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 |
This course is an introduction to the Foothill College Dental Assisting Program for the incoming student. In this course, the student will explore all aspects of dental practice, including dental specialties, historical context, professional and legal responsibilities, and the crucial role of the dental auxiliary. This course focuses on ensuring that students respect patient privacy, uphold the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and adhere to the Foothill College Academic Honor Code. Student rights and responsibilities, student-centered strategies for success, and time management skills are emphasized. This course also covers record keeping, effective patient-centered communication, and positive interpersonal relations in preparation for working in clinical settings. 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 |
This course provides students with entry-level skills for working in periodontal, oral surgery, and orthodontic specialty practices. Students will learn the allowable duties for the Registered Dental Assistant in specialty practice settings, including an introduction to the specific instruments and equipment used. Preclinical skill development is integrated into the laboratory sessions to prepare students for clinical practice experiences and to care for patients across the lifespan. 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 |
This course provides the basic knowledge and practical skills in dental radiology. Students will learn how to expose, critique, and evaluate dental radiographs taken on a mannequin. The lecture focuses on key areas such as radiation physics, biological effects of radiation, and professional responsibility. Strong emphasis is on radiation safety protocols. In the laboratory, students will gain hands-on experience and demonstrate proficiency in taking intraoral dental images while adhering to ALARA safety standards. 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 |
This is the second course in a three-part series on dental radiography. The lecture focuses on the techniques for taking radiographic images of patients across all age groups with unique dental needs. Introduction to extraoral imaging with the panoramic machine includes identification of radiolucent and radiopaque landmarks of the head and neck. In the laboratory, skill building in intraoral radiography is continued with improving techniques for parallelism, enhancing patient management, and reducing technique errors. 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 |
This is the final course in a three-part series on dental radiography. Students will take diagnostic intraoral and extraoral dental radiographs on patients of all ages and ethnicities. The course places a strong emphasis on improving time efficiency, patient management, and radiation safety. 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 |
This course covers the principles of effective patient motivation and education, with a focus on understanding the causes, progression, and prevention of dental decay and periodontal disease. Students will learn to design and manage personalized plaque control programs, incorporating brushing, interdental cleaning, and the use of adjunctive aids. The course also includes nutritional counseling techniques to help patients reduce caries risk. Instruction emphasizes culturally responsive and patient-centered care strategies, preparing students to engage diverse patient populations from across the lifespan in preventive dental practices. 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 |
This course introduces dental assisting students to their roles and responsibilities in general, as well as in specialty practice settings. Students will learn the scope of practice for unlicensed dental assistants, Registered Dental Assistants, and Registered Dental Assistants in extended functions with a focus on delivering ethical, patient-centered care. 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. 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. 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 |
This is the first course in a three-part series on dental science. This course provides a comprehensive overview of dental and craniofacial anatomy critical for dental assisting practice. Students will explore the anatomy and morphology of teeth, including the stages and sequence of tooth eruption, classifications of occlusion, and the development of various malocclusions. The course also covers the anatomy of the skull, with an emphasis on the head and neck's vascular, muscular, and nervous structures. By the end of the course, students will be able to identify and describe these anatomical structures, relate their functions to dental care, and apply this foundational knowledge in clinical settings. 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 |
This is the second course in a three-part series on dental science. This course provides an inclusive overview of the embryologic development of the head, neck, teeth, and oral cavity, along with the histology of hard and soft oral tissues. Students will learn to identify and understand developmental and structural defects in the oral cavity and teeth, as well as the causes and characteristics of periodontal diseases, the caries process, and oral pathology. Emphasis is placed on preparing students to recognize these conditions in patients across the lifespan. 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 |
This is the final course in a three-part series on dental science. Topics include microbiologic and nutritional factors related to dental health, pharmacology and its applications in dentistry, and the safe use of nitrous oxide in the dental setting. Students will explore the causes, symptoms, transmission, and control of infectious diseases and develop nutritional counseling techniques based on nutritional physiology. Antibiotics, psychoactive drugs, local anesthetics, and analgesic gases used in dentistry will also be covered. An emphasis will be placed on providing equitable, patient-centered care across the lifespan. 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 |
This course provides a focused exploration of the techniques, tools, and approaches to provide inclusive, compassionate care for patients with special needs across the life-span. Designed for dental assisting students to build skills in delivering equitable, patient-centered care and support. 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: | 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 |
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, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Dental Board of California, as well as advisory bodies, such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Dental Association (ADA), will be covered. Hazardous materials and waste management practices according to regulatory statutes and guidelines and the 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: |
12 lecture, 176 laboratory per quarter (188 total per quarter) 1 hour lecture per week for 12 weeks; 16 hours clinical laboratory per week for 11 weeks. |
| 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 |
This course builds upon the techniques introduced in D A 51A through a supervised clinical externship, providing students with hands-on experience in a real-world setting. Students will utilize their chairside dental assisting skills in the general practice and specialty clinics at externship sites, catering to patients of all ages and diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Throughout this course, students will engage in hands-on, experiential learning under the guidance of experienced dental professionals. Students can apply the principles of compassionate, person-centered care and communication in diverse clinical settings. 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: |
12 lecture, 176 laboratory per quarter (188 total per quarter) 1 hour lecture per week for 12 weeks; 16 hours clinical laboratory per week for 11 weeks. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
This course builds upon the techniques introduced in D A 51A, D A 51B, and 73, through a supervised clinical externship, providing students with hands-on experience in a real-world setting. Students will utilize their chairside dental assisting skills in general and specialty private practice externship sites, catering to patients of all ages and diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Throughout this course, students will engage in hands-on, experiential learning under the guidance of experienced dental professionals. Students can apply the principles of compassionate, person-centered care and communication in diverse clinical settings. 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 |
This course is designed to prepare students for the completion of the requirements for national certification and registered dental assisting (RDA) licensure in California. Chairside dental assisting procedures, including temporary crown fabrication, seating, temporary cementation and removal of excess cement, will be covered to prepare students 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 |
This course provides both the theoretical foundation and hands-on practice necessary for the safe and effective placement of pit and fissure sealants by Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs) to help prevent tooth decay. Students receive comprehensive instruction in oral anatomy, dental materials, microbiology, pharmacology, and preventive dentistry as they relate to sealant application. Emphasis is placed on legal requirements, material handling, clinical protocols, and evaluation techniques. Didactic, laboratory, and clinical instruction are conducted in compliance with Dental Board of California regulations and meet the educational requirements for pit and fissure sealant certification. 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.