Fall Semester

DAT 1110 - Introduction to Dental Assisting

This course is designed to provide an introduction to dentistry and the history of dentistry, dental equipment, dental auxiliaries, psychology applications to dentistry, personal and certification requirements, legal and ethical consideration, work ethics and communication skills. Emphasis is placed on the Alabama Dental Practice Act and OSHA Standards. Upon completion, a student should be able to discuss basic aspects of dentistry. CORE

DAT 1111 - Pre-Clinical Procedures I

This course is designed to introduce chairside assisting including concepts of four-handed dentistry, sterilization techniques, dental instruments, anesthesia, operative dentistry and dental specialties. Emphasis will be placed on preparation of a student for clinical dental assisting. Upon completion, a student should be able to perform dental assisting skills in a clinical setting. CORE

DAT 1112 - Basic Sciences for Dental Assisting

This course is designed to study basic microbiology, oral pathology, pharmacology and medical emergencies. Emphasis is placed on the correlation of these sciences to the practice of dentistry. Upon course completion, a student should be able to apply basic science to the dental field. CORE

DAT 1114 - Anatomy and Physiology for Dental Assisting

This course is designed to study dental anatomy and the structure of the head and neck. Emphasis will be placed on tooth and root morphology. Embryological and histological correlations will provide a foundation essential to an understanding of dental health. Upon course completion, students should be able to discuss and identify basic structure and function of the permanent and deciduous dentition and their surrounding structures. CORE/p>

DAT 1115 - Dental Materials

This course is designed to study the characteristics, manipulation, and application of dental materials ordinarily used in the dental office. Each student will be given intra-oral and extra-oral technical tasks to perform. Upon course completion, a student should be able to take and pour alginate impressions, trim study models, construct custom trays and temporary crowns, prepare and place restorative materials and manipulate cements and impression materials. CORE

DAT 1118 - Applied Psychology in Dentistry

This course is designed to provide a study in human behavior. Emphasis will be placed on basic concepts of human behavior, applications to self and to one's life situations, application of these concepts to the patient/health care provider interaction and utilization of positive and effective habits when working in the dental health care setting. CORE