DAST 1403: Basic Dental Assisting
Effective date
September 2024
Department
Distance Dental Assisting
Description
This introduces the learner to the supporting role of the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). Concepts and principles related to the preparation and the assisting phase of patient care are discussed. Dental equipment, instruments and armamentaria for a variety of dental procedures are introduced.
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe the basic components, operation, and maintenance of dental operatory equipment.
- Describe dental health hazards and potential injuries in the dental office environment.
- Discuss protocols and roles of dental team members to increase safety for patients and staff.
- Apply professional communication skills with cultural sensitivity and awareness to effectively obtain patient health histories.
- Explain principles of four and six handed dentistry, dental team positioning, instrumentation and instrument transfer.
- Describe the clinical dental assistant's role in maintaining the operating field.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
PLAR is assessed through a challenge exam.
Hours
Practicum, Self-Paced, Individual Learning: 60
Total Hours: 60
Instructional Strategies
This online course is offered with instructor support via web-based communication, email and a learning management system (LMS). Instructional strategies include but are not limited to case studies, research and online activities.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C+=64%; completed clinical assignments graded S
Evaluation Plan
Type
|
Percentage
|
Assessment activity
|
Assignments
|
45
|
Assignments
|
Quizzes/Tests
|
15
|
|
Final Exam
|
40
|
|
Course topics
- Dental Operatory Equipment and maintenance
- Dental Operatory supplies.
- Professional Communication
- Patient Health Histories
- Ergonomics
- Basic Instrumentation
- Clinical Dental Assisting
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.