The Dental Assistant (Short-Term) Technical Diploma is a 17 Credit program. The following is a typical semester breakdown of the courses within the program.

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Credit for Prior Learning Available

Dental Health Safety (10508101)

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. CPR certification is a prerequisite; students will be required to show proof of certification before beginning the course. This course is a WTCS aligned course required in both the Dental Hygienist and Dental Assistant programs. This course must be taken at NTC, no transfers, because the content of this course is specific for this program/site.

Conditions

Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Dental Assistant (Short-Term), Dental Hygienist, Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA)

College 101 (10890165)

1.00

Examines proven strategies designed to help learners achieve greater personal, academic, and professional success. Learners will apply personal responsibility thinking and behaviors; self- management, awareness, and motivation strategies; as well as interdependence skills to develop a proactive life plan.

NTC Assessments Offered:

Dental Materials (10508113)

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 Associate Degree and Dental Assistant Technical Diploma programs.

Conditions

Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed any of the following course(s): DENTAL 10508101 - Dental Health Safety, DENTAL 10508102 - Oral Anatomy, Embry, Histology, DENTAL 31508304 - Dental & General Anatomy] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Dental Assistant (Short-Term), Dental Hygienist]

Dental Radiography (10508103)

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.

Conditions

Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed any of the following course(s): DENTAL 10508102 - Oral Anatomy, Embry, Histology, DENTAL 31508304 - Dental & General Anatomy] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): DENTAL 10508101 - Dental Health Safety] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Dental Assistant (Short-Term), Dental Hygienist]

NTC Assessments Offered:

Dental Chairside (31508302)

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.

Conditions

Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed or is in process of completing all of the following course(s): DENTAL 10508101 - Dental Health Safety, DENTAL 10508103 - Dental Radiography, DENTAL 10508113 - Dental Materials, DENTAL 31508307 - Dental Assistant Professional] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed or is in process of completing any of the following course(s): DENTAL 10508102 - Oral Anatomy, Embry, Histology, DENTAL 31508304 - Dental & General Anatomy] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Dental Assistant (Short-Term)]

Dental & General Anatomy (31508304)

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.

Dental Assistant Professional (31508307)

1.00

Prepares dental assistant students for professional success in a dental practice or another dental health care environment. Students develop professional appearance and image. More importantly, they learn to work within ethical guidelines and legal frameworks. In preparation for entering the work force, dental assistants customize or develop their portfolios and lay out an on-going professional development plan.

Dental Assistant Clinical (31508306)

3.00

Students apply skills developed in Dental and General Anatomy, Dental Health Safety, Dental Chairside, Dental Materials, Dental Radiography and Dental Assistant Professional in a clinical setting with patients. Emphasizes integration of core abilities (soft skills) and basic occupational skills. They will be able to collect diagnostic and treatment data, manage infection and hazard control, perform clinical supportive treatments (four handed dentistry, maintain instruments, etc.), take diagnostic radiographs, perform dental laboratory procedures, provide patient oral health instruction, assist in managing medical emergencies, model professional behaviors, ethics and appearance.

Conditions

Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): DENTAL 10508101 - Dental Health Safety, DENTAL 10508103 - Dental Radiography, DENTAL 10508113 - Dental Materials, DENTAL 31508307 - Dental Assistant Professional] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed any of the following course(s): DENTAL 10508102 - Oral Anatomy, Embry, Histology, DENTAL 31508304 - Dental & General Anatomy] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Dental Assistant (Short-Term)]

Test-Out Option Term Definitions

Test

An exam that is scored by faculty or staff in NTC’s Testing Center.

Skill Demonstration

A performance of your expertise that is evaluated by faculty.

Combination: Test & Skill Demonstration

A combination of both a test and a skill demonstration.

Portfolio

A collection and explanation of your past learning through work or life experience.

Have Questions?

If you have questions about this program, please contact our Career Coaches at 715.803.1645.

If you have further questions regarding our Credit for Prior Learning options, please contact Student Records at studentrecords@ntc.edu or 715.803.1796.