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Printed on 11/21/2024

Dental Assistant

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31-508-1 Technical Diploma (TD) Full Time 33 Credits Learn About Financial Aid Available Location*: Appleton

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

As a dental assistant, you are an integral member of the dental health team. With this diploma, you’ll be ready to give chairside assistance and conduct lab procedures under the direction of the dentist. Learn how to disinfect and sterilize dental instruments, record dental histories and vital signs, and manage dental and medical emergencies. You will also become familiar with dental procedures, equipment and radiographs. Your training will prepare you to perform basic office and laboratory procedures. At the end of this program, you'll have the opportunity to achieve certification by taking and passing the Dental Assistant National Board. The Dental Assistant Program at FVTC is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Occupational Specific (30 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Dental Health Safety
    10-508-101
    1Credit
    36
    18

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 10508101
    • Credits: 1.00

    Prepares dental auxiliary students to respond proactively to dental emergencies, control infection, prevent disease, adhere to OSHA Standards, and safely manage hazardous materials. Students also take patient vital signs and collect patient medical/dental histories. This course is a WTCS aligned course required in both the Dental Hygienist and Dental Assisting programs.

    DENTAL HYGIENIST STUDENTS

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • DENTAL 10508102 - Oral Anatomy, Embry, Histology (Grade of C or better required)

    • Student is in progress in Dental Hygienist (10-508-1) Program of Study

    DENTAL ASSISTANT STUDENTS

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • Student is in progress in Dental Assistant (31-508-1) Program of Study

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • DENTAL 10508103 - Dental Radiography

    • DENTAL 10508113 - Dental Materials

    • DENTAL 31508302 - Dental Chairside

    • DENTAL 31508304 - Dental & General Anatomy

    • DENTAL 31508306 - Dental Assistant Clinical

    • DENTAL 31508307 - Dental Assistant Professional
  • Dental Radiography
    10-508-103
    2Credit
    72
    36

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10508103
    • Credits: 2.00

    Prepares dental auxiliary students to operate radiographic equipment and expose bitewing, periapical, extra oral, and occlusal images. Emphasis is placed on protection against x-ray hazards. Students also produce, mount, and evaluate dental images for diagnostic value. This course also provides the background in radiographic theory required for students to make informed decisions and adjustments.

    DENTAL HYGIENIST STUDENTS

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • DENTAL 10508101 - Dental Health Safety (Grade of C or better required)

    • DENTAL 10508102 - Oral Anatomy, Embry, Histology (Grade of C or better required)

    • Student is in progress in Dental Hygienist (10-508-1) Program of Study

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • DENTAL 10508105 - Dental Hygiene Process 1

    DENTAL ASSISTANT STUDENTS

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • Student is in progress in Dental Assistant (31-508-1) Program of Study

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • DENTAL 10508101 - Dental Health Safety

    • DENTAL 10508113 - Dental Materials

    • DENTAL 31508302 - Dental Chairside

    • DENTAL 31508304 - Dental & General Anatomy

    • DENTAL 31508306 - Dental Assistant Clinical

    • DENTAL 31508307 - Dental Assistant Professional
  • Dental Materials
    10-508-113
    2Credit
    54
    54

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10508113
    • Credits: 2.00

    Prepares dental auxiliary students to handle and prepare dental materials such as liners, bases, cements, amalgam, resin restorative materials, gypsum products, and impression materials. They also learn to take alginate impressions on manikins and clean removable appliances. This course is aligned to serve students in the Dental Hygienist and Dental Assistant programs.

    DENTAL HYGIENIST STUDENTS

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • DENTAL 10508101 - Dental Health Safety (Grade of C or better required)

    • DENTAL 10508102 - Oral Anatomy, Embry, Histology (Grade of C or better required)

    • Student is in progress in Dental Hygienist (10-508-1) Program of Study

    ​Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • DENTAL 10508105 - Dental Hygiene Process 1

    DENTAL ASSISTANT STUDENTS

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • Student is in progress in Dental Assistant (31-508-1) Program of Study

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • DENTAL 10508101 - Dental Health Safety

