Dental Assisting (DA)
DA 11.5 UNITS
Dental Radiation Safety Licensing
Class Hours: 1.3 Lecture / 1.7 Laboratory
Total Contact Hours: 23.94 Lecture / 30 Laboratory
Prerequisite: Verification of a minimum of 480 hours of work experience as a dental assistant.
This course prepares the working dental assistant with theories and techniques of intra-oral and extra-oral radiography including application to a variety of patients. Upon satisfactory completion of this course, the student will receive a California Radiation License. This course is offered on a credit/no credit basis only.
DA 514.0 UNITS
Applied Dental Science I
Class Hours: 3.0 Lecture / 3.0 Laboratory
Total Contact Hours: 54 Lecture / 54 Laboratory
Prerequisite: Admission to the Dental Assisting Program.
This course is an introduction to the application of basic dental sciences and infection control. It includes dental terminology, microbiology, anatomy of the head and neck, oral physiology, tooth morphology, preliminary oral examination, taking impressions for study models, pouring models, and bleaching techniques. It also includes procedures in managing asepsis, infection and hazard control consisting of maintenance, disinfection and sterilization of equipment, supplies, and disposal of hazardous waste pertaining to patient care.
DA 522.0 UNITS
Dental Radiography I
Class Hours: 1.0 Lecture / 3.0 Laboratory
Total Contact Hours: 18 Lecture / 54 Laboratory
Prerequisite: Admission to the Dental Assisting Program.
This course is a study of the dental x-ray, the characteristics and methods of controlling x-radiation, types of film used, methods of processing, identifying, and mounting radiographs, radiation safety procedures, interpretation of radiographs, and an analysis of technique errors. It includes modern intra-oral dental and extra-oral radiographic techniques, arrangement and care of the darkroom equipment, composition and preparation of solutions, procedures for processing films, and mounting films. The student will practice on the manikin exposing films using radiation protection and safety guidelines.
DA 533.0 UNITS
Introduction to Chairside Assisting
Class Hours: 2.0 Lecture / 3.0 Laboratory
Total Contact Hours: 36 Lecture / 54 Laboratory
Corequisite: DA 54
This course involves instruction in the role and responsibilities of the chairside assistant. It includes basic qualifications, medical emergencies in the dental office, preparing patient for treatment, taking of a health history, charting, terminology, positioning of patient-operator-auxiliary for four-handed dental procedures, assisting with administration of local anesthetic agents, placement of a rubber dam, instrument exchange, oral evacuation, retraction, and illumination.
DA 544.0 UNITS
Introduction to Operatory Procedures
Class Hours: 2.0 Lecture / 6.0 Laboratory
Total Contact Hours: 36 Lecture / 108 Laboratory
Corequisite: DA 53
This course includes manikin instruction in the techniques, materials, and instrumentation for assisting in operative dental procedures such as amalgam and composite restorations, gold inlays and crowns, and fixed bridges. An introduction to intra-oral tasks delegated to registered dental assistants which are related to operative dentistry, such as matrix placement, placement of bases and liners, placement of plastic temporary restorations, and removal of excess cement is also provided.
DA 613.0 UNITS
Applied Dental Science II
Class Hours: 2.0 Lecture / 3.0 Laboratory
Total Contact Hours: 36 Lecture / 54 Laboratory
Prerequisite: DA 51 or equivalent with a grade of Credit or "C" or higher.
Corequisite: DA 54
This course includes a study of oral pathology, nitrous oxide, and pharmacology. Students will develop and implement a community dental health project. In addition, emphasis will be placed on preventive dentistry, which includes the use of fluorides, effective oral hygiene, nutritional guidelines, and development of a plaque control program. Instruction, clinical experience, and evaluation of both coronal polishing and application of pit and fissure sealants on teeth will be included. Assisting chairside with endodontic procedures is also included.
