Course Listings

This course will guide the student upon acceptance and throughout their enrollment in the DART program. Students will work closely with the course instructor to complete learning objectives, plan for the program experiential preceptorship, and prepare for the capstone course. This course also addresses the NYS requirements for Dental Assisting licensure related to oral and written communication and basic behavioral concepts.

Course Learning Outcomes
1.Explain DART student responsibilities, preceptor responsibilities, national testing requirements, NYS licensure processes, and graduation processes.
2.Examine oral and written communication associated with dental professional practice.
3.Examine basic behavioral concepts associated with dental professional practice.
4.Describe the importance of understanding culture and diversity in dentistry.
5.Examine professional practice/membership in dentistry.

This course provides the DART students with the foundational didactic content and clinical/laboratory skills practice to prepare the student for chairside dental assisting practice, to communicate effectively with the dental team and patient, and to perform supportive functions for dental treatment procedures. The student will be required to complete specific skills and procedures determined by the Program and New York State Office of the Professions for dental assisting licensure. An onsite preceptor is required to provide skill practice guidance, evaluation and verification of competency for each required skill and/or legal expanded function.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the organizational, educational, and scope of practice structure of each member of the dental team.
2. Apply procedures for the operation of maintenance and infection control for the dental unit and equipment in the dental operatory.
3. Collect and accurately document a patient's medical and dental histories, vital signs, and orofacial examination findings.
4. Describe the concepts of ethical decision making, ethical professional conduct, and ethical standards and discuss their impact on professional practice.
5. Apply the foundational concepts to support and demonstrate the techniques for safe and efficient four-handed dentistry.
6. Identify and describe the functions of specific dental instruments.
7. Describe the proper processing and sterilization of specific dental instruments.
8. Apply the foundational concepts to support and demonstrate procedures for evacuation and moisture control during patient treatment.
9. Apply the foundational concepts to support and demonstrate procedures for isolation and retraction during restorative procedures.
10. Demonstrate accurate general and periodontal charting procedures using specific charting systems.
11. Apply the foundational concepts to support and demonstrate procedures for matricing during restorative dental procedures.
12. Demonstrate the legally delegated restorative functions of a licensed, certified dental assistant permitted by the New York State Dental Practice Act for the RDA.
13. Apply the foundational concepts to support and demonstrate procedures for the administration of anesthetic agents.
14. Describe the signs, symptoms, and management procedures for the most common medical and dental emergencies impacting dental treatment.

This course focuses on the scientifically accepted principles and practices of infection control. It will provide the student with the core elements on infection control and barrier precautions and to help prepare the student to take the Dental Assisting National Board Infection Control examination.

Course Learning Outcomes
1.Identify methods to prevent disease based on the chain of infection.
2.Differentiate between signs, symptoms, sources, and causes of various infectious diseases.
3.Summarize means and methods of protection for the health care worker.
4.Select equipment and chemicals used for surface and equipment asepsis.
5.Describe various sterilizing supplies and equipment.
6.Identify engineering and work practice controls that limit the spread of infectious disease.
7.Identify the legal and ethical responsibilities of infection control in the dental office.

This course for DART students includes a study of the physical and chemical properties, manipulation of and uses for the most commonly used dental materials. A lecture component will present background information about the dental materials and a laboratory component will present the practical application for each material (precepted and competency demonstration and lab practice). A minimum of 25 Clinical Hours required.

Course Learning Outcomes
1.Identify the properties and use of selected dental materials.
2.Describe manipulative techniques for selected dental materials.
3.Demonstrate manipulative techniques for selected dental materials.
4.Describe the responsibilities of dental professionals related to the application of dental materials.

The DART student will be introduced to the physics of radiation, radiation hygiene, equipment and materials, film and digital sensor exposure and processing, and oral radiography techniques for the dental assistant. A minimum of 75 Hours of Clinical Dental Radiography is required.