    • DENTAL 10508103 - Dental Radiography

    • DENTAL 31508302 - Dental Chairside

    • DENTAL 31508304 - Dental & General Anatomy

    • DENTAL 31508306 - Dental Assistant Clinical

    • DENTAL 31508307 - Dental Assistant Professional
  • Dental Office Management
    10-508-120
    2Credit
    36
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10508120
    • Credits: 2.00

    Prepares dental auxiliary students to manage telephones, appointments, recall systems, and inventory. Students also develop the skills needed to process accounts receivable and payable, collections, and third-party reimbursements. Students use dental software programs.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • DENTAL 10508101 - Dental Health Safety

    • DENTAL 10508103 - Dental Radiography

    • DENTAL 10508113 - Dental Materials

    • DENTAL 31508302 - Dental Chairside

    • DENTAL 31508304 - Dental & General Anatomy

    • DENTAL 31508306 - Dental Assistant Clinical

    • DENTAL 31508307 - Dental Assistant Professional​

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • DENTAL 31508308 - Dental Chairside - Advanced

    • DENTAL 31508309 - Dental Laboratory Procedures

    • DENTAL 31508310 - Dental Radiography - Advanced

    • DENTAL 31508311 - Dental Assistant Clinical-Adv
  • Dental Chairside
    31-508-302
    5Credit
    180
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 180
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 31508302
    • Credits: 5.00

    Prepares dental assistant students to chart oral cavity structures, dental pathology, and restorations and to assist a dentist with basic dental procedures including examinations, pain control, amalgam restoration, and cosmetic restoration. Students will also develop the ability to educate patients about preventive dentistry, brushing and flossing techniques, and dental procedures, using lay terminology. Throughout the course, students will apply decoding strategies to the correct use and interpretation of dental terminology.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • DENTAL 10508101 - Dental Health Safety

    • DENTAL 10508103 - Dental Radiography

    • DENTAL 10508113 - Dental Materials

    • DENTAL 31508304 - Dental & General Anatomy

    • DENTAL 31508306 - Dental Assistant Clinical

    • DENTAL 31508307 - Dental Assistant Professional
  • Dental & General Anatomy
    31-508-304
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 31508304
    • Credits: 2.00

    Prepares dental assistant students to apply fundamentals of general and dental anatomy to informed decision-making and to professional communication with colleagues and patients.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • Student is in progress in Dental Assistant (31-508-1) Program of Study

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • DENTAL 10508101 - Dental Health Safety

    • DENTAL 10508103 - Dental Radiography

    • DENTAL 10508113 - Dental Materials

    • DENTAL 31508302 - Dental Chairside

    • DENTAL 31508306 - Dental Assistant Clinical

    • DENTAL 31508307 - Dental Assistant Professional
  • Dental Assistant Clinical
    31-508-306
    3Credit
    108
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 108
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 31508306
    • Credits: 3.00

    Students apply skills developed in Dental and General Anatomy, Dental Health Safety, Dental Chairside, Dental Materials, Dental Radiography, and Professionalism in a clinical setting with patients. Emphasizes integration of core abilities and basic occupational skills.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • Student is in progress in Dental Assistant (31-508-1) Program of Study

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • DENTAL 10508101 - Dental Health Safety

    • DENTAL 10508103 - Dental Radiography

    • DENTAL 10508113 - Dental Materials

    • DENTAL 31508302 - Dental Chairside

    • DENTAL 31508304 - Dental & General Anatomy

    • DENTAL 31508307 - Dental Assistant Professional
  • Dental Assistant Professional
    31-508-307
    1Credit
    36
    18
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 31508307
    • Credits: 1.00

    Prepares dental assistant students for entering the workforce. Students develop professional appearance and prepare a resume, cover letter, and professional development plan. Students learn to work within ethical guidelines and legal frameworks.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • Student is in progress in Dental Assistant (31-508-1) Program of Study

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • DENTAL 10508101 - Dental Health Safety

    • DENTAL 10508103 - Dental Radiography

    • DENTAL 10508113 - Dental Materials

    • DENTAL 31508302 - Dental Chairside

    • DENTAL 31508304 - Dental & General Anatomy

    • DENTAL 31508306 - Dental Assistant Clinical
  • Dental Chairside - Advanced
    31-508-308
    5Credit
    180
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 180
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 31508308
    • Credits: 5.00

