An overview of dentistry and the dental assisting profession including its history, ethical and legal aspects, duties and responsibilities of the dental health team, professional organizations, and proper conduct and grooming of the dental assistant.

Designed to orient the student to the dental office and the use and sterilization of all instruments and equipment used in the practice of dentistry.

Laboratory/clinical portion of DEA1030. Provides hands-on instruction of use and sterilization of all instruments and equipment used in the practice of dentistry.

Designed to acquaint the student with basic body structures, functions and diseases which affect dental treatment. Basic concepts of microbiology and their relevance to sterilization. General aspects of oral pathology, including common pathological conditions of the mouth, teeth, and their supporting structures will be covered. Additional consideration will be given to the pharmacological properties, therapeutic applications and any toxicities or contraindications of drugs and medicaments commonly used in dentistry. Essential material on the symptoms, treatment, and equipment required to render adequate care for the common office emergencies will be included.

This course will offer material on the basic theories of psychology which enable the dental assistant to possess a greater understanding of why people act as they do. Included in the course are practical techniques for effective patient management and basic guidelines for establishing a better interpersonal relationship between the dental assistant, dental staff and the dental patient.

Seminar format of student clinical experiences and lecture series focusing on selected dental topics pertaining to effective dental assisting and the additional duties permitted by rules and regulations of the Florida State Board of Dentistry.

This course provides practical application in a clinical setting of knowledge acquired in the classroom. This course allows the dental assistant student the opportunity to demonstrate their clinical and administrative skills in a dental office setting. This is a non-paid externship where the student will be expected to perform as if they were on the job. The student may be rotated to different offices during this externship to benefit from additional experiences. The student will be learning under the supervision of a licensed dentist, and an externship coordinator from BC will come and observe and check-in with the student on a regular basis. Students are expected to keep track of their hours and keep a journal which they will turn into the dental assisting lead instructor.

This course allows the dental assistant student the opportunity to continue to demonstrate their clinical and administrative skills in a dental office setting. This is a non-paid externship where the student will be expected to perform as if they were on the job. The student may be rotated to different office during this externship to benefit from additional experiences. The student will be learning under the supervision of a licensed dentist, and an externship coordinator from BC will come and observe and check-in with student on a regular basis. Students are expected to keep track of their hours and keep a journal which they will turn into the dental assisting lead instructor. Students must have completed all Dental Assisting course work prior to enrolling in this course.