Course Learning Outcomes
1.Explain the basic characteristics of x-radiation.
2.Identify the parts of the dental x-ray machine.
3.Identify the factors affecting the quality of the x-ray beam and the radiographic image.
4.Identify the effects of ionizing radiation on living tissues.
5.Describe various radiographic surveys.
6.Demonstrate accurate intra-oral and extra-oral exposure techniques to achieve diagnostic quality radiographs.
7.Compare and contrast film and digital receptors.
8.Discuss proper film processing and handling.
9.Discuss proper record keeping for radiography patients.
10.Demonstrate proper film/digital image mounting, labeling, and viewing techniques.
11.Identify normal radiographic anatomic landmarks.
12.Identify common dental materials, artifacts, abnormalities, and disease processes of teeth and bone on radiographs.
13.Identify the legal and ethical issues related to dental radiography.
14.Identify and correct technique and exposure errors for intra-oral and extra-oral images.
15.Identify and practice radiation safety measures for the operator and patients.

This course will focus on the didactic background and skill required for treatment procedures specific to a variety of dental specialty practices. Lecture topics will include dental specialty treatment procedures, instrumentation and armamentarium for specialty treatment, patient education, pre and post- operative instruction, patient management techniques and the role and responsibility of the dental assistant in each specialty practice. Laboratory practice will focus on application of didactic knowledge to the practice of competency skills including expanded functions that support and deliver patient treatment in the dental specialties. A minimum of 150 Hours of Dental Specialty Clinical Experience required.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the scope of practice of each dental specialty practice.
2. Describe the specific treatment procedures related to each dental specialty practice.
3. Describe the dental materials and manipulation procedures utilized in each of the dental specialty practice settings.
4. Describe patient management and safety techniques utilized in each dental specialty practice.
5. Describe patient education practices and procedures utilized in each dental specialty practice.
6. Describe the role of the dental assistant in each dental specialty practice.
7. Demonstrate the legally delegated expanded functions specified in the NYS law and regulations for a Registered Dental Assistant in each dental specialty practice.
8. Describe the interrelationship between and integration of each dental specialty practice with and into general dentistry practice.
9. Describe infection control procedures within each dental specialty practice.

The DART dental assisting student will meet the New York State Department of Education Office of the Professions educational requirements in the content areas of biomedical sciences; body structure and function, basic nutrition, basic dental and oral anatomy, introductory content in oral histology, embryology, pathology, cariology, therapeutics, patient education, and preventive dentistry.
Preparation for the NYS DANB Professional Dental Assisting Examination.

Course Learning Outcomes
1.Explain the differences between anatomy and physiology.
2.Identify body anatomy
3.Identify body physiology.
4.Define basic oral embryology and histology.
5.Identify head and neck anatomy.
6.Identify landmarks of the face and neck.
7.Describe patient nutrition related to oral health.
8.Describe dental caries as an infectious disease.
9.Describe the infectious or inflammatory processes of periodontal disease as they relate to select body systems.
10.Describe the goals of preventive dentistry.
11.Describe the signs or symptoms of a variety of oral pathologies.
12.Differentiate between a drug's chemical, generic, and brand or trade names.
13.Describe how to research patient medications using evidence-based databases.
14.Describe the importance of individualized patient communication.

This course will include modules that will guide the student through the overall completion of the DART program. Topics will include completion information, clinical hours logs, examination processes, licensure procedures, and additional topics for successful completion of the program and achievement of NYS Licensure and advancement of their professional goals.
Lecture Hours 2, 1000 hours of documented precepted clinical dental assisting experience obtained throughout the program.

Prerequisite(s): DAS 100

Course Learning Outcomes
1.The student will document 1000 hours of dental assisting functions in both general dentistry and specialty practice settings that will demonstrate exposure to and mastery of functions according to NYS law and regulations.
2.The student will complete review of the NYS Professional Examination and the DANB Examinations in preparation for NYS Licensure.
3.The student will complete the application for the NYS license to practice dental assisting expanded functions in NYS.
4.The student will complete assessment assignments that will verify completion of graduation processes, course/program requirements, professional membership opportunities and other relevant topics for achievement of professional goals.

