Dental Assisting Program STUDENT HANDBOOK Fall 2017 .
Dental Assisting ProgramSTUDENT HANDBOOKFall 2017 – Spring 2018– Summer 1 - 2018FACULTY:MARTHA McCASLIN, CDA, MAPROGRAM DIRECTOR, PROFESSORROCIO MILLER, CDA, BAINSTRUCTOR, CLINICAL COORDINATORAmelia Garcia, CDA, EFDA, AASPart Time Clinical Faculty
WELCOME!!!The Dental Assisting Program Handbook is to be utilized as your reference guidewhile performing activities both in the laboratory and clinical setting. Thishandbook contains useful information about expectations and standards that you asa student MUST be aware of and adhere to.YOU as a student having been accepted into the dental assisting program are heldPERSONALLY responsible for abiding by all policies set forth by the programdirector, clinical instructors, state board of dental health care regulations, and DonaAna community college policies. As well you are responsible for abiding byprofessional and personal ethics guided by the American Dental AssistantsAssociation (ADAA), Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), and the AmericanDental Association (ADA) on accredited dental assisting programs (CODA).Dental Assisting Program Mission:As a professional dental assisting education program, it is our mission to promotethe educational advancement of dental assistants and the dental assistingprofession. Through credentialing and professional activities enhance the deliveryof quality dental health care to our diverse community. Provide dental assistantswith the most recent advances in technology, materials, techniques, and equipmentin order to be prepared when entering or employed in the workforce.Statement of Professional CommitmentThe DACC Dental Assisting Program actively promotes the education of the careersof dental assistants through an accredited program that advocates for academic andpromotional achievements that advance the dental assisting profession. Witheducators that uphold both the state and national credentialing process along withprofessional endeavors which enhance the delivery of quality dental health care tothe community.American Dental Assistants AssociationThe ADAAAs a professional dental assistant, I will promote the advancement of thecareers of dental assistants and the dental assisting profession inmatters of education, legislation, credentialing and professional activitieswhich enhance the delivery of quality dental health care to the public.DA HandbookPage 2
Dental Assisting Program Philosophy:The faculty and staff of Dona Ana Community College welcome and congratulate youon your endeavor and commitment in pursuing a career in dental assisting. Weencourage you to study effectively and work toward your personal and professionalgoals. Dental Assisting Program faculty are devoted to providing you with theknowledge, skills, and education required to become successful in your chosendental profession.Dental Assisting Program Vision:The Dental Assisting Program Director, faculty, and clinical instructors believe theprogram goals are achievable through the program objectives. These objectives arebased on the principles of dedicated students, faculty, and professionaldevelopment.Dental Programs Values and Core Beliefs Responsibility - Demonstrate accountability for actions and behavior,Professionalism, and academic integrity Critical Thinking - Demonstrate and utilize critical thinking to identify,contemplate, and appropriately attend to situations or dilemmasregarding issues (including ethical and legal) Build Relationships – develop collegiality, trust and teamwork in thedental work place Civic Responsibility- Provide community with education and servicesrelated to oral healthDISCLAIMERSThe Dental Assisting Program recognizes and honors the Dona Ana CommunityCollege and New Mexico State University educational philosophy. The DentalAssisting Program is thoroughly dedicated to serving educational, personal, andprofessional needs; we will strive to deliver high standards of education, didactic,and clinical experiences that promote the student potential in their chosen field ofdental assisting.This handbook is designed to provide you assistance in guiding your ethical,professional, and personal choices during your time as a student at DACC. TheCollege and Dental Assisting Program reserve the right to make changes withoutprior notice regarding all policies, faculty, time schedules, class rotations, courseassignments, grading policies, curricula, etc. surrounding the Dental AssistingProgram without notice.Some program contents may be considered by some students to be risqué, personal,or of an invasive nature. It is inevitable that a health care provider recognizes,realize, and utilize such information in an educational manner to better providepatient care only. This course content is necessary in order to ensure the DentalDA HandbookPage 3
