Mandl School – The College Of Allied Health
Course Title: Dental Assisting I Course Number: CDA115 Semester: Winter 2020 Course Length: 15 Weeks Course Schedule: Residential
Academic Measurement Unit: Quarter
- Total Credit Hours: 2
- Total Contact Hours: 45
- Lecture Hours: 15
- Lab Hours: 30
- Externship/Internship Hours: 0
Course Description:
Instructional Resources:
- Pearson’s Comprehensive Dental Assisting
- Pearson’s Comprehensive Dental Assisting Student Workbook
- College-level pocket dictionary
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe four-handed dentistry and clock positions.
- Discuss restorative assisting in all five classes of restorations.
- Understand the use of the amalgamator and proper material transfer.
- Identify and explain instrument processing in various dental specialties.
- Identify and assemble various dental procedure setups.
- Explain impression trays and assist in bite registration procedures.
Weekly Schedule and Topics:
-
Week
Topics
-
Week 1
- Chapters 1 & 2: History of Dentistry, Dental Professions, Community Programs
- Lab: Introduction to the Dental Office
-
Week 2
- Chapters 20 & 21: Dental Office Settings, Equipment, Instrument Transfer
- Lab: Introduction to Dental Clinical Equipment
-
Week 3
- Quiz #1 (Ch. 1, 2, 20)
- Chapter 26: Moisture Control, Dental Dam
- Lab: Instrument Transfer Practice, Intro to Expanded Functions
-
Week 4
- Chapter 22: Patient Records, Health History, Clinical Examination
- Lab: Handpieces and Rotary Instruments
-
Week 5
- Chapter 23: Vital Signs, Body Temperature, Pulse, Respiration
- Lab: Vital Sign Procedures
-
Week 6
- Quiz #2 (Ch. 21, 22, 23)
- Chapter 15: Preventive Care, Brushing, Flossing, Fluoride
- Lab: Preventive Care Procedures
-
Week 7
- Chapter 48: Coronal Polishing, Stains, Instrument Systems
- Lab: Polishing Procedures
-
Week 8
- Quiz #3 (Ch. 15, 48)
- Review of Chapters 1, 2, 20, 22, 21, 23, 26, 15, 48
- Lab: Competency Practice
-
Week 9
- Midterm Review & Exam
- Lab: Midterm Practice
-
Week 10
- Chapter 49: Pit and Fissure Sealants
- Lab: Sealant Application Procedure
-
Week 11
- Chapter 24: Dental Instruments and Burs
- Lab: Class I–V Restorations Setup and Assistance
-
Week 12
- Chapter 25: Ergonomics, Motion Economy, Operating Zones
- Lab: Four-Handed Dentistry Techniques
-
Week 13
- Quiz #4 (Ch. 24, 25, 49)
- Chapter 39: Matrix Systems
- Lab: Matrix Band and Wedge Procedures
-
Week 14
- Final Review (Ch. 24, 25, 39, 49)
- Lab: Competency Practice
-
Week 15
- Final Exam and Review
Assignments & Outside Study Hours:
-
Week
Weekly Reading & Assignments:
Hours
-
Week 1
Read Ch. 1 & 2, Review Questions (Pages 10, 19)
2 hrs
-
Week 2
Read Ch. 9, Review Questions (Page 130), Quiz Prep
2 hrs
-
Week 3
Read Ch. 10, Review Questions (Page 145)
3 hrs
-
Week 4
Read Ch. 11, Review Questions (Page 158)
2 hrs
-
Week 5
Read Ch. 12, Review Questions (Page 174), Quiz Prep
2 hrs
-
Week 6
Read Ch. 17, Review Questions (Page 280)
1 hrs
-
Week 7
Read Ch. 18, Review Questions (Page 294), Quiz Prep
2 hrs
-
Week 8
Review all chapters, Midterm Prep
2 hrs
-
Week 10
Read Ch. 26, Workbook Questions (Pages 238–239)
2 hrs
-
Week 12
Read Ch. 33, Workbook Questions (Page 299)
1 hrs
-
Week 13
Read Ch. 19, Review Questions (Page 312), Quiz Prep
2 hrs
-
Week 14
Final Exam Prep (Ch. 9, 10, 11, 12, 19, 29)
1 hrs
Instructional Methods:
- Lectures
- Hands-on Lab Work
- Occasional Use of Audio-Visual Equipment
Grading Breakdown:
-
Grade
Percentage
-
Quizzes
15%
-
Midterm
20%
-
Final Exam
25%
-
Writing Assignments
25%
-
Participation & Attendance
15%
-
Grade
Points
-
A
95–100
-
A-
90–94
-
B+
87–89
-
B
84–86
-
B-
80–83
-
C+
77–79
-
C
74–76
-
F
Below 74
Pass/Fail Threshold:
- Pass: 74 and above
- Fail: Below 74
Course Policies
- Attendance:
Regular attendance is required. Students are responsible for making up missed material. - Make-Up Work:
Assignments are due as scheduled. Late submissions are accepted up to one week past the deadline, with grade penalties unless prior arrangements are made. - Exam Make-Up Policy:
- Midterms: 15% deduction without prior approval or documentation.
- Finals: 20% deduction without prior approval or documentation.
- Academic Integrity:
All academic work must be the original product of the student. Violations of academic honesty will be reported. Students must understand and adhere to these standards.
Additional Department Policies
- Bring all required materials to class.
- Type all assignments (handwritten journal entries permitted).
- Demonstrate professionalism and refer to instructors by title (Doctor or Professor).
- No cell phones visible or in use during class.
- Attend Learning Center as needed to improve academic performance.
Library & Online Resources
Students are encouraged to use the Mandl Library and external research sources for assignments. Suggested websites include:
www.ada.gov www.cdc.gov