This course provides foundational didactic content and preclinical/laboratory practice of essential dental assisting skills and chair-side dental assisting functions. Topics include examination and assessment procedures, equipment and materials, instrumentation techniques, treatment procedures and the legal supportive functions/skills performed by a licensed dental assistant during restorative procedures. Preclinical practice will prepare students for clinical externship experiences.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the organizational, educational and scope of practice structure of each member of the dental team.
2. Apply procedures for the operation of, maintenance and infection control for the dental unit and equipment in the dental operatory.
3. Collect a patient's medical and dental histories, vital signs, and orofacial examination findings.
4. Demonstrate the techniques for safe and efficient four-handed dentistry.
5. Identify the functions of specific dental instruments.
6. Describe the proper processing and sterilization of specific dental instruments.
7. Apply the foundational concepts for evacuation and moisture control during patient treatment.
8. Demonstrate procedures for isolation and retraction during restorative procedures.
9. Demonstrate the manipulation and placement of various dental cements.
10. Demonstrate accurate general and periodontal charting procedures using specific charting systems.
11. Demonstrate restorative dental procedures.
12. Demonstrate procedures for the administration of anesthetic agents.

An introduction to radiation, radiation hygiene, equipment and materials, film and digital sensor exposure and processing, and oral radiography techniques for the dental assistant.

Co-requisite(s): DAS 110

Course Learning Outcomes
1.Explain the basic characteristics of x-radiation.
2.Identify the parts of the dental x-ray machine.
3.Identify the factors affecting the quality of the x-ray beam and the radiographic image.
4.Identify the effects of ionizing radiation on living tissues and radiation safety measures for the operator and patients.
5.Describe various radiographic surveys.
6.Demonstrate accurate intra-oral and extra-oral exposure techniques to achieve diagnostic quality radiographs.
7.Compare and contrast film and digital receptors
8.Discuss proper film processing and handling.
9.Discuss proper record keeping for radiography patients.
10.Demonstrate proper film/ digital image mounting, labeling, and viewing techniques.
11.Identify normal radiographic anatomic landmarks.
12.Identify common dental materials, artifacts, abnormalities, and disease processes of teeth and bone on radiographs.
13.Identify the legal and ethical issues related to dental radiography.
14.Identify and correct technique and exposure errors for intra-oral and extra-oral images.

This course includes a study of the physical and chemical properties, manipulation of and uses for the most commonly used dental materials. A lecture component will present background information about the dental materials used in dentistry and a laboratory component will allow for demonstration and practical application for each material. The course focus is on the use and application of dental materials and procedures for the dental assistant.

Course Learning Outcomes
1.Identify the use of selected dental materials.
2.Describe the properties of selected dental materials.
3.Describe manipulative techniques for selected dental materials.
4.Demonstrate manipulative techniques for selected dental materials.
5.Describe the responsibilities of dental assistants related to the application of dental materials

Focuses on the scientifically accepted principles and practices of infection control. This course will provide the dental assisting student with the core elements on infection control and barrier precautions in preparation for licensure and clinical practice.

A C or better is required for transfer into DH01. Auditing is required if course was taken more than three years prior to admission into DH01.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the chain of infection
2. Differentiate between signs, symptoms, sources, and causes of various infectious diseases.
3. Summarize means and methods of protection for the health care worker.
4. Select equipment and chemicals used for surface and equipment asepsis.
5. Discuss waterline problems and management of waterline asepsis
6. Describe various sterilizing supplies and equipment.
7. Identify engineering and work practice controls that limit the spread of infectious disease.
8. Identify the legal and ethical responsibilities of infection control in the dental office.
9. Discuss identification and appropriate actions for dental patients with possible sepsis.

The student will meet the New York State Department of Education Office of the Professions educational requirements in the content areas of biomedical sciences; body structure and function, basic nutrition, basic dental and oral anatomy, introductory content in oral histology, embryology, pathology, cariology, therapeutics, patient education, and preventive dentistry.