Assisting Student be informed of “real life” situations that he/she may be faced within the clinical settings. Such situations may even affect patient treatment, ethical andcritical decision making skills necessary to protect the health of the student.Students that do not wish to be exposed to such situations must seek the ProgramDirectors assistance IMMEDIATELY.Program AccreditationThe DACC Dental Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on dentalAccreditation (CODA). The current status is ” accredited without reportingrequirements.” Which means the program is in full compliance with the standardsfor accreditation. Complaints or concerns addressing standards may be directed tothe Commission at:American Dental AssociationCommission on Dental Accreditation211 East Chicago AvenueSuite 1900Chicago, Illinois 60611800-621-8099 or ionNext site visit: Nov 14-15, 2017DA HandbookPage 4
DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM GOALSDental Assisting graduates will attain the knowledge and skill levels required toobtain profitable employment in the dental assisting career field and demonstratethe highest standard of professionalism and ethical behavior possible.o Fully prepare students to successfully challenge the Dental Assisting NationalBoard Radiation Health and Safety Examinationo Anticipate an 80% pass rate based on number of students challengingexam on the first attempto Anticipate an 90% pass rate based on number of students challengingexam on the second attempto Fully prepare students to successfully challenge the New Mexico Board ofDental Health Care (NMBODHC) Radiology Certificationo 100% of students applying will receive certificationProvide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to gain employment inthe dental assisting field within 6 months of graduationo 80% full time, 4 days a week or more oFrom the remainder, 75% will find full time employment withinone year and 25% will seek and secure part time employmentPrepare students to sit for CDA examination as offered by DANB.o Three percent of graduates will challenge the GC or CDA exam within oneyear of graduationo Provide a learning environment that fosters dynamic learning designed tomeet the needs of our students and the changing field of dental assistingANTICIPATED PROGRAM OUTCOMES1. Eighty percent of the program graduates will pass the DANB RadiationHealth and Safety exam by the end of the first semester of the program.2. One hundred percent of students applying for NMBODHC Certification inDental Radiology will receive such certification3. Eighty percent or higher of program graduates seeking employment as adental assistant will find employment within 6 months of programcompletion.4. The learning environment will be dynamic, up to date, and reflect the needsof our dental community5. The program will graduate competent clinicians with positive employmentrates and positive graduate and employer surveysDA HandbookPage 5
GENERAL DENTAL ASSISTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURESI. INTRODUCTION-PURPOSE OF HANDBOOKA. The purpose of this handbook is to serve as an informational guide in assistingthe student with the orientation and clarification of polices and procedures for theDental Assisting Program. It is anticipated that each student will be familiar with theinformation contained within this handbook. The Dental Assisting Clinic Manual isconsidered to be an extension of this student handbook and will also be discussedand a signed MOU will be kept on file.B. The Dental Assisting Program at DACC is dedicated to the principle that throughhigher education the student grows both personally as well as professionally. It isunderstood and emphasized that the student assumes all responsibility for theirown individual understanding of the program materials. Students are heldresponsible for their own work PLAGERISM WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. *SeePolicy below. Students are offered a variety of learning environments individualwork, study group assignments, community activities, clinical rotations, computerusage and traditional classroom assignments in order to enhance the learningpotential.C. The Dental Assisting Program Director, faculty, and clinical instructors believe theprogram goals are achievable through the program objectives. These objectives arebased on the principles