DNTA 1128 - Clinical Practice and Research

Description
Clinical practice assignments are designed to develop a student’s competency in dental assisting procedures. Each student will be assigned to more than one dental office. During these assignments, the student will acquire clinical practice routinely performed by a dental assistant under the supervision of the dentist. Professional development, clinical practice experiences, current techniques, materials, and equipment will be discussed in group sessions to determine the diversity and depth of learning experiences.

Pre-Requisite
Completion of all of the following course: DNTA 1014, DNTA 1113, DNTA 1213, DNTA 1313, DNTA 1413, DNTA 1512 with a grade greater than or equal to a C.

8 Credit Hour(s)

Contact Hours
150 average hours needed to complete internship

6 Faculty Load Hour(s)

Semesters Offered
Fall, Spring

Grade Mode
A-F

Learning Outcomes
Students completing this course will:

Demonstrate a variety of dental procedures
Demonstrate teamwork attributes
Discuss a variety of clinical experiences
Discuss the importance of professional development

General Education Outcomes Supported

Students develop higher order thinking skills.
Students gain greater awareness of cultural perspectives.
Students develop effective oral communication skills.

Standard Practices
Topics list

Discuss dental procedure observed or performed in internships
Discuss interpersonal relationships in offices
Discuss patient management processes
Establish relationships with area dental professionals
Adapt professional bearing
Develop methods of professional development

Learning activities

Didactic instruction will be delivered either in the classroom setting or through virtual systems.
Didactic instruction will include models, manikins, videos, and diagrams to reinforce topics discussed.
Laboratory exercises will align with the didactic portion of the course.
Infection Prevention Protocols will be of primary importance and will be integrated into each and every lab process.
Laboratory exercises will utilize models, manikins, and classmates to locate and identify oral and dental structures.
Disinfection and sterilization laboratories will utilize standard dental equipment for training and will include equipment safety training.
Students will learn new terminology and experience varied learning methods to reinforce the General Education outcomes of higher order thinking skills and information literacy.

Assessments

Final grade will be based on the average of all exams, quizzes, homework, and labs.
Examinations: Final written exam is comprehensive and scored on a percentage basis. Final Practical exam is comprehensive of all skills/topics covered during course.
Quizzes: A quiz may be given at any time during the course. Make-up quizzes are at the instructor’s discretion.
Homework: Assignments may be given at any time during the course and will be due when designated by the instructor. Material turned in after designated time/date will not beaccepted and will result in a grade of “0”.
Labs: Designed for student to gain skill with new procedures. Labs are scored on a Pass/Fail basis. Students must achieve a Pass in order to advance in course.

Grading guidelines

A=90-100%
B=80-89%
C=70-79%

*You must maintain a grade of C or higher to progress in the Dental Assisting Program.