During this 9-month program, students will learn Dental Assisting in the classroom, laboratory, and in clinical settings. The Salina Tech Dental Assistant program is accredited by the American Dental Association.

Enrollment is open to post-secondary students.  This program is approved for Veteran’s Benefits.

Salina Area Tech students have the option of working toward an Associate in Applied Science degree in Dental Assisting from Cloud County Community College, K-State Salina. or Washburn University.

Additional Entrance Requirements
• Instructor Interview

DA111  Dental Health Education
Introduction to dental health education, basic nutrition, and patient teaching. Included will be a study of periodontal disease, its risks and preventative measures. Basic skills of oral hygiene instruction, fluoride treatments and coronal polishing of the teeth will be implemented.

DA121  Anatomy for Dental Assisting
This course covers identification and function of human body systems, the development of the oral cavity and teeth and supporting structures. The permanent and primary dentitions are covered as well as the major anatomic landmarks of the head and neck.

DA127  Dental Materials I
This course includes identification of materials used in general dentistry. Physical and chemical properties, requirements and limitations, functions and classification will be determined. Proper manipulation of materials , their uses and proper storage will be practiced. Various lab procedures will be studied and practiced so the student will understand the importance of each step in a procedure. The student will be instructed in and expected to demonstrate the safe operation of laboratory equipment.

DA 125 Dental Materials & Lab Procedures
This course gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to work with laboratory and dental equipment and to work with dental materials, identify their physical properties, units of measurement and components.

DA132 Chairside Assisting I
Introduction to the operation and care of major dental equipment, identification and care of hand and rotary instruments, and safety factors relating to instruments and equipment. Introduction and practice of basic duties and responsibilities: seating and dismissing the dental patient, oral evacuation, retraction, and instrument transfer. Study of dental anesthesia and restorative dentistry with practice in application of matrix bands and rubber dams. Also included is a study of the introductory principles of microbiology: classification and characteristics of microbes with primary consideration to pathogenic microorganisms, causes of disease, transmission of infectious diseases, immune response, universal precautions, handling of hazardous materials and infection control techniques according to OSHA and ADA guidelines.

DA137  Dental Radiology I
Introduction to the basic principles of diagnostic radiography, history and properties of x-radiation, x-ray equipment, protective measures and regulations, bisecting and/or paralleling techniques, extraoral radiology, infection control, anatomical landmarks and pathology. Instruction and laboratory techniques include exposure, processing, mounting and evaluation of dental films using the Dxxtr manikin.

DA141  Pre Clinical
This course is an introduction to the clinical aspects of the dental office. Students will observe in area dental offices and begin to practice and apply the clinical and laboratory skills learned in the course.

Second Semester
DA207 Dental Office Procedures
This course will provide instruction and dental charting, recording services rendered, supply and inventory control, appointment control and recall, accounts receivable, collections, expenses and disbursements, banking procedures, dental insurance, and job seeking skills.

DA227  Dental Materials II
This course is a continuation of Dental Materials I and will include identification of materials used in general dentistry and dental laboratory procedures. Physical and chemical properties, requirements and limitations, functions and classifications will be determined. Proper manipulation of materials, their uses and proper storage will be practiced. Various laboratory procedures construction of base plates and biterims, bleaching trays, and a retainer will be practiced so the student will understand the importance of each operation in a procedure. The student will be instructed in and expected to demonstrate the safe operation of laboratory equipment.

DA232  Chairside Assisting II
Continuation of chairside Assisting I. This course will provide a foundation for assisting in the remaining dental specialties: fixed prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, periodontics, removable prosthodontics, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, and pediatric dentistry. Procedures, instruments and materials involved in these areas will be studied.

DA237   Dental Radiology II
Students will recognize anatomical structures, diseases of the dental pulp and the oral soft tissues on radiographs. This course also includes a review of x-ray production, quality control, and assurance of diagnostic radiographs. Continuation of Radiology It will involve more intensive experience in exposing, processing and mounting intraoral films using the DXXtr manikin and patients. Students will be closely supervised and evaluation will be made of each completed survey. Radiographic safety and infection control procedures are emphasized.

DA241   Clinical Experience
In a variety of dental practice settings (both general and specialty), the student will demonstrate the principles of chairside assisting, dental laboratory procedures and business office procedures.

DA245   Dental Science
This course will provide the student with knowledge of emergencies that may arise in the dental setting. The student will be expected to recognize signs and symptoms of emergencies and will assist in delivery of suggested treatment. Basic first aid and skills in taking and recording vital signs will be covered. Students will be introduced to common drugs used in dentistry, indications, contraindications, dosages and methods of administration and storage. This course will also provide instruction in normal and oral pathological conditions.

Career  Opportunities & Placement
Upon completion of the Salina Tech Dental Assistant program, students may seek employment in a wide range of settings. Students from the Dental Assistant program enjoy a high placement rate and have found jobs throughout Kansas and as far away as Texas and California. The types of practice settings include solo and group dental practices, specialty practices that may include oral and maxiofacial surgery, pediatric dentistry, endodontics, periodontics, or prosthodontics. Dental assistants may also choose to work for a dental supply house, in the public health sector, for an insurance company processing dental claims, for a dental laboratory or in another type of medical or hospital setting.

Each student who completes a program will be assisted by the department instructors in securing desirable employment.  While SATS graduates have historically enjoyed a high rate of placement, the school does not guarantee job placement.
 

Salina Tech does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, handicap, or veteran status on admission, educational programs, or activities as required by Title IX1972. Educational Amendments