of dedicated students, faculty, and professional developmentPlagiarism is using another person's work without acknowledgment, making itappear to be one's own. Intentional and unintentional instances of plagiarism areconsidered instances of academic misconduct and are subject to disciplinary actionsuch as failure on the assignment, failure of the course or will be subject toconsequences for non-compliance of standards of conduct (Refer to: Health SciencesDivision Handbook). The NMSU Library has more information and help on how toavoid plagiarism at http://lib.nmsu.edu/plagiarism/D. Use of social media- students are reminded to remain professional in theirpostings. Faculty WILL NOT “friend” students on social media. The Facebook pagethat is available is to be used for professional purposes only and is maintained bythe student club advisor.DA HandbookPage 6
Dental Assisting Program Curriculum and Pre-RequisitesThe Dental Assisting Certificate Program prepares students to become skilled,certified members of the dental health care team. Assistants greatly increase theefficiency of the dentist in the delivery of oral health care and perform a wide rangeof tasks requiring both interpersonal and technical skills. The program includeslecture, supervised lab, open lab times, and clinical practicum experiences. Studentswho complete the program are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board(DANB) and apply to the State of New Mexico Board of Dental Health forcertification in topical fluoride application, dental radiology, and coronal polishingand sealant placement (CDA).Dental Assisting is a selective program with specific admission requirements and alimited enrollment of 18 students. Students must apply for and meet all Dona AnaCommunity College admission criteria. It is the responsibility of the studentinterested in the Dental Assisting Program to contact the Program Director forcurrent information.All students admitted to the program must provide proof of current ofimmunizations (to include a TB test-IPPD that will be valid throughout the clinicalpracticum portion of the program as well as all age required vaccinations), hold acurrent CPR card and maintain current CPR certification throughout the course ofthe program. Students are encouraged to maintain or obtain medical insurancethroughout enrollment in the program. Students are also highly encouraged tobecome immunized against Hepatitis A and B. Students that elect to not receivethis immunization, at the students expense, must sign a waiver of declinationstating they have chosen to not be vaccinated against these potentially careerand life threatening pathogens. Students are responsible for their own medicalexpenses and if students do not have medical insurance they will be encouraged toobtain such coverage through the student health center located on NMSU maincampus or other entities.Students will be required to register with Castle Branch for immunization andtracking of training- HIPAA, CPR, OSHA, BBP, etc. There is an additional fee for thisserviceStudents are responsible for all travel expenses to and from the practicum sites.Students must maintain a "C" average in all program courses to continue in theprogram and receive a certificate. Students must keep their grades in each course toa “C” level during the program - - each quiz, test, and homework assignment must beat the “C” level in order to progress. Students must pass each course in the programwith a “C” or better as well as maintain at least a “C” average on quizzes, exams,attendance, class participation, clinical attendance, clinical competency and anyother related gradable material throughout the course or program. Failure of a midterm or final exam will incur Consequences for Non-Compliance of Standards ofConduct (Refer to: Health Sciences Division Handbook)DA HandbookPage 7
1st Semester (Fall)DAS 111DAS 113DAS 115DAS 117BioDental ScienceDental Assisting IDental RadiographyDental Bio Materials(3 2P) 4 credits(2 6P) 4 credits(2 3P) 3 credits(2 3P) 3 creditsTotal 14 credits2nd Semester (Spring)DAS 123DAS 125DAS 127DAS 129PracticumProfessional ConceptsDental Office ManagementPreventive Dentistry(1 15P) 6 credits3 credits2 credits2 creditsTotal 13 CreditsSUMMER SESSION(S) *Mandatory Summer SessionSUMMER1*DAS 130 Dental Assisting II (2 6P)4 credits*Mandatory Summer SessionDAS 155 Special Topics (AS NEEDED)Variable creditsTOTAL DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM CREDITSDA HandbookPage 831
