Program Courses

• Orientation to Dental Assisting Program [AB-ODAP]

  • This course provides an overview and introduction to the Dental Assisting Program. Emphasis will be placed on the required safety precautions required for the dental assistant. It also addresses the concept of standard precautions, dental health care worker safety, and relevant clinical procedures including barrier techniques, surface cleaners and disinfectants, and proper heat sterilization. Radiation hygiene and safety procedures will be emphasized.

• Orientation to Dentistry [AB-ODYE]

  • This section will discuss the professionalism and legalities of all members of the dental team. It will enable students to understand the expectations of the profession and the workplace. Students will consider their role on the dental team, identify other members of the team, develop an appreciation for being affiliated with a profession, and learn how to use a problem-solving approach to deal with conflicts that may arise within the dental team.

• Oral Facial Sciences [AB-OFSE]

  • Students are provided with an understanding of normal anatomy and physiology beginning with an introduction to the human body and its functions. Students will learn detailed anatomy of the head, neck, and will examine the normal development of the oral cavity and facial complex, teeth, and the attachment unit.

• Dental Materials [AB-DMSE]

  • This area of study provides students with the fundamental knowledge of the bio-materials commonly used in the dental environment. Lectures will cover the physical and manipulative characteristics of the various dental products. The laboratory segment prepares students to correctly manipulate these diverse materials.

• Environmental Health & Safety WHMIS [AB-EHSE]

  • This course also introduces students to the proper handling of hazardous chemicals, employee safety, and waste management. In addition, students will learn how to avoid musculoskeletal disorders commonly associated with dental assisting.

• Clinical Dentistry [AB-CDYE]

  • Students will be introduced to a wide variety of instruments and procedures used in dentistry. This component will assist students in developing the skills and recognizing the importance of smooth interaction with the dentist providing quality care while working chairside for various procedures. Students will learn the theory and practical elements of restorative dentistry. Emphasis is placed on the dental assistant’s role in operative procedures. It includes chairside assisting, as well as the implementation of the dental materials used in dentistry.

• Prevention of Disease Transmission [AB-PDTE]

  • Students will study the common microorganisms and pathogens with emphasis placed on those found in the oral cavity. This course will provide students with the prerequisite knowledge required to practice effective infection control procedures in the dental environment and to prevent cross-contamination

• Oral Pathology [AB-OPAE]

  • This segment focuses on the developmental disturbances, their clinical manifestations associated with the development of the oral cavity and the pathology that can affect these structures throughout the life cycle. Students will acquire the knowledge to recognize normal and abnormal tissue anatomy as it relates to the role of the dental assistant.

• Diagnostic Records [AB-DRSE]

  • This course will provide students with a level of knowledge and skill to acquire patient information, obtain vital signs, and assist the dentist in the diagnostic stages of the dental care provided.

• Pharmacology [AB-PHDE]

  • This course introduces students to the basic principles of oral medicine. Students are provided with the terminology, medicinal use, physiological actions, adverse responses, and classifications of drugs encountered in the dental office or commonly prescribed for clients.

• Medical Emergencies/CPR/First Aid [AB-MECE]

  • This component provides students with the knowledge and skills that are required to recognize and prevent medical and dental emergencies within the dental office. It will prepare students to assist the dentist in administering immediate care for the client in the dental office environment. Students also participate in CPR/First Aid training.

• Midterm Examination [AB-MDTE]

  • In the Phase I component of this program, there is a Midterm Exam. Students are assessed on the theoretical knowledge covered up to the midpoint of the Phase I of the program. A mark of 75% is required on all examinations in order to advance to Phase II studies.

• Dental Radiography [AB-DRYE]

  • This course prepares students to take and process intra-oral and extra-oral dental radiographs according to provincial/federal standards. Students are introduced to basic physics and principles of radiography, safety precautions, and the operation of the dental x-ray unit. They will expose dental radiographs using bisecting angle and paralleling techniques. Instruction will be provided on recognizing dental errors and solving problem situations, along with client education and management.

• Practice Management [AB-PMTE]

  • This segment will cover the key competencies related to office practices and administrative responsibilities of the dental assistant. This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills related to basic dental reception procedures. Topics will include the organization and management of patient records, appointment control, dental claims, financial procedures, and the utilization of dental management computer software.

• Dental Specialties [AB-DSSE]

  • This segment is designed to give students an overview of the various dental specialties. Students will learn the theory and practical skills relating to the various disciplines. The roles of the dental assistant will be examined in relation to these specialties.

• Final Theory Examination [AB-FTEE]

  • In the Phase I component of this program, there is a Final Theory Examination, as well as a Final Practical Clinical/Laboratory Examination. A mark of 75% is required on all examinations in order to advance to Phase II studies.

• Final Practical Clinical/ Laboratory Examination [AB-FTPE]

  • In the Phase I component of this program, there is a Final Practical Clinical/Laboratory Examination. A mark of 75% is required on all examinations in order to advance to Phase II studies.

• Career & Employment Strategies [CES4]

  • This course looks at the planning, preparation, execution, and follow-up stages of an interview: how people find jobs; employer expectations; presenting an enthusiastic attitude; focusing on the right job; transferable skills; the job interview; effective resume preparation; cover and thank you letters; effective telemarketing; tapping the hidden job market; handling objections; job search management; self-confidence and self-esteem building; mock interviews (video-taped); and individual counselling and coaching.

• Intra-Oral Dental Assisting [IODE]

  • This course will provide students with the theory required by a dental assistant to perform direct patient care. An ethical decision-making framework will enable students to utilize problem-solving skills to plan for and manage direct patient care and to respond to patient-specific needs as they relate to the clinical practice of a dental assistant. In-house clinical and outside practicum experience will provide an environment for students to apply and adapt the knowledge and skills obtained.

• Mandatory Outside Practical [AB-IODA]

  • This program includes a practicum component consisting of 140 hours working in private practice with a dentist. This practicum work experience is a mandatory diploma requirement, and the dentist does not pay for the services of the student during the practicum.