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Dental Assisting

Dental Assisting

Two students wearing protective gear perform a dental procedure on a reclining patient in a clinical classroom setting.


The Academy of Health Careers Dental Assisting program provides classroom theory and practical applications in tasks related to dental office asepsis, sterilization and disinfection procedures in the dental environment. It also provides an introduction to dentistry and dental assisting. This series of courses includes a clinical experience component allowing students a valuable hands-on learning opportunity.  During this clinical experience, students are required to perform basic tasks relating to dental office asepsis and disinfection in a dental office under the guidance of the dental office staff.

The Dental Assisting program is a five-course sequence consisting of the courses below:

  • Course Number: 8400320
    Grade Level: 9
    Credit: 1.0
    Career Cluster: Health Science

    Course Description:
    This course introduces students to careers in the medical field and provides foundational knowledge and skills necessary for employment or further education in health care. Topics include health care systems, medical terminology, basic anatomy and physiology, legal and ethical responsibilities, safety and infection control, and employability skills. Students will also explore communication techniques, patient care concepts, and career planning within the health science cluster.

  • Course Number: 8417100
    Grade Level: 10
    Credit: 1.0

    Course Description:
    This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. It emphasizes the structure and function of body systems and their interrelationships. Students will explore medical terminology, diseases and disorders, and the physiological processes that support life. The course prepares students for health science careers by integrating academic knowledge with clinical applications, including safety, infection control, and legal/ethical responsibilities.

  • Course Number: 8417110
    Grade Level: 9-12
    Credit: 1.0

    Course Description:
    Health Science Foundations is part of the Secondary Health Core designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the health care system and associated occupations. The course covers foundational knowledge and skills including medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, infection control, legal and ethical responsibilities, communication, and employability skills. It prepares students for further study in health science pathways and introduces them to various healthcare careers.

     

  • Course Number: 8417141
    Grade Level: 11
    Credit: 1.0

    Course Description: This course provides classroom theory and practical application in tasks related to dental office asepsis and sterilization and disinfection procedures in the dental environment. It is designed to prepare completers for employment as dental aides specializing as dental sterilization technicians. It also provides an introduction to dentistry and dental assisting.

  • Course Number: 8417151
    Grade Level: 12
    Credit: 1.0

    Course Description:
    This course is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in dental assisting. It includes instruction in chairside assisting techniques, dental materials, radiography, infection control, and office management. Students will continue to develop clinical competencies and professional behaviors necessary for employment in a dental office. Emphasis is placed on safety, ethics, and legal responsibilities in the dental field.

  • Course Number: 8417152
    Grade Level: 12
    Credit: 1.0

    Course Description:
    This capstone course prepares students for entry-level employment or postsecondary education in dental assisting. Students refine their clinical skills through hands-on practice and may participate in internships or externships in dental offices. The curriculum covers advanced procedures, expanded functions, and preparation for industry certification. Professionalism, communication, and ethical standards are emphasized throughout.

  • Course Number: 0500300
    Grade Level: 12
    Credit: 1.0

    Prerequisites: Completion of foundational Dental Assisting coursework and instructor approval.

    Course Description:
    This course provides advanced Dental Assisting students with the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings through structured internships at local dental offices. Students will observe and participate in daily operations under the supervision of licensed dental professionals, gaining exposure to clinical procedures, patient interactions, sterilization protocols, and office management systems. Emphasis is placed on professionalism, communication, and ethical standards in the dental field. Students will reflect on their experiences through journaling, presentations, and discussions, connecting their observations to career goals and industry standards.

     

    Note: Students must provide their own transportation and adhere to all site-specific requirements, including dress code and confidentiality agreements for their dental job shadowing/clinical experiences.

Upon completion of this course sequence, students will have the opportunity to take the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam. We are currently working to find other certification to enhance this program that are also recognized by the state.