Del Mar College
Dental Assisting Program
Program Information & Application Packet
Del Mar College
Dental Assisting Program
West Campus
Faculty
Marjorie Hoy, CDA, RDA, RDH, MS
Grace Garza, CDA, RDA, AAS
Kelly Lewis, CDA, RDA, BAAS+
David G. Arreguin, D.D.S.
Dental & Imaging Technology Department
Chairperson
Pollie Martinez
Administrative Assistant
Dental & Imaging Technology Department
Dental Assisting Program
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your inquiry into the Dental Assisting Program here at Del Mar College.
The Program combines classroom curriculum with clinical experience at major dental
facilities. Our students have the opportunity to spend time at each affiliate so that
clinical/patient skills are learned. Clinical rotations are assigned throughout the Spring
and Summer sessions and the hours assigned vary in number and semester session.
Dental Assisting offers exciting possibilities for students who truly desire a career
associated with dentistry and a unique position on the dental team. Job opportunities
can be described as excellent. Del Mar College graduates are at 95% employed in the
dental field. As a one year accredited program by the Commission on Dental
Accreditation of the American Dental Association, students become employable upon
completion of the program.
New classes begin once each year with the start of the Fall Semester (August) through
Summer Session II (August). Students are accepted according to the criteria specified
in this packet.
As Chair and Program Director of the Dental Assisting Program, I am eager to accept
your application. Should you have questions, please feel free to contact me or any
Dental Assisting faculty at (361)698‐2858. My office is located at the West Campus,
HS#2, Room 130A or the web‐site:
www.delmar.edu/da
Dental Assisting
This program trains the students in all phases of dental assisting. It was established
under the guidelines of the Council in Dental Education of the American Dental
Association in cooperation with Nueces District Dental Society.
The program in dental assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental
Accreditation of the American Dental Association, 211 East Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL
60611.
www.ada.org
The Dental Advisory Commission assists College officials in the implementation of the
curriculum under the standards established by the Commission.
The program is offered in cooperation with local dental offices. These offices provide
clinical education in association with the Joint Review Committee and the Commission
on American Dental Association Accreditation.
The Dental Assisting takes on significant responsibility as a member of the
dental health care team. Assistants greatly increase the efficiency of the dentist
in the delivery of quality oral health and are valuable members of the dental
care team.
Dental Assistants have one of the most diverse and interesting of all positions in
a dental office. Dental Assisting is a challenging and rewarding career,
demanding versatility and a willingness to assume responsibility for many
different tasks.
Since Dental Assistant are in demand, career options include both full and part‐
time positions.
Dental Assisting involves people contact, and with this personal interaction
comes the personal satisfaction of knowing you’ve really helped someone by
helping to provide a valuable health service.
If you have strong communications skills, enjoy working with your hands as well
as your mind and want a career with responsibility, dental assisting is for you!
Students are accepted to the highest standards of dental ethics in all
periods of attendance in the clinical offices. All clinical offices, while
separately located are considered to be an integral part of Del Mar
College. Any infractions of dental ethics in the clinical education sites will
be dealt with under appropriate disciplinary policy of Del Mar College. It is
the student’s responsibility to know what the appropriate policies and
procedures are at each of the clinical education sites.
Philosophy
The philosophy of the Dental Assisting Program is based on the concept
that a curriculum should include work that prepares our students to
acquire knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will move them through full
and productive lives as a dental health care worker. The foundation set
forth at Del Mar College should prepare students to cope with changing
environments and technology and help meet occupational and personal
challenges. The preparation offered by the Dental Assisting Program
should encourage the desire and ability to continue learning, growing, and
reaping the rewards of a full, productive dental career.
Mission
To provide the Del Mar College Dental Assisting Program students with a
fully accredited program of education of the highest quality in order to
prepare them with knowledge and skills necessary to enter the field of
dentistry. Students will accumulate technical, ethical, and professional
skills required of dental health care worker through didactic courses,
laboratory participation and clinical experiences.
Strategic Advantage
The Del Mar College Dental Assisting Program is fully accredited by the
American Dental Association. Del Mar College enjoys geographic strategic
advantage of being one of five programs in the state of Texas. The post‐
graduate and employer surveys reveals satisfaction with the education at
Del Mar College. The program is successful in meeting the needs of
students as well as the local dental community.
The Del Mar College Dental Assisting Program is recognized by the
Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association
and maintains full accreditation. The Dental Assisting Program at Del Mar
College was started in 1967 and continues to strive for excellence in all
fields of dentistry. We do acquire and demonstrate the newest technology
and equipment in our state‐of‐the‐art dental facility that was completed in
the Fall, 2006.