    Prepares Dental Assistant students to adapt chairside skills to assisting with dental specialties as they are performed in general practice. Focuses on pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, oral maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, periodontics and prosthodontics. Students will also develop the ability to assist with sealants, perform coronal polishing, and apply topical fluoride and topical anesthetics.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • DENTAL 10508101 - Dental Health Safety

    • DENTAL 10508103 - Dental Radiography

    • DENTAL 10508113 - Dental Materials

    • DENTAL 31508302 - Dental Chairside

    • DENTAL 31508304 - Dental & General Anatomy

    • DENTAL 31508306 - Dental Assistant Clinical

    • DENTAL 31508307 - Dental Assistant Professional​

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • DENTAL 10508120 - Dental Office Management

    • DENTAL 31508309 - Dental Laboratory Procedures

    • DENTAL 31508310 - Dental Radiography - Advanced

    • DENTAL 31508311 - Dental Assistant Clinical-Adv
  • Dental Laboratory Procedures
    31-508-309
    4Credit
    144
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 144
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 31508309
    • Credits: 4.00

    Prepares Dental Assistant students to produce alginate impressions and fabricate diagnostic models, oral appliances, temporary restorations, and custom trays. Students also polish oral appliances.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • DENTAL 10508101 - Dental Health Safety

    • DENTAL 10508103 - Dental Radiography

    • DENTAL 10508113 - Dental Materials

    • DENTAL 31508302 - Dental Chairside

    • DENTAL 31508304 - Dental & General Anatomy

    • DENTAL 31508306 - Dental Assistant Clinical

    • DENTAL 31508307 - Dental Assistant Professional

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • DENTAL 10508120 - Dental Office Management

    • DENTAL 31508308 - Dental Chairside - Advanced

    • DENTAL 31508310 - Dental Radiography - Advanced

    • DENTAL 31508311 - Dental Assistant Clinical-Adv
  • Dental Radiography - Advanced
    31-508-310
    1Credit
    36
    18
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 31508310
    • Credits: 1.00

    Builds on principles and skills developed in Dental Radiography. Dental Assisting students produce full mouth series, extra-oral and specialized images on adult and child patients. Emphasis is placed on protection against radiation exposure risks. Students will also produce, mount, and evaluate images of diagnostic quality. In addition, they will use images to explain dental health and treatment plans to patients.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • DENTAL 10508101 - Dental Health Safety

    • DENTAL 10508103 - Dental Radiography

    • DENTAL 10508113 - Dental Materials

    • DENTAL 31508302 - Dental Chairside

    • DENTAL 31508304 - Dental & General Anatomy

    • DENTAL 31508306 - Dental Assistant Clinical

    • DENTAL 31508307 - Dental Assistant Professional

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • DENTAL 10508120 - Dental Office Management

    • DENTAL 31508308 - Dental Chairside - Advanced

    • DENTAL 31508309 - Dental Laboratory Procedures

    • DENTAL 31508311 - Dental Assistant Clinical-Adv
  • Dental Assistant Clinical - Adv
    31-508-311
    2Credit
    252
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 252
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 31508311
    • Credits: 2.00

    Dental Assisting students apply skills developed in Dental Chairside - Advanced, Dental Lab Procedures, Dental Radiography - Advanced, and Dental Office Management in a clinical setting with patients. Emphasizes integration of core abilities and basic and advanced occupational skills.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • DENTAL 10508101 - Dental Health Safety

    • DENTAL 10508103 - Dental Radiography

    • DENTAL 10508113 - Dental Materials

    • DENTAL 31508302 - Dental Chairside

    • DENTAL 31508304 - Dental & General Anatomy

    • DENTAL 31508306 - Dental Assistant Clinical

    • DENTAL 31508307 - Dental Assistant Professional​

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • DENTAL 10508120 - Dental Office Management

    • DENTAL 31508308 - Dental Chairside - Advanced

    • DENTAL 31508309 - Dental Laboratory Procedures

    • DENTAL 31508310 - Dental Radiography - Advanced

    Occupational Supportive (3 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Oral/Interpersonal Comm
    10-801-196
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10801196
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
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Expected Competencies

For more information visit our Credit For Prior Learning page.