Course Learning Outcomes
1.Explain the differences between anatomy and physiology.
2.Identify body anatomy.
3.Identify body physiology.
4.Define basic oral embryology and histology.
5.Identify head and neck anatomy.
6.Identify landmarks of the face and neck.
7.Describe patient nutrition related to oral health.
8.Describe dental caries as an infectious disease.
9.Describe the infectious or inflammatory processes of periodontal disease as they relate to select body systems.
10.Describe the goals of preventive dentistry.
11.Describe the signs or symptoms of a variety of oral pathologies.
12.Differentiate between a drug's chemical, generic, and brand or trade names.
13.Describe how to research patient medications using evidence-based databases.
14.Describe the importance of individualized patient communication.

This course will provide orientation activities and didactic coursework to prepare the students for the mandatory clinical externship experience. Coursework will include orientations to clinical externship facilities, review of policies and protocols, clinical observation requirements, HIPAA regulations and compliance and professional clinical practice issues.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of DAS 110, DEN 111, DEN 112, DEN 113, and DEN 211.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Students will provide site-specific health clearances to attend required off-campus clinical experiences.
2. Complete on-boarding orientation activities for assigned clinical experiential sites (OSHA, HIPAA, Radiation Safety, Infection Control Protocols, Parking, Computer Training, etc. ).
3. Complete clinical dental assisting observation/precepted dental assisting experiences.
4. Prepare for spring semester clinical rotation sites dental assisting.

This course will offer a didactic component that will include higher level science-based theory and case study investigation to expand the student's educational foundation, clinical application, critical thinking skills and ability to research and interpret new technologies and procedures to enhance patient treatment and promote oral health care.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Explain the differences between anatomy and physiology.
2. Name and locate select body systems.
3. Describe signs or symptoms of common disorders related to select body systems
4. Define oral embryology.
5. Define oral histology.
6. Identify oral facial landmarks.
7. Describe patient nutrition related to oral health.
8. Identify dental caries as an infectious disease.
9. Describe the infectious or inflammatory processes of periodontal disease as they relate to select body systems.
10. Describe the goals of preventive dentistry.
11. Describe various styles of patient communication theory.
12. Describe the signs or symptoms of a variety of oral pathologies.
13. Differentiate between a drug's chemical, generic, and brand or trade names.
14. Describe how to research patient medications using evidence-based databases.

This course is the clinical phase of the program and will emphasize practical application of clinical dental assisting skills as students rotate through various dental practice facilities. Students will have opportunities to observe procedures, actively practice dental assisting functions and work with dental professionals in general dentistry and specialty practice settings. A conference component provides an opportunity to discuss clinical experiences, introduce advanced and alternative treatment modalities, discuss patient education and patient management issues, learn about medically compromised patients and emergency procedures and discuss ethical, legal and professionalism issues related to dental practice and patient treatment.

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of DAS 110, DEN 111, DEN 112, DEN 113, DEN 211.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Apply the knowledge and skills of dental assisting to clinical sites.
2. Describe ethical and legal issues related to professional practice.
3. Explain a process for making an ethical decision.
4. Describe common medical and dental emergencies.
5. Describe procedures for management of emergencies in a dental treatment setting.
6. Identify common medically compromised patient populations.
7. Describe effective procedures to manage medically compromised patients.
8. Describe the concept of cultural competence.
9. Explain various models used to describe individual's identification of culture and diversity.
10. Discuss the influences of culture and diversity on the patient's understanding of disease and health.
11. Explain strategies to implement culturally and linguistically competent dental health care.
12. Describe clinical issues at clinical sites.
13. Explain alternatives in treatment procedures at clinical sites.
14. Prepare a table clinic presentation.
15. Execute a table clinic presentation.

This course accompanies DAS 117 and includes the clinical experience requirements necessary for completion of the Dental Assistant Rapid Track (DART) program. Students must successfully pass all skill competencies and meet or exceed the specific clinical experiences and hour requirements. This course will provide an opportunity to apply dental assisting skills in a clinical setting. Students will actively participate in and practice dental treatment procedures in both general dentistry and specialty areas. Specific skill competency will include those functions/procedures allowed by the New York State Education Law.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Provide proof of completion of and competency in the skills required to perform dental assisting functions that are legal for a licensed dental assistant in New York State.
2. Explain the concepts of dental caries management in order to educate a patient.
3. Explain the concepts of gingival and periodontal disease management in order to educate a patient.
4. Describe effective patient management strategies for a specific patient population

This course will focus on didactic content in biomedical sciences to provide the foundational knowledge to assess and adapt to individual patient needs, provide relevant and current patient education, deliver safe and effective patient treatment and understand oral diseases and treatment options. Topics will include: embryology and histology, preventive dentistry, oral pathology, microbiology, nutrition and pharmacology.

