Page 59 of Davis Applied Technology College 2006 Catalog by Davis Applied Technology College

DENTAL ASSISTING The Dental Assistant assists the Dentist in the treatment of patients. Clinical duties may include obtaining and recording medical and dental histories and vital signs of the patient, instructing the patient in oral hygiene and plaque control programs, and providing post operative instructions as prescribed by the Dentist. The assistant may also set up instrument trays, sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, and expose, develop, and mount diagnostic dental radiographs. Other duties consist of making dental impressions and study casts, cleaning and polishing coronal portion of the teeth and applying topical fluoride to strengthen teeth. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, receiving payments, completing insurance forms, preparing and sending bills, and maintaining patient records. Upon completion of training, students are eligible to take the Dental Assisting Certification Exam administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Although students must have a high school diploma (or equivalent) to be in the Dental Assisting Program, as a high school senior, students may enroll in the Dental Office Administration Program preparatory for the Dental Assisting Program. DENTAL ASSISTING CAREERS High current demand and projected growth makes dental assisting an attractive career in a professional environment. Training in the Dental Assisting Program includes extensive clinical training and the opportunity to learn front office skills which enhance the employees value in the dental setting. EXTERNSHIP After completion of the required classroom hours, the student will complete a 300-hour, non-paid externship in a dental office. This training opportunity will be secured by the instructor and will provide the student with essential real clinical experiences. This Program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. DENTAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATION Administrative Dental Assistants are responsible for the business area of the dental office. This training prepares the students to handle duties such as scheduling appointments, answering phones, handling collections, marketing the practice, preparing insurance claims, working with patient accounts, researching and following up on insurance company and the dental provider, answering questions about payments, resubmitting insurance claims for payment, preparing accounts for statements, and handling patient charts. This study will prepare the student to become an office business assistant. An externship is not required. For more information see page 62. DENTAL ASSISTING QUICK FACTS program length core course 1530 hrs college credit available no apprenticeship available no federal financial aid yes va qualified yes wage summary average mid-range wage $8.50-10.00/hr student restrictions 18 yrs of age and high school diploma or GED required for clinical training administrative training open to high school students hours available mon-fri 7:40am-2:30pm SCHOOL OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS

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