Dental Assisting

Dental Assisting – Certificate or AS degree

UMA Bangor

The dental assisting student will be educated in four-handed dentistry and in duties which may be delegated to dental assistants, including dental radiography, oral health education and business office responsibilities. Upon graduation and successful completion of required examinations, Radiology licensure may be obtained; yet, individuals that have been convicted of a felony may not be eligible for licensure. To be considered for admission to dental assisting, all applicants must have the following (emphasis is placed on the science grades in admission decisions):

A high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma.
High School Biology ith lab, BIO 100 or BIO 110 (grade of C- or higher) with more recent biology course considered for admissions
Successful completion of a high school or college mathematics course (Basic Math, general Math, Business Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Algebra/Trigonometry or Geometry) with most recent math considered for admission.
A cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Students accepted for admission are further required to have a complete physical examination within three months prior to entering the program. In addition, students must begin the Hepatitis B vaccination series at least two months prior to beginning the first clinical semester. Students must be immunized against tetanus within the last ten years. Students must have had a Varicella titre or Varicella vaccine series or documentation from a physician stating history of disease before beginning clinical courses in September. Also, the Influenza vaccine will be required before November 1st for each clinical year.
It is solely the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the completed application and related materials (such as high school transcripts, test scores, any transcripts of grades beyond high school, recommendations, etc.) are received by the Office of Admissions. Early application is encouraged because class size in limited.

English Language Proficiency Requirement

Courses and clinical training in Dental Assisting or Dental Health require effective communication skills in speaking, reading, and writing in English at a level that ensures the student’s ability to benefit from and make satisfactory progress in academic instruction involving patient treatment and safety. A student must be able to effectively communicate with patients during treatment and obtain necessary verbal informed consent during patient care and potential medical emergencies. Students will be asked to indicate their English language proficiency in each of the following areas: speaking, reading, and writing.

Fees

Each dental assisting student purchases clinical uniforms & clinical shoes. Transportation costs to clinical assignments are the student’s responsibility. The estimated cost for books and supplies, beyond tuition, room and board, is approximately $2,500. These fees are subject to change without notice.

Immunization Requirements

The Programs teach and utilize the Centers for Disease Control Infection Control Guidelines. (www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/hcw.html) and therefore dental assisting students must fulfill the requirements of completing specified immunizations and titres. Specifically: Hepatitis B Vaccine Series with titre indicating immune status*; varicella vaccine, history of the disease, or titre indicating immunity; tetanus within the past 10 years; influenza vaccine; tuberculin skin test on an annual basis. Students are required to have medical insurance coverage and must obtain certification in healthcare provider level cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or equivalent.

*The CDC recommends repeating the Hepatitis B vaccine series and titre if the initial titre does not indicate immunity. If after a second series, the titre does not indicate immunity, the individual is considered a non-responder. Non-responders should be considered susceptible to Hepatitis B Virus and should be counseled by their own healthcare provider regarding the risks of working in the healthcare field as a non-responder. Being a non-responder does not preclude students from participating in the dental hygiene program or profession, however, it is imperative that dental hygiene students be aware of their immune status to properly manage post exposure incidents.

Criminal Background Checks

Applicants to the Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene programs should be aware that a criminal background check may be required while enrolled in the program or as a condition of professional employment. Internship sites may limit or deny clinical privileges to those who have a prior or current criminal record. If denied clinical privileges, the student is at risk of not being able to obtain the number of clinical hours required for graduation. Students will be expected to provide clinical internship sites with a current background check at the request of the interning site(s), with associated expenses the students’ responsibility.

Applicants of the dental assisting and dental hygiene programs should also be aware that full disclosure regarding criminal background checks could preclude the ability to obtain professional licensure.

Academic Progress Students enrolled in the Dental Assisting Program must earn a C- or better in all courses applied to the certificate in order to remain in the program. To be eligible for certificate completion, the student must have successfully completed all requirements, have a minimum of 44 credit hours, and a grade point average of at least 2.50. Professional conduct and attitude are expected at all times. Certification Upon graduation students will be eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB); which includes General Chairside, Radiation Health and Safety, and Infection Control Exams. Successful completion of the examination carries with it the credential of Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) and qualifies the candidate for licensure in dental radiography from the Maine Board of Dental Practice. Additionally, after one year of full-time practice or two years of part-time practice, the CDA can apply to enroll in the UMA Expanded Function Program. Dental Assisting Certificate Requirements: Minimum 44 Credit Hours Minimum Cumulative UMA G.P.A.: 2.50 Minimum grade of “C-” in all courses applied towards degree completion Clinical Course Prerequisites: Orientation Before entering the clinical portion of the dental assisting program, students are required to attend a mandatory pre-clinical on-campus student orientation. Students will be informed of the meeting date during their registration meeting prior to the preclinical semester. Any student who does not attend the mandatory orientation risks forfeiting their seat in the program. Applicants considering dental assisting need to be aware that this program is academically rigorous and physically demanding, requiring long periods of time in a particular position, often standing or seated. Tasks require hand-eye coordination, visual acuity, fine motor dexterity and close focus vision. Health Insurance Medical insurance coverage is strongly recommended for all Dental health Program students. Students are responsible for any costs incurred in the event of an exposure incident. Program Major Requirements (34 Credit Hours): All courses must be passed with a “C-” or better. DEA 102 – Biodental Sciences I 3 CR DEA 103 – Infection Prevention & Regulatory Compliance for the Dental Assistant 2 CR DEA 152 – Dental Office Management 2 CR DEA 154 – Biodental Sciences II 3 CR DEA 200 – Preclinical Dental Assisting Laboratory 4 CR DEA 201 – Preclinical Dental Assisting Theory 3 CR DEA 213 – Dental Materials 3 CR DEA 250 – Clinical Practice 7 CR DEA 253 – Dental Health Education 2 CR DEH 203 – Dental Radiology 2 CR DEH 204 – Dental Radiology Lab 2 CR DEH 225 – Professionalism for the Oral Health Practitioner 1 CR General Education Requirements (10 Credit Hours): BIO 100 – Human Biology 4 CR PSY 100 – Introduction to Psychology 3 CR Complete one of the following Communications electives (3): COM 101 – Public Speaking 3 CR COM 102 – Interpersonal Communication 3 CR Advising Notes: The Dental Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Association of the American Dental Association. This program emphasizes the knowledge and skills required for chairside dental assisting. It also prepares students with the skills needed to provide clinical support services and perform selected laboratory procedures, as well as basic business office procedures. Students in their final semester will be eligible to take the Certification Examination in General Chairside Assisting and Radiation Health and Safety administered by the Dental Assisting National Board. Successful completion of the examination carries with it the credential of Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) and qualifies the candidate for licensure in Dental Radiography from the Maine Board of Dental Examiners. A minimum grade of “C-” on first attempt is required in all courses applied to the degree; a grade of less than a “C-” will result in dismissal from the program. Students earning a cumulative UMA GPA of less than 2.5 may be dismissed or placed on academic probation. Refer to the current UMA catalog for probation guidelines. Students dismissed from the Dental Assisting program may transfer/apply to another degree program at UMA for which they may be eligible. Students must complete PSY 100, COM 101, and BIO 100 prior to the start of preclinical coursework