Current
Academic Calendar
2024/25
Academic Calendar 2024/25
Dental Assisting
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English language proficiency requirements Students registering in post-secondary level courses (numbered 100 to 499) will be required to meet the requirements. Students in ELS or the University Foundations programs can register in those courses identified in the with lower levels of language proficiency. |
Please note that not all courses are offered every semester.
1.5 credits
Dental Professionalism
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Certified Dental Assistant certificate.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Introduces the profession of Certified Dental Assisting. Current concepts of practice are examined with emphasis on roles, professional communications, deportment, responsibility, accountability, and behavioural foundations for health promotion and patient management. Legal and ethical aspects of practice are also introduced.
3 credits
Basic Dental Assisting
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Certified Dental Assistant certificate.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Introduces the basic skills of a dental assistant, including the dental operatory and dental field, infection control including sterilization areas and procedures, positioning and ergonomics and instrument use and transfer. Dental charting is covered along with the assessment of comprehensive health histories.
3 credits
Anatomy and Physiology of the Head and Neck
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Certified Dental Assistant certificate.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Focuses on oral anatomy and physiology including the dentition, structures of the oral cavity and the head and neck. Oral embryology is discussed and skeletal structures, blood, nerve, and muscle supply to the head and neck are examined in preparation for the introduction of local anesthesia.
1 credit
Dental Office Emergencies
Prerequisite(s): DENT 130, DENT 131, DENT 132, DENT 134, DENT 136, DENT 137, and DENT 150.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
The prevention, recognition, and management of common dental office emergencies is explored with an emphasis on the importance of obtaining adequate patient screening using health history reviews and vital signs. The roles of individual dental team members during an emergency is examined and students will learn the importance of emergency preparedness protocols, emergency kit composition, and maintenance for the dental office.
2.5 credits
Preventive Dentistry
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Certified Dental Assistant certificate.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Emphasizes the prevention of and factors influencing common dental diseases. The promotion of oral health through the use of oral self-care and use of therapeutics and fluoride therapy is examined. Students will learn about teaching and learning strategies as it relates to oral health promotion.
2.5 credits
Dental Radiography
Prerequisite(s): DENT 130, DENT 131, DENT 132, DENT 134, DENT 136, DENT 137, and DENT 150.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
The basics of radiation biology, concepts of x-ray physics, principles of x-ray radiography, safety precautions, quality assurance, and the operation of the dental x-ray unit are examined. Direct and indirect imaging systems, the application of intra and extra-oral technologies, along with various techniques are introduced. Students will learn how to produce images using direct and indirect imaging systems at a manikin level that includes the proper storage and transfer of images.
1.5 credits
Restorative Assisting
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Certified Dental Assistant certificate.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Emphasizes the Dental Assistant’s roles and responsibilities associated with general restorative dentistry, building on foundational knowledge from DENT 131 and DENT 132. Principles and application of isolation techniques, armamentarium specific to restorative dentistry, properties and manipulation of dental materials, cavity preparations and matrix systems are topics that will be explored.
1.5 credits
Lab Procedures and Prosthodontics
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Certified Dental Assistant certificate.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Comprised of independent reading and study, lab and classroom instruction/activities, and a three-hour interactive workshop on impression materials and fabrication of single-unit provisional restorations. This course is designed to provide information and practical experiences related to basic and dental laboratory procedures, materials and equipment. Included are indications, procedural guidelines, and the CDA’s role in fixed and removable prosthodontics.
2.5 credits
Dental Practicum I
Prerequisite(s): DENT 130, DENT 131, DENT 132, DENT 134, DENT 136, DENT 137, and DENT 150.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students will be provided the opportunity to apply fall and winter term theory, clinical, and lab competency skills to practice in actual clinical settings hosted by a practicum dental office. Students will practice skills within the CDA scope of practice in B.C. Emphasis is placed on safe practice and employment skills necessary to be successful in a dental office.
