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Academy of Health Careers: Dental Assisting

Dental
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 four-course sequence consisting of the courses below:


9th grade: Medical Skills and Services 
Course # 8400320 
1 credit 


This course is designed to give students an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills related to the area of Health Science career clusters. The content includes but is not limited to practical generic skills in health occupations. Instruction and learning activities are provided in a laboratory setting using hands on experience with the equipment, materials, and technology appropriate to healthcare careers.


10th grade: Health Science Anatomy & Physiology 
Course # 8417100 
1 credit

This course is part of the secondary Health Core consisting of an overview of the human body, both structurally and functionally with emphasis on the pathophysiology and transmission of disease. Medical terminology is an integral part of the course. This course is required for the Dental, EMR and Nursing pathways within the Health Academy curriculum.


11th grade: Health Science Foundations 
Course # 8417110 
1 credit  
Prerequisite: Health Science Anatomy & Physiology 
This course is part of the secondary Health Core designed to provide the student with an in depth knowledge of the healthcare system and associated occupations. Emphasis is placed on communication and interpersonal skills, use of technology, ethics and development of critical thinking skills. Students will job shadow various professionals in the healthcare facility throughout the course. 

Transportation and PPD (skin test for Tuberculosis) required. A negative PPD report is required and may be obtained from the student’s healthcare provider or the Health Department. 
Forms may be obtained from the Health Science 2 Instructor.


12th grade: Dental Assisting
Course # 8417141
1 credit
Prerequisites: Health Science Anatomy & Physiology & Health Science Foundations

This course provides classroom theory and practical applications in tasks related to dental office asepsis, 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.

This class includes a clinical component. 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. Observations and minimal participation in dental procedures may also be required. Transportation is required.


Upon completion of this course sequence, students will have the opportunity to take the National Entry Level Dental Assistant Certification (NELDA) exam.