your dental assisting skills.
5.0 Credit Units
70.0 Other hours
Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum
Prerequisites:
DNTL 260 Minimum Grade of P and PRAC 264 Minimum Grade of P
- RDGR 260 Clinical Radiography
A dental assistant’s responsibilities include preparing dental radiographs for diagnostic purposes. You will develop a basic understanding of the principles and hazards in radiographic techniques. You will become familiar with operating and maintaining manual and automatic radiographic film processors. You will also practice bisecting and paralleling techniques of film exposure on mannequins.
5.0 Credit Units
70.0 Lab hours
Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical
Prerequisites:
DENT 166 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)
- RDGR 261 Radiography (Theory)
You will develop a basic understanding of the principles of radiation physics, biology, chemistry and safety. You will also become familiar with exposing, processing, mounting and interpreting dental radiographs.
1.0 Credit Units
21.0 Lecture hours
Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory
Prerequisites:
DENT 166 Minimum Grade of 60
