Dental Assistant
Program Description
In the Dental Assistant program students will gain the skills and knowledge to perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist and administrative duties as directed by office management. Clinical duties may include preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures, while administrative duties may include scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records. The program will consist of weekly classroom hours and clinical hours as well as experiential learning externship in a clinical setting at the end of the program. Those who successfully complete the training will earn a Red Cross BLS certification and Certificate of Completion from OCC. Following completion of this program, individuals will have the classroom knowledge required to sit for the Michigan Dental Association Radiography Exam.
- Classroom location: Southfield Campus
- Clinical location: Dental Clinic in Southfield
- Externship location: Various
- Schedule: Part-time - 4 hours per day/2 days per week
- Duration: 14 weeks
- Format: In-person
Module Descriptions
Fundamentals of Dental Assisting
This module students will receive an orientation to the role of the dental assistant
as an integral member of the dental healthcare team. Topics include dental specialties,
the history of dental assisting, management of dental emergencies, dental instruments,
and chairside skills.
Dental Oral Anatomy and Terminology
Students will an overview of facial and oral cavity landmarks, dentitions, tooth morphology,
and oral pathology along with an introduction to basic dental instruments. Topics
include restorative procedures such as amalgam and composite restorations, an understanding
of periodontal disease and periodontal charting, and principles of preventive dentistry.
Dental Radiography
This module will provide an overview of dental imaging safety and precaution, including
intraoral and extraoral radiographs as well as x-ray theory and techniques. Topics
include proper digital sensor/film placement, mounting a full mouth/bitewing x-ray
series, intraoral and extraoral radiography, and more.
Restorative Dentistry
Students will gain an overview of dental restorative procedures, including caries
restorations, amalgam and composite restorations, post and core placements, core build-ups,
single and provisional crowns, and fixed bridge restorations.
Preventative Dentistry, Infection Control, Dental Emergencies and BLS
In this module students will gain an understanding of preventive dentistry, patient
vital sign assessment, management of dental emergencies, and Basic Life Support (BLS)
training.
Dental Materials I
Students will learn the materials utilized in dental settings, including those used
for constructing diagnostic and study models, bite
registrations, and various tray designs.
Dental Materials II
This module is an introduction to the various materials utilized in the cementation
of both provisional and permanent restorations within a dental setting. The different
types of dental cement, such as resin-based, zinc phosphate, glass ionomer, and calcium
hydroxide, as well as their specific applications, properties, and advantages will
be covered.
Dental Specialties
Students will gain a basic understanding of periodontal disease, including prevention,
diagnosis, treatment, and periodontal charting. Additional topics include tooth viability
and the indication for root canal therapy or extraction as well as an exploration
of the key differences in pediatric dentistry practices.
Dental Administration
This module provides an overview of patient records and consent forms, emphasizing
the importance of accuracy and legal compliance. Topics addressed include communication
techniques for effective patient interaction and explanations of the HIPAA Privacy
Rule. Students will also learn professional phone etiquette, the process of appointment
scheduling, and how dental software systems are used for efficient management of patient
information and appointments.
the key differences in pediatric dentistry practices.
Externship
The externship experience is a MANDATORY program component that provides students
the opportunity to interact with staff members and patients in a dental setting with
guidance and oversight from a clinical partner. Students will use the knowledge and
skills learned in the classroom and lab to assist dentist and care for patients as
appropriate. Students will be assigned an externship at a Metro Detroit dental office
and are required to complete 40 hours in a 2-week period as designated.
Additional Program Content
Career Readiness
With the instructor, students will review the role and responsibilities of the professional
dental assistant, concluding with a mock interview. With the assistance of a career
coach, students will address personal branding, including resume and interview skills.
Resources and tools to be successful in the labor market will also be addressed.