Program Goals
Following are the goals of the Dental Assisting Program. In order to
advance the mission of Del Mar College and to demonstrate the unique
characteristics of occupational education and technology, the Dental
Assisting Program will strive to:
To prepare the student for certification (Certified Dental Assistant:
CDA), administered by the Dental Assisting National Board and
Registration (Registered Dental Assistant: RDA), administered by the
Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
To develop student technical skills to the level of competency
required for post‐graduate employment.
To furnish fully accredited occupational, academic, and pre‐
professional courses leading to certificates, associate degrees,
and/or the first two years of transferable credit toward
baccalaureate degrees.
To encourage and support student participation in professional
affiliations.
To recognize student achievement and academic excellence.
To initiate and support faculty development and continuing
education through local, start and national associations as required
by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
DEL MAR COLLEGE
DENTAL PROGRAMS
BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS POLICY
The Del Mar College Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene Programs are committed to addressing issues related to bloodborne pathogens, such as Human Immunodeficiency (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in order to protect patients, students, faculty and staff, as well as protect the rights of individuals who may have a bloodborne infectious disease. Students are required to treat all patients assigned and as a result, the potential exists for transmission of bloodborne and other infectious disease during patient care services. The purpose of the program’s Bloodborne Pathogen Policy (BPP) is to minimize the risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens, as well as, minimize the risk to other environmental hazards. Policies will be reviewed annually and changes recommended as appropriate.
The Del Mar College Dental Hygiene Clinic, Dental Assisting Radiology Clinic and Practicum office sites are a safe place to provide and receive dental care. Current and generally accepted epidemiological information supports the conclusion that there is no significant risk of contracting bloodborne diseases through the provision of dental treatment when appropriate infection control procedures are followed. A key element of infection control is the concept of standard precautions, introduced by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a means to reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission (e.g., the Human Immunodeficiency Virus [HIV], Hepatitis B Virus [HBV] and others) in healthcare settings. The primary principle behind standard precautions centers on the premise that medical history and examination cannot reliably identify all patients infected with bloodborne pathogens. All patients, therefore, must be regarded as potentially infectious. As such, applying standard precautions requires that infection control procedures (e.g., HBV vaccination, routine handwashing, use of protective barriers and care in the use and disposal of needles and other sharp instruments) are used for every patient. Admission/Employment
The Del Mar College Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene programs will not discriminate against employees, students, applicants for admission or patients based solely on health status. Applicants who test positive for infectious disease or who are carriers of an infectious disease should seek counsel from their physician and the program director prior to application.
Immunizations
The risk for exposure to Hepatitis B is higher for Dental Health Care Providers (DHCP) than the general population, therefore, it is recommended that students start the vaccination process for Hepatitis B as soon as they receive acceptance into the program. A comprehensive medical history, physical examination, eye exam, dental exam, dental exam, negative Tuberculin (Mantoux) skin test (negative chest x‐ray if positive) and additional immunizations as stated in the Del Mar College Catalog. HIV Testing Testing of DHCP and students for HIV is not required by the Department of Dental and Imaging Technology. However, health care workers and students who perform exposure‐prone procedures on patients are encouraged to be tested voluntarily in order to know their HIV status.
Obligation to Report
A student will be allowed to continue his/her education as long as their medical condition permits patient care and other individual’s health are not jeopardized or at risk. In the event that an individual poses a risk to others, the Dental Assisting/Dental Hygiene Program Director will assist the individual in obtaining counseling and advisement regarding their health and education. Confidentiality All information regarding the health status of an individual is confidential and protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1994 and the 1996 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Standard Precautions Standard precautions involve the use of protective barriers such as gloves, gowns, masks, and protective eyewear, which can reduce the risk of exposure of the DHCP’s skin or mucous membranes to potentially infectious materials. Personal protective equipment for faculty and students is removed before leaving the clinic and disposed of properly by the institution. In addition, it is recommended that all faculty and students take precautions to prevent injuries caused by needles, scalpels, and other sharp instruments or devices. In the event of injury, the Exposure Control Plan (ECP) is located in the Del Mar College Dental Hygiene Program Clinic Manual and the program administrator’s office.
Bloodborne Pathogen & Infection Control Training
The dental assisting and dental hygiene programs comply with all local, state and federal infection control policies including the application of Standard Precautions as stipulated by current CDC Guidelines. Written policies and instruction on infection control protocol to minimize the risk of disease transmission is provided in courses throughout the curriculum. Compliance of safety practices is evaluated throughout the students’ clinical experience to ensure a safe educational and work environment. Infection control procedures are outlined in the Dental Hygiene Clinic Manual, Dental Assisting Student Handbook and are reviewed annually.
