DENTAL ASSISTING

School of Allied Health and Public Safety

DENTAL ASSISTING (DNTA)

DNTA-51 ORIENTATION TO DENTISTRY

8 units: 5 hours lecture, 9 hours lab.
CSU Transferable Only
Limitation on Enrollment: Enrollment in the Dental Assisting program.

This course provides students with a comprehensive foundation in dental assisting. Topics include the history of dentistry, roles and responsibilities of the dental healthcare team, professional ethics, and legal principles under the California Dental Practice Act. Instruction covers general anatomy and physiology, oral embryology and histology, head and neck anatomy, tooth morphology, and dental terminology. Students will develop skills in patient assessment, recordkeeping, pharmacology basics, monitoring vital signs, and managing medical and dental emergencies. Emphasis is placed on infection control, sterilization and disinfection procedures, disease transmission prevention, waste management, and compliance with federal and state regulations. Upon completion, students will demonstrate the professional knowledge and skills required to support safe, ethical, and effective patient care in the dental setting. (11/25)

DNTA-52 CORE CLINICAL SKILLS

8 units: 5 hours lecture, 9 hours lab.
CSU Transferable Only
Limitation on enrollment: Enrollment in the Dental Assisting program.
Prerequisite: DNTA-51

This course introduces students to the foundational principles and practices of clinical dentistry with an emphasis on chairside assisting techniques, patient comfort, ergonomics, and safe delivery of dental care. Students will develop knowledge and skills in the use and maintenance of dental instruments and equipment, moisture control, anesthesia, pain management, and infection control protocols. Instruction and laboratory practice prepare students to assist efficiently and effectively during comprehensive general dentistry procedures, including restorative dentistry, fixed and removable prosthodontics, provisional coverage, and implant placement. Emphasis is placed on matrix systems, dental caries management, and patient-centered chairside assisting.  The course also explores selected dental specialties—endodontics, periodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, and pediatric dentistry—with special attention to the role of the dental assistant in supporting specialty procedures as defined by the California Dental Practice Act. Patient management for individuals with special needs and medically compromised conditions is addressed. In addition, students gain hands-on experience with dental materials, including restorative and aesthetic materials, liners, bases, bonding systems, dental cements, impression materials, and laboratory products. Competency is developed in the selection, preparation, manipulation, and evaluation of materials according to manufacturer specifications, infection control standards, and Dental Board of California regulations. (11/25)

DNTA-53 RADIOLOGY & PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY

8 units: 5 hours lecture, 9 hours lab.
CSU Transferable Only
Limitation on enrollment: Enrollment in the Dental Assisting program.
Prerequisite: DNTA-51, DNTA-52

This course provides the didactic knowledge and clinical skills required for multiple Dental Board of California certifications and preventive dentistry competencies. Instruction emphasizes safe and effective dental radiography, coronal polishing, and pit and fissure sealant application, along with the principles of preventive dentistry and oral public health. Students will learn radiation physics, biological effects of radiation, infection control protocols, radiation protection, digital and film-based radiographic techniques, image evaluation, and quality assurance. Hands-on training includes patient positioning, equipment operation, and exposure techniques for periapical, bitewing, occlusal, and panoramic radiographs. Instruction in coronal polishing focuses on oral anatomy, infection control, operator/patient safety, and the use of rotary equipment and polishing agents to remove plaque and extrinsic stains from the clinical crowns of teeth. Pit and fissure sealant training emphasizes tooth morphology, sealant materials and techniques, infection control, and accurate documentation for preventive care. The preventive dentistry component addresses caries and periodontal disease prevention, the role of nutrition in oral health, identification of common oral pathologies and referral protocols, and principles of oral public health, including community-based preventive strategies.  Upon successful completion of this course, students will meet California requirements for certification in Radiation Safety, Coronal Polishing, and Pit and Fissure Sealants, and will demonstrate competency in preventive dental procedures and patient education. (11/25)

DNTA-54 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE & EXTERNSHIP

8 units: 3 hours lecture, 15 hours lab.
CSU Transferable Only
Limitation on enrollment: Enrollment in the Dental Assisting program.
Prerequisite: DNTA-51, DNTA-52, DNTA-53

This course prepares students with the administrative, clinical, and professional skills needed to succeed in the dental office environment. Emphasis is placed on communication with patients and dental team members, office workflow management, financial procedures, business systems, and career development strategies. Students gain hands-on experience in scheduling, recordkeeping, insurance processing, patient education, professional interactions, and employment preparation, including resume development and mock interviews.  An integral component of the program is the Clinical Externship, which provides 180 supervised hours in a general dental practice or specialty setting. Under the joint supervision of faculty and clinical staff, students apply classroom and laboratory knowledge to real-world practice. They are evaluated on competencies including patient assessment and management, radiology, chairside and specialty assisting procedures, RDA functions, and office administration. Documentation of clinical activities, timesheets, attendance logs, and reflective journals are required to demonstrate proficiency and professional growth. (11/25)