DA 623.0 UNITS
Dental Radiography II
Class Hours: 2.0 Lecture / 3.0 Laboratory
Total Contact Hours: 36 Lecture / 54 Laboratory
Prerequisite: DA 52 or equivalent with a grade of "C" or higher or "Pass"
The student will be instructed in advance techniques of dental radiography, anatomical landmarks and dental anatomy pertaining to dental radiography with emphasis placed on evaluation of radiographs. The student will practice taking full mouth radiographs for diagnosis by a dentist.
DA 634.0 UNITS
Advanced Chairside Assisting
Class Hours: 2.0 Lecture / 6.0 Laboratory
Total Contact Hours: 36 Lecture / 108 Laboratory
Corequisite: DA 65
This course includes instruction in the specialties of dentistry and armamentarium required in each specialty. Laboratory content includes development of preclinical skills in the extended functions which are required for the Registered Dental Assistant.
DA 642.0 UNITS
Dental Office Management
Class Hours: 1.0 Lecture / 3.0 Laboratory
Total Contact Hours: 18 Lecture / 54 Laboratory
Prerequisite: DA 51 or equivalent with a grade of Credit or "C" or higher.
This course includes instruction in the non-clinical functions which are integral to the dental office. Subject areas include office communications, scheduling appointments, making financial arrangements, recall, completing insurance forms, record keeping, inventory, bookkeeping, marketing strategies, the use of computers, and other related skills required of a secretarial dental assistant.
DA 653.0 UNITS
Clinical I Dental Schools
Class Hours: 1.0 Lecture / 7.0 Laboratory
Total Contact Hours: 18 Lecture / 126 Laboratory
This course includes the practice of dealing with patients and working with dental students in four-handed dental procedures. The clinical instruction in this course is conducted at dental schools. Emphasis is placed on general operative dentistry, endodontics, and treating emergency patients. Weekly seminars are devoted to the evaluation of the clinical experience which includes techniques, patients' special needs, and communicating with patients and staff.
DA 755.0 UNITS
Clinical II Cooperative Office Training
Class Hours: 1.0 Lecture / 12.0 Laboratory
Total Contact Hours: 18 Lecture / 216 Laboratory
Prerequisite: DA 65 or equivalent with a grade of Credit or "C" or higher.
This course includes the practice of working as a member of the dental team in community dental offices under the direct supervision of dentists. Emphasis is placed on general practice procedures, specialty areas, and the clinical application of intraoral tasks assigned to the registered dental assistant. Proficiency of all skills in the use of equipment is emphasized. The students will develop a professional attitude in all phases of dental assisting, including legal and ethical aspects of dental practice. Weekly seminars are held to evaluate and review clinical applications. Preparation for the certification and Registered Dental Assistant examinations will be included.
DA 852.0 UNITS
Orthodontic Assisting Permit Course
Class Hours: 1.5 Lecture / 2.0 Laboratory
Total Contact Hours: 27 Lecture / 36 Laboratory
Prerequisite: Completion of DA 75 with a grade of "C" or higher or "Pass." Graduation from the Cerritos College Dental Assisting Program and current Infection Control (IC) certificate.
This course is designed to provide advanced education in orthodontic training for the Registered Dental Assistant or Dental Assistant currently working in an Orthodontic practice setting. Instruction includes ultrasonic scaling for cement removal and it meets the didactic and laboratory requirements by the Dental Board of California Orthodontic Assisting Permit course approval. Students must provide verification of Hepatitis B immunization or HBV refusal form, proof of negative TB test, and current CPR certification.
DA 860.5 UNITS
Clinical Experience in a Orthodontic Specialty Practice
Class Hours: 1.8 Laboratory
Total Contact Hours: 32.04 Laboratory
Prerequisite: DA 85 with a grade of "C" or higher or "Pass" and an Infection Control Certificate and CPR Healthcare Provider Card.
Prerequisite: Infection Control Certificate, CPR Healthcare Provider Card.
Provides students with the required clinical hours associated with working in an orthodontic specialty practice or a general dental office with an attending orthodontist, under the instructor's supervision. Students will be required to attend an orientation and complete assigned hours in an approved clinical site.