Enforcement of Practice Limitations or Modifications
Any student or DHCP who engages in unsafe and/or careless clinical practices, which create risks to the health of patients, employees, or students, shall be subject to disciplinary action. When such actions are brought to the attention of the Department Chair, the students or DHCP may be suspended immediately from all patient care activities pending a full investigation of the matter.
Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens
DHCP or students who are exposed to a bloodborne pathogen in the course of their clinical care are expected to follow the procedures set forth in the ECP located in the Dental Hygiene Clinical Manual and program administrator’s office. If a student should be exposed to a patient’s body fluids in a manner that may transmit a bloodborne or infectious disease, the student should consult their health care provider if testing and treatment become necessary.
Environmental Hazards
Environmental hazards of the dental healthcare environment include: disorders associated with repetitive activities, exposure to high decibel sounds, exposure to hazardous chemical or substances, accidental injury, exposure to radiation and allergic reactions to latex or other chemical agents.
Dental Hygiene Services
Patients infected with bloodborne pathogens can be safely treated in the dental hygiene clinic. Current epidemiological evidence indicates that there is no significant risk of contracting bloodborne diseases through the provision of dental treatment when Standard Precautions are routinely followed. Therefore, all patients, regardless of HIV, HBV, or HCV status will be provided dental hygiene services in the Del Mar College Dental Hygiene Clinic. Standard precautions for all patients will be followed.
Communication of Bloodborne Pathogen Policy to Dental Assisting Radiology and Dental Hygiene Clinic Patients
The Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene Program’s Bloodborne Pathogens Policy is available upon request during the patient’s initial appointment. Patients are asked to read and sign the “Application for Treatment and Statement of Release” for dental hygiene clinic or dental assisting radiology clinic participation.
Confidentiality
All information regarding the health status of an individual is confidential and is considered protected health information used only for treatment. A privacy notice explaining the use of health information is provided to patients at the initial appointment. The Del Mar College Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene Programs are HIPAA compliant.
Dental Assisting Program
Admission Requirements
Application to Del Mar College
Placement Test Scores such as THEA or Compass
Dental Assisting Program Application
High School or GED transcript
Proof of Immunization as required per program
Del Mar College is an open admissions college; however, acceptance
into the Dental Assisting Program is by selection. Positions in this
program are limited. Program faculty are not able to interview and
accept into the program all applicants who meet basic admission
requirements. Admission decision will be made on the applicants
ranking through a point system and a selection committee.
Del Mar College
Dental Assisting Program
ESTIMATED DENTAL ASSISTING EDUCATIONAL EXPENSES
The following fees are “ONLY” approximate amounts. Fees are TBA throughout
the semester as needed.
Dental Radiology Text Essentials of Dental Radiography 8th Edition By: Orlen N. Johnson & Evelyn M. Thomson Check with book store Modern Dental Assisting, 9th Edition By: Torres/Ehrlich & Accompanying Workbook Check with book store Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) $300.00 Jurisprudence Exam (RDA) $45.00 Nitrous Oxide Course Test & Exam $50.00 Table Clinic Supplies $45.00 Heptavax Vaccination
Check with your doctor/clinic
Tuberculosis Test
Check with your doctor/clinic Dental Assisting Graduation Pin $55.00 CPR Certification $35.00 Application for Graduation $10.00 Graduation Cap & Gown $35.00 Community Dentistry Supplies $30.00 Community Dentistry Transportation $20.00 1 – 3 1/2 Floppy Disk / Flash Drive
1 – Appointment Calendar $10.00 Uniform Requirements: 3 – Pair White Socks $12.00 1 – Pair White Nursing Shoes or Clinic Approved Shoes $50.00 3 – Colored Uniform Tops (1‐Fall, 1‐Spring,1‐Summer) ‐ color to be announced $65.00 3‐ Colored Uniform Pants (1‐Fall, 1‐Spring, 1‐Summer) ‐ color to be announced $65.00 3 – Colored Lab Coats – color to be announced $90.00 Pair Safety Glasses $10.00 1 – Dental Assisting PPE Kit
Kit Contains: OPDOP Vision Shield; 1 box face mask; 1 box gloves; and 1 pair nitrile gloves; 1 pkg. disposable gowns $65.00
*PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE*
Del Mar College
Dental Assisting Program
Educational Expense List
In‐District/Out‐of‐District
If you are a recognize resident of the Del Mar College District, the following list
reflects the approximate education cost associated with the Dental Assisting
Program
In‐District
Out‐Of‐District
Fall Semester Tuition &
Fees
18 semester hrs.
