Dental Assisting (D A)
D A 50 • ORIENTATION TO DENTAL ASSISTING
| Units: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 1 lecture per week (12 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Introduction to Foothill College Dental Assisting Program for the incoming student. Preview of dental practice, including specialties, history, professional and legal responsibilities and the role of the dental auxiliary; HIPAA, patient privacy, Academic Honor Code, student rights and responsibilities, strategies for student success, stress and time management, record keeping, patient communication and office personnel relations. Intended for students in the Dental Assisting Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D A 51A • INTRODUCTION TO CHAIRSIDE DENTAL ASSISTING
| Units: | 10.5 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 6.5 lecture, 13 laboratory per week (234 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Introduction to chairside assisting; use and care of dental equipment, patient management, instrument identification; overview of common dental procedures, such as composite, amalgam, partials, dentures, root canals, crown and bridge appointments; manipulation of dental materials commonly prepared or used by the dental assistant, including temporary dressings, impression materials, cement bases and liners, topical agents, composites, resins and amalgams. Intended for students in the Dental Assisting Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D A 51B • INTERMEDIATE CLINICAL DENTAL ASSISTING
| Units: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture, 3 laboratory per week (60 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Periodontal and oral surgery procedures, equipment, and instruments. Registered Dental Assistant orthodontic function. Types of dental emergencies. Preclinical activities for dental and medical emergencies. Intended for students in the Dental Assisting Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D A 51C • ADVANCED DENTAL ASSISTING SKILLS
| Units: | 3.5 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2.5 lecture, 4 laboratory per week (78 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Continuation of techniques introduced in D A 51A and D A 51B to include pulp vitality testing, fluoride administration, intraoral/extraoral exam, polishing removable partial and full dentures, dental implants, and pedodontic procedures. Theory and practice of coronal polishing. Intended for students in the Dental Assisting Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D A 53A • INTRODUCTION TO RADIOGRAPHY I
| Units: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture, 3 laboratory per week (60 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Introduction to dental radiology. Emphasis on production, characteristics, biologic effects, radiation safety and protection. Introduction to intraoral long-cone radiographic techniques, image capture and scanning. Intended for students in the Dental Assisting Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D A 53B • DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY II
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 1 lecture, 3 laboratory per week (48 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Intraoral radiographic technique continued with evaluation of film quality, proficient parallelism with the XCP film holders, proper patient management, and a reduction in technique errors. Introduction to direct digital panoramic radiographs and indirect intraoral images using PSP plates. Further identification of radiolucent and radiopaque landmarks of the head and neck using the panoramic image. Intended for students in the Dental Assisting Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D A 53C • DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY III
| Units: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 3 laboratory per week (36 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Last in the three quarter series of dental radiography. Intraoral technique and film evaluation skills practiced on mannequins and performed on patients. Greater emphasis on time efficiency and patient management. Digital radiography is encouraged to be used for patient care. Intended for students in the Dental Assisting Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D A 56 • DENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION
| Units: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 1 lecture per week (12 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Principles of patient motivation and education; etiology, process and prevention of dental decay and periodontal disease; design and management of a plaque control program, brushing, flossing, adjunctive aids; dietary counseling for caries risk. Intended for students in the Dental Assisting Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D A 57 • OFFICE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Overview of psychological or common medical problems which could lead to an emergency situation in a dental office. Emphasis placed on prevention, management, and legal issues of an emergency response. Intended for students in the Dental Assisting Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D A 58 • SPECIALTY PRACTICE PROCEDURES
| Units: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 1 lecture per week (12 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Familiarization with the scope of practice in both general and specialty dental office settings. The emphasis of this survey class will be on the role of the auxiliary personnel in each of the different types of dental practices. Intended for students in the Dental Assisting Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D A 60A • DENTAL OFFICE BUSINESS PRACTICES I
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Introduction to appointment management, telephone techniques, communication and patient management, dental and office records management; written correspondence, treatment plan and case presentation; accounts receivable. Intended for students in the Dental Assisting Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D A 60B • DENTAL OFFICE BUSINESS PRACTICES II
| Units: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 3 lecture, 1 laboratory per week (48 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Introduction to purchasing, inventory and cost control; banking, payroll and tax procedures; resume writing and interviewing techniques. Includes billing procedures, collection of accounts, treatment plans and case presentations, dental insurance procedures. Instruction in both manual and computer applications. Intended for students in the Dental Assisting Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D A 62A • DENTAL SCIENCES I
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture, 1 laboratory per week (36 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Discussion of anatomy and morphology of the teeth, the eruption sequence and process; normal occlusion, development and class of malocclusions; anatomy of the skull, arteries and veins, musculature and nervous structures of the head and neck. Intended for students in the Dental Assisting Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D A 62B • DENTAL SCIENCES II
