Ozarks Technical 
Community College

Laboratory competency course is strictly hands-on work provided on campus in the dental laboratory and clinic.  The course is designed to provide practice of all aspects of chairside assisting while working on manikins and lab partners.

Introduces the student to the business of dentistry, the ethics and law of dentistry, and the professionalism and duties of a chairside dental assistant.

This course provides the student with proper personal protection, disinfection, and sterilization techniques.  It will include an overview of microbiology, chemical disinfectants, infectious diseases, and OSHA regulations.

This course will instruct the dental assistant in the role of assisting and caring for medically, mentally, and physically compromised patients.  The assistant will learn CPR, the taking of vital signs, writing prescriptions, and common drugs used in dentistry.

This course will cover the development, shape, and life cycle of teeth.  It will provide a map of the landmarks that relate to the oral cavity and face.

Laboratory competency course is strictly hands-on work provided on campus in the dental laboratory and clinic.  The course is designed to provide practice of all aspects of chairside assisting while working on manikins and lab partners.

This course will prepare the student to assist in single- and four-handed dentistry procedures.  The student will gain knowledge of hand and rotary instruments, proper instrument use, proper evacuation, and proper charting techniques used in dentistry.

Study of the anatomy of the head, neck, face, and overall body.  Includes study of the physiology or functions of the body systems and how they relate to dentistry.

The foundation for understanding the properties of all dental materials and how matter can affect them.  The student will develop an understanding of safety in handling, techniques, and different uses for certain dental materials.

Laboratory competency course is strictly hands-on work provided on campus in the dental laboratory and clinic.  The course is designed to provide practice of all aspects of chairside assisting while working on manikins and lab partners.

This course covers the caries process, oral pathology lesions, and the affects of nutrition on the oral cavity.  The student will have an understanding of the importance coronal polishing and sealants play in the prevention process.

This course provides the foundation for radiology safety and the legal and ethical responsibilities of an assistant.  The student will learn proper processing techniques, mounting, quality assurance, and patient education.

This course provides the basis for proper manipulation and use of dental materials during operative, orthodontic, and prosthodontic procedures.  The Proper radiology techniques will be practiced on manikins in preparation for actual patient requirements.

The student will be placed in a dental office setting in the community to receive experience first hand from the professionals in dentistry.  The student will receive 300 hours of clinical experience.

Laboratory competency course is strictly hands-on work provided on campus in the dental laboratory and clinic.  The course is designed to provide practice of all aspects of chairside assisting while working on manikins and lab partners.

This course covers the six types of specialties in dentistry.  These include Prosthodontics, Periodontics, Orthodontics, Oral Surgery, Pediatrics, and Endodontics.  The student will be given an overview of materials, instruments, and requirements as an assistant.

This course presents techniques for producing quality intraoral, extraoral, and digital radiographs.

This course presents techniques to properly communicate and relay treatment to the dental patient.  Through role playing and community service the student will learn the importance of verbal and nonverbal communication skills.  The student will also prepare a resume for their future position in the career of dentistry.

Laboratory competency course is strictly hands-on work provided on campus in the dental laboratory and clinic.  The course is designed to provide practice of all aspects of chairside assisting while working on manikins and lab partners.

This course covers dental office inventory management, productive scheduling techniques, overview of dental insurance processing, and accounts receivable management.

Extended training in the specific expanded functions required by the Missouri Dental Practice Act.  These areas include placement of restorative materials, specific orthodontic procedures, as well as prosthodontics.

English 101 introduces students to college-level writing and thinking through personal narrative, analytical, and research-supported writing. The processes of critical thinking, composing, revising, and editing are emphasized.  Students will learn basic research skills and documentation techniques.