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of DAS 110, DEN 111, DEN 112, DEN 113, DEN 211

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe how the process of embryologic development impacts patient assessment and treatment.
2. Describe how the histology of the tissues of the teeth impact oral health and disease.
3. Describe how the histology of the supporting tissues of the periodontium impact oral health and disease.
4. Describe how nutrition relates to oral health.
5. Construct a dietary evaluation for a specific patient.
6. Describe the decay process.
7. Explain how the decay process is influenced by histology.
8. Explain procedures for management of dental decay.
9. Explain the objectives of preventive dentistry.
10. Demonstrate proper oral self-care techniques.
11. Construct an appropriate home care plan for a specific patient.
12. Describe common oral pathological conditions.
13. Explain how oral pathological conditions impact patient assessment and treatment.
14. Identify the common categories of drugs encountered by dental professionals.
15. Explain how the different categories of drugs used by patients may impact their treatment.
16. Describe how prescriptions are managed in dental practice.
17. Explain how the decay process is influenced by nutrition.

This course will focus on treatment procedures specific to a variety of dental specialty practices. Lecture topics will include dental specialty treatment procedures, instrumentation and armamentarium for specialty treatment, patient education, pre- and post-operative instruction, patient management techniques and the role and responsibility of the dental assistant in each specialty practice. Laboratory practice will focus on practice of competency skills including expanded functions that support and deliver patient treatment in the dental specialties.

Prerequisite(s):DAS 110, DAS 111, DAS 112, DAS 113, DAS 117 Co-requisite(s): DAS 120

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the scope of practice of each dental specialty practice.
2. Describe the specific treatment procedures related to each dental specialty practice.
3. Describe the dental materials and manipulation procedures utilized in each of the dental specialty practice settings.
4. Describe patient management and safety techniques utilized in each dental specialty practice.
5. Describe patient education practices and procedures utilized in each dental specialty practice.
6. Describe the role of the dental assistant in each dental specialty practice.
7. Demonstrate the legally delegated expanded functions specified in the NYS law and regulations for a Registered Dental Assistant in each dental specialty practice.
8. Describe the interrelationship between and integration of each dental specialty practice with and into general dentistry practice.
9. Describe infection control procedures within each dental specialty practice.

This course will focus on treatment procedures specific to a variety of dental specialty practices. Topics will include treatment procedures, instrumentation and armamentarium for treatment, patient education, pre and post- operative instruction, patient management techniques and the role and responsibility of the dental assistant in each specialty practice. Laboratory practice will focus on practice of competency skills including expanded functions that support and deliver patient treatment.

Successful completion of all first semester DAS and DEN courses.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the scope of practice of dental specialty practices.
2. Describe the treatment procedures related to each of the dental specialty practices.
3. Describe the dental materials utilized in each of the dental specialty practice.
4. Describe patient management techniques utilized in each dental specialty practice.
5. Describe patient education procedures utilized in each dental specialty practice.
6. Describe the role of the dental assistant in each dental specialty practice.
7. Demonstrate the legally delegated functions of a New York State licensed, certified dental assistant in each dental specialty practice.
8. Describe the interrelationship between each dental specialty practice and the general dental practice.
9. Describe how specific specialty procedures are integrated into general dentistry practice.
10. Compare patient safety measures in each dental specialty practice.
11. Describe infection control procedures within each dental specialty practice.
12. Describe ethical and legal issues within each dental specialty practice.
13. Describe communication techniques within each dental specialty practice.

See the Department Chairperson.

Check if course is offered:
Fall Semester 2024
Spring Semester 2024
Summer Session 2024