DONA ANA COMMUNITY COLLEGEDENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAMPREREQUISITE CURRICULUM PLANGeneral Education Requirements: (THOSE IN BOLD MUST BE COMPLETED PRIORTO BEING ACCEPTED TO PROGRAM) (Must complete with grade of “C” or better)ENGL 111BIOL 1544 credit hours3 credit hours*recommended for transferabilityCOMM 253G**orCOMM 265G**3 credit hoursTOTAL: 10 Credit HoursOther related requirements - General Education requirements that must becompleted before successful completion of Dental Assisting Program (Mustcomplete with grade of “C” or better)**PSY 201 Introduction to Human Psychology3 credit hoursPHLS 150 G Personal Health and WellnessAHS 225Nutrition for Health OccupationsORAHS 251Human NutritionORHNDS 163Nutrition for Health3 credit hours3 credit hoursTOTAL: 9 Credit HoursTOTAL Pre requisite hours required - 19 NOTICE DAS Program Prerequisites are currently undergoing a change toupdate program and prepare students for a more well balanced educationalexperience (7-13-2016)SEE ONLINE COLLEGE CATALOG FOR COMPLETE TITLES AND DESCRIPTIONS OFCLASSES LISTED** Suggested completion before applying to programDA HandbookPage 9
Dona Ana Community CollegeDental Assisting ProgramHealth Insurance Report FormIt is highly recommended that all students have health insurance while enrolled inthe Dental Assisting Program. Health Care Workers are exposed to a number ofdiseases and body fluids, as well as work related injuries. Any injuries, illnesses,medical treatment, or hospitalizations are the responsibility of the student, notDACC, the Dental Assisting Program, or the clinical affiliate to which the student isassigned during respective semesters.STUDENT:ACADEMIC YEAR:Please indicate one of the following:I currently have health insurance which will be in force duringmy enrollment at DACC.(*I have provided the DAS Clinical Coordinatorwith a copy of my current medical ID card)I do not have health insurance at this time and realize that allmedical bills are my responsibility and not that of DACC, the DentalAssisting Program, or my clinical site.STUDENT SIGNATURE/DATEPROGRAM DIRECTOR SIGNATURE/DATECLINICAL COORDINATOR/ DATEDA HandbookPage 10
Dona Ana Community CollegeDental Assisting ProgramPOST EXPOSURE INCIDENT REPORT(Student Name)Banner #/DateThe above mentioned student was involved in an exposure incident on:MM/DD/YYTimeThe following is a description of the exact circumstances surrounding the exposureincident. (Be sure to include what you were doing, how the exposure occurred, andwhether you were wearing the proper safety requirements—gloves, glasses, smock,mask, etc.) Continue on back if necessary.Route and area of exposure (EX: needlestick, left index finger, eyes, splash tomucous membrane, etc)Route AreaSource patient name (if known)Source patient significant medical history (if known)DA HandbookPage 11
My program director and/or clinical coordinator/instructor has provided me withthe option of a post exposure medical evaluation at my expense in order to assure Ihave not contracted or been exposed to a communicable disease due to thisincident. My instructors have previously provided me with training in regards toproper exposure control for blood borne pathogens and the risk of diseasetransmission in the dental office.Given this information I (indicate choice by initialing) where applicable:Will seek medical evaluation and/or follow-up at my expenseI will not seek medical evaluation. I decline post exposure treatment of my ownfree will.I have received my Hep B immunizations date series(Started/ completed)I have not received my Hep B immunizations and there is a signed declinationwaiver on file.Student signatureDateClinical Coordinator Signature DateDirector signatureDateDA HandbookPage 12
Dental Assisting ProgramPregnancy Release Form for StudentI, , following voluntary disclosure of my pregnancy,have been advised about possible hazards of fetal radiation exposure resulting frommy education at Doña Ana Community College and any clinical affiliate sites.I have the following options:Option 1)I may continue my present course of study- I will continue tofollow the original program requirements, policies and objectives. I am required towear two radiation monitoring devices at all times, one worn on the collar and oneat the mid-abdominal area. I understand that I will be required to leave the programimmediately if the maximum permissible dose of radiation is reached (50mrem/month during gestation, not to exceed a total of 450 mrem). I will also berequired to wear a lead apron while in clinic. I will provide clearance from mymedical doctor.-OR-Option 2)I wish to delay my present course of study- I will immediatelywithdraw from the didactic/clinical portion of my education. I will apply to theprogram for reentry in the appropriate semester following my pregnancy, providingthat I have maintained a “C” or higher in all program courses required to date. I have been advised of my options and I have decided to:Continue my dental assisting education, I accept all further responsibility.Delay my dental assisting education.Student’s SignatureDateProgram Director’s SignatureDateNMSU Radiation Safety OfficerDatePLEASE ALSO REFER TO THE DACC DENTAL CLINIC MANUAL REGARDING MOREINFORMATION ON IONIZING RADIATIONDA HandbookPage 13
