Dental Assistant CIP Code51.0601 – Competency RecordsPossible CareersCertified Dental Assistant (CDA)Expanded-Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA)Dental Lab TechnicianDental HygienistSterilization AssistantBusiness AssistantDental Supply RepresentativeDental Insurance Claims SpecialistPotential CertificationsCPR/AEDPrepare to obtain State Radiology CertificationPrepare to obtain Infection Control CertificationPrepare to obtain Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certification*OSHA-10Employability: Interviewing SkillsArticulated CreditsLocal Articulation Agreements Mrs. KesslerProgram OverviewStudents who enroll in the Dental Occupations Program learn a variety of skills that will enable them to become a dental assistant, dental laboratory technician, and/or pursue a career as an Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA), Registered Dental Hygienist or dentist. There is a focus on patient-centered care in support of improving oral health as a key to personal health and well-being. The major areas of study in this program include: dental radiology, oral pathology, chair-side dental assisting, anatomy and physiology, dental materials, sterilization, and dental office business procedures.Students will be introduced to Dental Anatomy, Dental Charting Systems, Infection Control Procedures, Dental Instruments and Procedures for General Dentistry, Chairside Assisting Techniques, and Radiology Basics. As students continue in this program, they receive more lectures on advanced dental anatomy, dental software programs, dental specialties, prep for certified dental assisting, and radiology Board Exams.* This program is not accredited by CODA. Graduates will need to work 3500 hours in a dental office before they are eligible to sit for the exam. Skill Alignment Chart (Click to Expand)Educational & Physical AttributesExpectationsProgram Safety & Physical ConsiderationsEmpathy to understand the pains and suffering of othersGood personal hygiene–hair pulled back, no artificial nails, facial piercing removed, no dangling earringsLift heavy objects/peopleNot disturbed by incidences such as body fluids, surgeries, injections & traumatic situationsProlonged standing, bending & stoopingEssential APTITUDES for this la–Recommended LevelsBasic computer & keyboarding skillDemonstrate initiative, responsibility & critical thinking skillsAttention to detail is extremely importantInterpersonal skillsManual dexterityReadingExplain the main ideas or draw accurate conclusions after reading textFollow a complex multi–step procedure independentlyAnalyze and evaluate the effectiveness of an author’s argumentEvaluate how key words and phrases shape meaning in textsComprehend written text and apply it to understand tables, charts, and other visualsLearn and apply content–specific symbols, abbreviations, and acronyms correctlyApply content–specific vocabulary correctlyIdentify and explain how different ideas connect throughout textRead and understand diagnostic and medical data to solve a problemCompare & contrast information in a textSummarize information from different written resourcesBy the end of grades 9–10 & 11–12 read & comprehend technical texts independently & proficientlyEvaluate the hypotheses, date, analysis & conclusions in a technical textTextbook: Modern Dental Assisting, Twelfth Edition, Average grade reading level: 15.4Textbook: Dental Radiography, Average grade reading level: 18.26WritingWrite with a sharp, distinct focus identifying topic, task, and audienceDevelop and analyze a topic with relevant, well–chosen, and sufficient facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience’s knowledge of the topicUse precise language, domain–specific vocabulary, and techniques such as metaphor, simile, and analogy to manage the complexity of a topicEstablish and maintain a formal style and objective toneProduce clear & coherent writingDistinguish the viewpoint(s) from alternate or opposing viewpoints; develop claim(s) fairly, supplying evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of bothDevelop and strengthen writing by brainstorming, revising, editing & rewritingWrite with awareness to audience using program–specific vocabularyClearly convey with precision step–by–step work completedWrite fast–paced, accurate medical/dental reportsUse technology to produce, publish or share writingMath LevelsNumbers and Operations:Grade 6 – Fluency in operations with whole numbers and decimalsGrade 6 – Representing negative valuesGrade 7 – Percent and ratio problemsAlgebra 1 – Problem solving with real world units, including conversionsMeasurement:NG – Units: Metric Precision: Nearest mmData and Probability:Algebra 1 – Interpret data on various displays – use to make predictionsTheory Time1.5 hours/dayHomeworkLab Time4 hours/weekTestsOne theory test per weekOne clinical test per weekIndustry CertificationsOSHA 10CPR/AEDPA Radiology CertificationBlood Borne Pathogens CertificationInfection Control CertificationPrepare to obtain Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)/Dental Assisting National Board CertificationNOCTI (mandatory for all CTE programs)POS Academics and Electives RecommendedCollege Prep English & Math are a component of the DCTS programStudy & Other SkillsExcellent note taking & listening skillsTechnology Skills/KnowledgeNavigate and use school–issued laptopWeb navigationEmail managementPerform basic computer applications including spreadsheets, presentations, and publishingNavigate and use electronic medical databasesNavigate learning management system and instructional technology toolsVideo conferencingCertifications OfferedOSHA 10CPR/AEDPA Radiology CertificationBlood Borne Pathogens CertificationInfection Control CertificationPrepare to obtain Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)/Dental Assisting National Board CertificationPost–Secondary Options and Continuing EdEmployment at a Dental OfficePost–secondary Dental Assistant CertificateAssoc. Health Science Dental HygieneB.S. and graduate to become a licensed dentist
