Dental Assisting Diploma Program Courses

DDA 111 - Introduction to Dental Assisting

This course will provide the student with an overview of the expanding scope of a career in Dental Assisting. The educational requirements, career flexibility and moral code necessary to become a functional part of the dental team will be outlined. Particular emphasis will be placed on the value of the Assistant in conducting preventive dental care in the office and community, and learning the ethical responsibility inherent within the scope of this career choice.

DDA 112  - Dental Anatomy and Dental Histology 

This course will include a study of the normal oral structures, and the development and growth of both hard and soft tissues. It will provide the student with a thorough knowledge of intraoral structures necessary to perform basic clinical skills and complete the many records common to most dental examinations. 

DDA 113 - Anatomy and Physiology

A study of the course provides exposure to basic anatomic terms and the systems of the body as they relate to dentistry. An introduction to head and neck anatomy is also presented as it relates to the role of the Dental Assistant. The material taught in this course is designed to enable a dental assistant to communicating with other professionals, and to identify specific locations of anatomic structures in a universal professional language. 

DDA 114 - Dental Clinic Procedures For The Dental Assistant- I

This course emphasizes the clinical component of dental assisting. It is a two part program, which provides a thorough knowledge of instrumentation used in dentistry as well as the rationale for the use of specific equipment. Detailed procedural protocol will be outlined as it relates to principles, concepts, and techniques commonly employed in dental treatment. The preliminary stage will be a simulated clinical condition which prepares the student for the second stage as an observer and/or trainee chair side assistant in the King Saud College of Dentistry. 

DDA 115 - Dental Laboratory Procedures for the Dental Assistant

This course is designed to provide an introduction to basic concepts to familiarize the dental assistant with the equipment, procedures and operation of a modem dental laboratory. The attainment of practical skills necessary to perform basic laboratory procedures will be emphasized, such as those needed to pour impressions, trim diagnostic models, fabricate custom trays, stents, base plate bite guards, and wax die patterns. A thorough knowledge of the importance of aseptic handling of contaminated materials sent to commercial laboratories and methods to eliminate cross-contamination within the office laboratory will be presented.

DDA 116  - Dental Materials For Dental Assistants

This course will provide both didactic and simulated clinical experiences in the general consideration, structure, and properties needed to understand specific dental materials. Particular emphasis will be placed on applications, terminology, and classifications for each type of dental material. The student will be competent in the handling, care, and storage of all types of materials used in the dental office. The structure of the material is reviewed in terms of the starting components and the manipulation procedures. The properties of materials are divided into important physical, chemical, mechanical, and biologic properties with particular emphasis on the value of the Assistant in organizing and selecting the appropriate materials for specific dental procedures.

DDA 117 - Introduction to Care of Dental Instruments, Materials and
                 Equipment for the Dental Assistant

This course emphasizes the role of the Dental Assistant in the prevention of disease transmission in the dental office. It is comprised of didactic and laboratory training with a specific focus on the practical aspect of learning how to develop and implement a sterilization and disinfectant protocol necessary to maintain safety and health in a dental office. An introduction to pathogenic microorganisms, disease transmission and methods of infection control will be emphasized. This course will expand on the information offered in other courses to provide the student with comprehensive knowledge in the operation of Central Sterilization equipment needed to perform instrument sterility techniques for the prevention of cross-contamination in the work place. 

DDA 118 -  English Language Medical And Dental Terminology
                  For The Dental Assistant

This course is designed to provide an opportunity for the student to develop language skills by acquiring a knowledge and understanding of vocabulary and terminology specific to medical and dental sciences. Emphasis will be placed on the acquisition of skills leading to accurate record taking of medical-legal documents as well as proficiency in verbal communication skills in the English language.

DDA 211 - Dental Radiography For The Dental Assistant

This course is designed to provide a basic clinical approach to the subject of dental radiology and radiography needed by the Dental Assistant. The range of knowledge presented falls into four main sections:

· Basics physics and equipment
· Radiation Protection
· Radiography
· Radiology

This course is two part program consisting of a lecture and clinical components where particular emphasis will be placed on the practical application of didactic knowledge. Ongoing instruction will focus on the value of the Assistant in performing these critical radiographic diagnostic procedures. 

DDA 212 - Introduction To Dental Pharmacology, Pathology,
                 And Microbiology

This didactic course emphasizes the terminology, weights and measures, abbreviations and drug classifications used by the dentist in prescription writing. Drug mechanism and interaction are stressed as they relate to the role of the Dental Assistant in active patient care. An understanding of the drug classifications, proper handling and storage of drugs in the dental office, and understanding the legal ramifications of drug abuse are also outlined.

It also provides a basic knowledge of normal and pathogenic organisms is necessary to understand the risk factors involved in the development of good cross-infection control procedure in the dental environment. The teaching philosophy of this course is that the student obtains sufficient didactic knowledge to understand the variable sources of abnormal tissue changes in the oral cavity; and to reinforce practical office protocol designed to eliminate health hazards for personnel and patients. Emphasis is placed on the development of the observational skills of the student to recognize the risk factor associated with changes in the oral cavity. 

DDA 213 - Dental Secretarial Procedures

This two part course includes a didactic and practical component. The lectures offer information leading to a practical application of slandered office procedures. Emphasis will be given to the acquisition of skills leading to improved telephone etiquette, file keeping, and accounting. Exposure to basic computer knowledge as it relates to accounts and appointment scheduling, will also be presented. 

DDA 214 - Dental Clinic Procedures For The Dental Assistant - II

This two-part course expands upon the material taught in first year to promote in the student an attitude of self-assurance, independence, initiative, and proficiency in personal and clinical skills. The didactic and practical components of this comprehensive training in clinical procedures will prepare the student for the responsibilities inherent in the profession of dental assisting. 

DDA 215 - Emergencies In The Dental Clinic

This course offers information leading to the recognition of symptoms that are common to dental and medical emergencies. Emphasis will be given to the acquisition of skills enabling the student to be competent in emergency drill procedures in a potential life-threatening situation. 

DDA 216 - An Introduction To Community Dentistry
                 For The Dental Assistant

This course will present information about the basic precepts of dental public health and discuss issues that impact on both the public private sectors. It will include relevant information on the aetiology of common dental diseases and the importance of good dental health as it relates to patient well-being. A practical educational project will be developed to provide active student participation in a community based dental health project. 

DDA 217 - Operating Room Procedures For The Dental Assistant

This course is designed to provide a basic practical approach to Dental Assisting in the Operating Room. The range of knowledge presented falls into several categories.  

·       Basic steps necessary to organize and maintain armamentarium under aseptic conditions including scrubbing, gowning and masking techniques.

·       Care of the anaesthetized patient - stages of anaesthesia, recovery time, and common complications.

·       Observation and participation in routine OR dental procedures.