GENERAL POLICIES1. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure attendance, timeliness, and adherenceto policies of the program. It is the student’s responsibility to make appointmentswith the program advisor, Faculty, Program Director, Division Dean, VPAA, etc.when necessary and to follow the “chain of command” as indicated or necessary(See General Policy Number #8)2. Grievances within the program are to be brought to the direct attention of theProgram Director. This may be done so by addressing the Director, Faculty, or parttime faculty as appropriate. Grievances will not and shall not be addressed to clinical sites,classmates, or other faculty of the college unless it is deemed necessaryby the Program Director and Division Dean Health and Public Services.(See General Policy Number #8)3. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT EVERY Dental Assisting Student safeguard the patient’sright to privacy and protect patient confidentiality at all times. It is the
dental assistant will find employment within 6 months of program . certified members of the dental health care team. Assistants greatly increase the . Students who complete the program are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and apply to the State of New Mexico Board of Dental Health for certification in topical .
The Dental Assisting Program consists of theory and laboratory skills to prepare the students for the Dental Assisting National Boards. All the dental assisting expanded functions allowed by the Massachusetts State Dental Practice Act are taught. The Dental Assistant learns all the fundamentals of the art and science of dental assisting.
Appendix B: Dental Assisting Program Policy Agreement Page 56 Appendix C: Dental Assisting Physical Exam./Immun. Record Page 57-58 Appendix D: Dental Assisting Immunization Information Sheet Page 59-60 . 4 Appendix E: Dental Assisting Pregnancy Policy Page 61 Appendix F: Dental Assisting Principles of Radiation Protection Page 62 .
DENTAL SCIENCES 1 Chapter 1 I Dental Assisting— The Profession 3 The Career of Dental Assisting 4 Employment for the Dental Assistant 4 The Dental Team 6 Dental Jurisprudence and Ethics 12 Dental Practice Act 12 State Board of Dentistry 12 The Dentist, the Dental Assistant, and the Law 13 Standard of Care 13 Dental Records 14 Ethics 14
The Dental Assisting Program is a full-time curriculum with entry in the Fall Semester only. Students should complete the program and obtain a Dental Assisting Diploma in three consecutive semesters. Gradates may be eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board Examination (DANB) to become Certified Dental Assistants (CDAII).
Dental Assisting Program Mission "To provide the dental assistant student with the basic theory needed to understand and assume the responsibilities of a dental assistant." The Dental Assisting program at Minnesota North College is a 10-month program serving a diverse dental community throughout the area. Our program meets the
contact the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. at www.danb.org. Successful completion of an American Dental Association-Approved College Dental Assisting Program and successful completion of the General Chair-Side Assisting Certification Exam or the Radiation Health and Safety Exam qualifies a dental assistant to apply for a Dental X-ray
Dental Assisting Program (DA) D45240 Admission Application 30 Oct. 2020 Page 1 Dental Assisting Program (DA) Program Code D45240 . Graduate of a Technical High School Dental Assisting Program, documented by copy of (3) A B C . 3. Completed Academic Courses. 1. Choose one course from each category. High school (HS) courses
necessary to apply to the Dental Assisting program. Required Coursework Students must be eligible to take college level English (ENG 111) in order to apply to the Dental Assisting program. Get a Head Start! Any non-DEN prefix course required for the Dental Assisting program can be taken prior to submitting the DA Program Application.