$1,338
$2,238
Spring
Semester
Tuition &
Fees
13 semester hrs.
$960
$1,610
Summer
Session I
Tuition &
Fees
5 semester hrs.
$465
$765
Summer
Session II
Tuition &
Fees
3 semester hrs.
$261
$411
Approximate Total Tuition & Fees
$3,024
$5,024
The above approximated tuitions are estimated for a certificate in Dental Assisting.
Residency requirements are contained in the college catalog. You may also contact
the Del Mar College Business Office for information on relative residency
requirements. Call (361)698‐1263.
*Tuition and fees subject to change. See program expense sheet
for approximated total expense.
Dental Assisting
Certificate
(Suggested Occupational Plan)
Sem. Clock
FIRST SEMESTER Lec. Lab Hrs. Hrs.
DNTA 1311 Dental Science 2 3 3 80 DNTA 1401 Dental Materials 2 6 4 128 DNTA 1315 Chairside Assisting 2 3 3 80 DNTA 1345 Preventive Dentistry 2 4 3 96 DNTA 1202 Communication and Behavior in the Dental Office 2 0 2 32 DNTA 1305 Dental Radiology I 2 3 3 80 SECOND SEMESTER DNTA 1341 Dental Laboratory Procedure 2 3 3 80 DNTA 1353 Dental Assisting Applications 2 3 3 80 DNTA 1166 Practicum Dental Assistant 0 9 1 144 DNTA 1347 Advanced Dental Science 2 3 3 80 DNTA 1349 Dental Radiology in the Clinic 2 3 3 80 THIRD SEMESTER DNTA 2250 Advanced Dental Assisting Application (Capstone) 2 1 2 48 DNTA 2252 Advanced Dental Radiology 2 1 2 48 DNTA 1167 Practicum Dental Assistant 0 9 1 144 FOURTH SEMESTER DNTA 2166 Practicum Dental Assistant 0 9 1 144 DNTA 1251 Dental Office Management 0 8 2 48 Total Semester Hours for Certificate 39
Dental Assisting
Associate in Applied Science Degree
(Suggested Occupational Plan)
Sem. Clock
FIRST SEMESTER Lec. Lab Hrs. Hrs.
DNTA 1311 Dental Science 2 3 3 80 DNTA 1401 Dental Materials 2 6 4 128 DNTA 1315 Chairside Assisting 2 3 3 80 DNTA 1345 Preventive Dentistry 2 4 3 96 DNTA 1202 Communication and Behavior in the Dental Office 2 0 2 32 DNTA 1305 Dental Radiology I 2 3 3 80 SECOND SEMESTER DNTA 1341 Dental Laboratory Procedure 2 3 3 80 DNTA 1353 Dental Assisting Applications 2 3 3 80 DNTA 1166 Practicum Dental Assistant 0 9 1 144 DNTA 1347 Advanced Dental Science 2 3 3 80 DNTA 1349 Dental Radiology in the Clinic 2 3 3 80 THIRD SEMESTER DNTA 2250 Advanced Dental Assisting Application (Capstone) 2 1 2 48 DNTA 2252 Advanced Dental Radiology 2 1 2 48 DNTA 1167 Practicum Dental Assistant 0 9 1 144 FOURTH SEMESTER DNTA 2166 Practicum Dental Assistant 0 9 1 144 DNTA 1251 Dental Office Management 0 8 2 48 FIFTH SEMESTER ENGL 1301 Composition I 3 1 3 64 ITSC 1309 Integrate Software Applications 2 4 3 96 Psychology Elective 3 0 3 48 BIOL 2401 Human Anatomy & Physiology I 3 3 4 96 SIXTH SEMESTER Business/College Level Mathematics Elective 3 0 3 48 ENGL 1302 Composition II 3 0 3 48 Speech Elective 3 0 3 48 Humanities/Visual or Performing Arts Elective 3 0 3 48 Total Semester Hours for Associate Degree 64
Courses in bold type meet General Education requirements for Del Mar College
Associate in Applied Science degrees.
Del Mar College
Dental Assisting Program
Prospective Student Data Sheet
Date Filled Out:
Name:
(Last) (First) (Middle)
Other names previously used:
Social Security Number:
‐
‐
or Student I.D.#
Home Address:
City, State, Zip Code
Telephone:
(Home) (Work) (Cell)
E‐mail Address:
Education: High School Graduate: Date:
GED: Date: List all Colleges and/or Universities attended:
Have you taken: ACT SAT THEA/TASP COMPASS/T‐COMPASS