Minimum of 42 Credit Hours
Dental assistants perform a growing variety of duties in the dental field. Duties include but are not limited to: therapeutic communication, multicultural interaction, psychology, oral health, preventive techniques, nutrition, chair side instrumentation, infection control, equipment safety, equipment maintenance, dental office emergencies and pain/anxiety management. The New Mexico State Board of Dental Health has implemented new standards that include certification in coronal polishing, topical fluoride as well as pit and fissure sealants. The assistant is responsible for all preparation of dental office procedures, chair side assisting, and reception activities. The demanding versatility requires a person dedicated to the profession and a commitment to function as a dental health care team member.
Institutional Proficiency and Other LCC Requirements
In addition to the courses listed below for this program of study, students must also complete institutional proficiencies of ENG104, MATH105 and READ105 that are outlined on page 75 to meet all graduation requirements.
Certificate Requirements
Program Requirements (37 hours)
DENT103 Dental Materials (5 credits)
DENT109 Preventative Dentistry/Oral Health Care (1 credit)
DENT118 Dental Assisting (3 credits)
DENT119 Dental Terminology (1 credits)
DENT128 Community Field Experience (1 credit)
DENT145 Bio-Dental Science (3 credits)
DENT160 Dental Radiology (4 credits)
DENT167 Oral Medicine (2 credits)
DENT170 Clinical Training/Practicum I (7 credits)
DENT209 Professional Ethics (2 credits)
DENT220 Dental Office Management (2 credits)
DENT226 Dental Pharmacology (1 credit)
DENT233 Laboratory Procedures (2 credits)
DENT270 Clinical Training/Practicum II (3 credits)
Related Studies (5 hours)
BIO103 Medical Terminology* (2 credits)
CSA150 Computer Fundamentals* (3 credits)
Note: *Dental Assistant prerequisite courses of BIO103, CSA150, ENG104, MATH105 and READ105 must be completed prior to entrance into the program.