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
An overview of the embryologic development of the structures and tissues of the head, neck, teeth and oral cavity, histology of the hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity. Developmental and structural defects involving the oral cavity and the teeth. Periodontal diseases, caries process and oral pathology. Intended for students in the Dental Assisting Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D A 62C • DENTAL SCIENCES III
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Microbiologic and nutritional conditions related to dentistry; etiology, symptoms, transmission and control of infective and contagious diseases, nutritional physiology, and counseling, effect of nutrition on general dental health. Pharmacology of local anesthetic solutions, analgesic gases, and psychosedatives, and antibiotic agents. Use of nitrous oxide equipment. Intended for students in the Dental Assisting Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D A 63 • SPECIAL PATIENT POPULATIONS
| Units: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 1 lecture per week (12 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Discussion and development of techniques and/or equipment needed to meet the needs of special patient populations. Intended for students in the Dental Assisting Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D A 65 • DENTAL ASSISTING APPRENTICESHIP CLINICAL SKILLS I
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 1 lecture, 4 laboratory per week (60 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Preparation for apprenticeship in a dental environment. Includes sexual harassment and diversity training. Introduction to chairside assisting skills; use and care of dental equipment, instrument identification; overview of common dental procedures such as patient intake, patient assessments, examination and prophylaxis appointments. Intended for students in the Dental Assisting Apprenticeship Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D A 66 • DENTAL ASSISTING APPRENTICESHIP CLINICAL SKILLS II
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 1 lecture, 4 laboratory per week (60 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Overview of common dental procedures, such as composite, amalgam, partials, dentures, root canals, dental implants, crown and bridge appointments; manipulation of dental materials commonly prepared or used by the dental assistant, including impression materials, cement bases and liners, composites, and amalgams. Intended for students in the Dental Assisting Apprenticeship Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D A 67 • RADIATION SAFETY COURSE
| Units: | 2.5 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture, 2 laboratory per week (48 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
This course covers the principles of dental radiology. Topics include theory and techniques, operation of the x-ray machine, biological effects, safety practices, and the practical application of utilizing appropriate infection control while exposing, processing, mounting, and evaluating intraoral dental images.
D A 71 • INFECTION CONTROL & HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT
| Units: | 1.5 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 1.5 lecture, 1 laboratory per week (30 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Introduction to infectious diseases important to dentistry. Lecture, lab and clinical instruction on disinfection, instrument decontamination, sterilization procedures and tray set-up preparation. Regulatory compliance agencies such as OSHA, CDC and ADA recommendations. Hazardous materials management and waste management. Protocols and emergency procedures for hazardous and biohazardous waste or materials. Intended for students in the Dental Assisting Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D A 73 • DENTAL ASSISTING SUPERVISED CLINIC
| Units: | 5.5 |
|---|---|
| Hours: |
17 laboratory per week (204 total per quarter) This is a clinical laboratory course. |
| Prerequisite: | D A 51A. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass) |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Continuation of techniques introduced in D A 51A; supervised clinical experience in externship environment, chairside dental assisting in general practice and specialty clinics at the UCSF School of Dentistry. Intended for students in the Dental Assisting Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D A 74 • DENTAL ASSISTING CLINICAL PRACTICE
| Units: | 5.5 |
|---|---|
| Hours: |
17 laboratory per week (204 total per quarter) This is a clinical laboratory course. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Continuation of techniques introduced in D A 51A, D A 51B and D A 73; supervised clinical experience in externship environment; advanced and specialty chair side procedures. Intended for students in the Dental Assisting Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D A 85 • RDA REVIEW
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 1 lecture, 3 laboratory per week (48 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Fabrication, seating, temporary cementation and removal of excess cement for temporary crowns. Information necessary for completion of requirements for national certification and Registered Dental Assisting (RDA) licensure in the State of California. Review of chairside dental assisting procedures to prepare for written and practical examinations. Intended for students in the Dental Assisting Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D A 88 • PIT & FISSURE SEALANTS
| Units: | 1.5 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 1 lecture, 2 laboratory per week (36 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Theory and practice for placement of sealants by the Registered Dental Assistant to prevent decay in the pit and fissure areas of the dentition. Intended for students in the Dental Assisting Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D A 100 • LAW & ETHICS FOR THE DENTAL ASSISTANT
| Units: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 1 lecture per week (12 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | None |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Professional, legal, and ethical responsibilities of the dental team with an emphasis on dental assisting. The role of the dental assistant with regards to patient communication and office personnel relations.
D A 200L • GUIDE FOR SUCCESS: A DENTAL ASSISTING PREREQUISITE COURSE
| Units: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 3 laboratory per week (36 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Non-Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | None |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass) |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
This course is for students considering a career in the dental field. Introduction to communication, anatomy, terminology, equipment, and infection control procedures relevant to dentistry. Also includes time management, study skills and test taking strategies. Provides information concerning PPE related to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases as required safety measures when working in a dental environment.