4 credits
Dental Specialties
Prerequisite(s): DENT 130, DENT 131, DENT 132, DENT 134, DENT 136, DENT 137, and DENT 150.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students will acquire foundational knowledge related to the disciplines of dentistry including pediatrics, endodontics, orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and geriatrics. Basic concepts, procedures, armamentarium, supplies, and equipment unique to each specialty will be explored.
1 credit
Community Dental Health and Nutrition
Prerequisite(s): DENT 130, DENT 131, DENT 132, DENT 133, DENT 134, DENT 135, DENT 136, DENT 137, DENT 138, DENT 140, DENT 142, DENT 150, and DENT 154.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Introduces the basic concepts of nutrition. Diet and dental health are examined in relation to the application of dietary analysis in order to provide nutritional counselling relative to oral health. An overview of inclusive dental public health and community based oral health programs are explored. Students will learn how to assess, plan, and deliver health education activities to various groups in the community.
1.5 credits
Dental Reception
Prerequisite(s): DENT 130, DENT 131, DENT 132, DENT 134, DENT 136, DENT 137, and DENT 150.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
The fundamental principles of dental office management and basic dental reception procedures are introduced with emphasis on professional communication and proper telephone etiquette. Students will learn how to organize and manage client records, appointment scheduling, recall systems, insurance claims, financial records, and inventory control systems, and use dental office practice management computer software.
1 credit
Patient Care Procedures
Prerequisite(s): DENT 130, DENT 131, DENT 132, DENT 133, DENT 134, DENT 135, DENT 136, DENT 137, DENT 138, DENT 140, DENT 142, DENT 150, and DENT 154.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students will learn delivery of direct patient care clinical procedures that includes the use of selective coronal polishing, the application of pit and fissure sealants, and use of tooth whitening products.
2.5 credits
Applied Dental Sciences
Prerequisite(s): DENT 130, DENT 131, DENT 132, DENT 133, DENT 134, DENT 135, DENT 136, DENT 137, DENT 138, DENT 140, DENT 142, DENT 150, and DENT 154.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students acquire foundational knowledge related to the applied sciences of dentistry including oral pathology, periodontics, and pharmacology. Basic concepts, diagnostic, and related procedures for each applied science will be explored.
2.5 credits
Dental Practicum II
Prerequisite(s): DENT 130, DENT 131, DENT 132, DENT 133, DENT 134, DENT 135, DENT 136, DENT 137, DENT 138, DENT 140, DENT 142, DENT 150, and DENT 154.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students will practice, integrate, and consolidate knowledge and skills learned in the fall, winter, and summer terms in a clinical setting hosted by a practicum dental office. Students are able to practice all CDA services within the CDA scope of practice in B.C., with an emphasis on safe practice and employment skills.
4 credits
Clinical Dental Assisting
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Certified Dental Assistant certificate.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Introduces concepts, principles, and foundational chairside assisting and dental laboratory skills. Related skills are practiced in a clinical setting on manikins and peers while integrating the concepts of professional conduct, safe practice, and effective communication. It includes the beginning skills of problem-solving, teaching/learning, time management, and self-evaluation.
2 credits
Clinical Dental Assisting II
Prerequisite(s): DENT 130, DENT 131, DENT 132, DENT 134, DENT 136, DENT 137, and DENT 150.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Continues to build on developing chairside assisting and dental laboratory skills. Students will learn how to take radiograph images at a patient level. Related skills are practiced in a clinical setting on manikins and peers while integrating the concepts of professional conduct, safe practice, and effective inclusive communication. Problem-solving, teaching/learning, time management, and self-evaluation skills are also further developed.
2.5 credits
Clinical Patient Care
Prerequisite(s): DENT 130, DENT 131, DENT 132, DENT 133, DENT 134, DENT 135, DENT 136, DENT 137, DENT 138, DENT 140, DENT 142, DENT 150 and DENT 154.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Under direct supervision, students will integrate the clinical skills required of a CDA to deliver direct patient care. Students will also further develop chairside assisting and dental laboratory skills.
Last updated: November 5, 2024