vcc.ca
DENT 1135: Preventive Approaches for Dental Health 1
Effective date
September 2025
Department
Dental Assisting
School
Health Sciences
Description
In this course, students acquire knowledge of the basic theory and concepts related to safe and effective oral health practices as a Certified Dental Assistant. The role of documenting health histories, assessing dental office emergencies, and obtaining client vital signs will be explored.
Vancouver Community College gratefully acknowledges the invaluable contribution of Camosun College for sharing their curriculum for the new Certified Dental Assisting program.
Credits
1.5
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe the conditions, techniques, and oral hygiene aids used to maintain optimum oral hygiene.
- Describe formation and removal of tooth deposits.
- Describe effective methods for obtaining and documenting health history information within the dental practice.
- Apply critical thinking to problems and decision-making during dental office emergency situations.
- Describe the armamentarium and procedures for obtaining vital signs.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 24
Total Hours: 24
Total Hours: 24
Instructional Strategies
Lecture, case study, group work, simulation and guest speakers.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C+
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Assignments |
30-45 |
Assignment |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
10-25 |
Quizzes/Tests |
|
Exam |
15-30 |
Exam |
|
Final Exam |
20-35 |
Final Exam |
Course topics
- Oral Hygiene
- Vital Signs
- Health Histories
- Medical Emergencies
- Oral Health Education Programs
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.