Course Descriptions

DA 1010 – Dental Science I 3
Previously DA 101L (Prerequisites: RDG 0950 or Accuplacer Reading score of 80 or equivalent and MATH 0750 or Accuplacer Arithmetic score of 57 or equivalent, ENG 0950 or Accuplacer Sentence Skills score of 85 or equivalent) This course will introduce the student to the field of dental assisting. It will instruct the student in the history of dentistry, prevention, anatomy, histology and physiology of the head, neck and body system as they relate to dentistry. The laboratory component will include observation of a working dental office and use of computers for employability skills. (30 theory + 45 lab hours per term)

DA 1104 – Tooth Morphology, Histology and Recordings 3
Previously DA 104 (Prerequisite: DA 1010; Corequisites: DA 102T/L 1110/1172, 106T/L 1120/1170, 108T/L 1108/1175) Presents dental terminology as it relates to tooth morphology, oral embryology, oral pathology and oral anatomy and histology, universal charting, numbering systems, cavity classification, oral diagnosis and treatment planning.

DA 1108/1175 – Dental Radiology I 3
Previously DA 108T/108L (Prerequisite: DA 1010; Corequisites: 1110/1172, 1104, 1120/1170) Presents production and projection of x-rays, operation and care of standard x-ray equipment, operational safety precautions, exposure and mounting of dental x-rays, darkroom procedures and the chemistry of processing films. (30 theory + 45 lab hours per term) Program Fee: Published in the Schedule of Classes.

DA 1110/1172 – Dental Materials and Application 3
Previously DA 102T/102L (Prerequisite: DA 1010, ENG 1101, HLTH 1001; Corequisites: DA 1104, 1120/1170, 1108/1175; Pre- or corequisite: COMM 2221) Introduces the physical and chemical properties of dental materials and their application including placement of temporary restorations, cements, bases and liners, preliminary and final impression materials, composite and crown and bridge materials and procedures. (30 theory + 45 lab hours per term) Program fee: $70

DA 1120/1170 – Chairside Procedures I 3
Previously DA 106T/106L (Prerequisite: DA 1010; Corequisites: 1110/1172, 1104, 1108/1175) Presents theory and care of dental equipment, identification of instruments and their use, tray set-up, fourhanded dentistry techniques and preparation for assisting in a clinical setting. (30 theory + 45 lab hours per term)

DA 1512 – Dental Science II 3
Previously DA 112 (Corequisites: DA 1520/1570, 1510/1575, 1510/1580) Presents microbiology as it relates to control of infection and disease in dental environments and teaches oral pathology, nutrition and pharmacology as they relate to dentistry. Also included are applied psychology and communication skills with dental patients and co-workers.

DA 1520/1570 – Chairside Procedures II 3
Previously DA 116T/116L (Corequisites: DA 1512, 1570, 1510/1575, 1510/1580) Provides advanced knowledge of dental assisting functions including hands-on training, instrumentation, chair-side techniques and patient management. Includes coronal polishing, fluoride application and introduction to sealants. (30 theory + 45 lab hours per term)

DA 1510/1575 – Dental Radiology II 3
Previously DA 118T/DA 118L (Corequisites: DA 1512, 1520/1570, 1575, 1510/1580) Presents production, processing and mounting of x-rays on patients. Record keeping essential to x-ray procedures in the dental office. Reading of dental radiographs, locating anatomical landmarks and maxillary and mandibular and the procedures and reasons for intra oral radiographs and extra oral radiographs included. (30 theory + 45 lab hours per term) Program Fee: Published in the Schedule of Classes.

DA 1510/1580 – Clinical Application I 6
Previously DA 120T/120C (Corequisites: DA 1512, 1520/1570, 1510/1580 and 1510/1580) Introduces clinical practice through student perceptorships utilizing four-handed dentistry at chair-side including extended function in general dentistry delegated to the DA as designated by the New Mexico Dental Practice Act (coronal polishing, fluoride application) (15 theory + 240 clinical hours per term)

DA 2014 – Dental Specialties 3
Previously DA 114 (Corequisites: DA 2410/2470, 2024/2080) Provides introduction into dental specialties with an emphasis on hands-on practice of DA functions that can be delegated in dental specialty offices.

DA 2024/2080 – Clinical Application II 5
Previously DA 124T/124C (Prerequisite: DA 1510/1580; Corequisites: DA 2410/2470, 2014) Provides student internship in dental offices to practice utilization of four-handed techniques in expanded functions and dental specialties. This course further prepares the student to take the National Dental Assistant exam and the New Mexico State exam. (15 theory + 190 clinical hours per term) Program Fee: Published in the Schedule of Classes.

DA 2196 – Special Topics in Dental Assistant 1-6
(all courses ending in 96 are topics courses) Previously DA 296 Explores various topics of interest in the field of Dental Assistants.

DA 2410/2470 – Dental Practice Management and Patient Care 2
Previously DA 110T/110L (Pre- or corequisite: COMM 2221; Corequisites: DA 2014, 2024/2080) Provides basic skills and background in all phases of dental reception functions and office management procedures to include: computer management, oral and written communication, bookkeeping skills, case presentation and financial arrangements, banking procedures and computing salaries and tax records. Emphasis on patient care including communication techniques, interviewing skills and conflict management. Includes clinical observation experiences. (15 theory + 45 lab hours per term)