Offered Fall Semester

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Dental Assisting program

Co-requisites: DAT 115, DAT 116, DAT 118, DAT 154

This course is a study of physical and chemical properties of matter and identification, characteristics, and manipulation of dental materials.

Offered Fall Semester

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Dental Assisting program

Co-requisites: DAT 113, DAT 116, DAT 118, DAT 154

This course introduces a cursory history of dental assisting, professional associations, scope of service in dentistry and ethical, legal and professional considerations. The State Dental Practice Act is reviewed. (This course is only offered online.)

Offered Fall Semester

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Dental Assisting program

Co-requisites: DAT 113, DAT 115, DAT 118, DAT 154 (required)

This course is a study of dental office emergencies, microbiology, pharmacology and oral pathology as related to the role of the dental assistant.

Offered Fall Semester

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Dental Assisting program

Co-requisites: DAT 113, DAT 115, DAT 116, DAT 154 (required)

This course emphasizes the development, eruption and individual characteristics of each tooth and surrounding structures.

Offered Spring Semester

Prerequisites: DAT 113, DAT 115, DAT 116, DAT 118, DAT 154

Co-requisites: DAT 127, DAT 160, DAT 175 (required)

This course defines the responsibilities of the dental assistant in individual and community dental health education with emphasis on the etiology of dental disease, methods for prevention and principles of nutrition in relation to oral health and preventive dentistry.

Offered Summer Semester

Prerequisites: DAT 121, DAT 127, DAT 160, DAT 175

Co-requisite: DAT 177 (required)

This course provides a study of the business aspect of a dental office and dental computer software.

Offered Spring Semester

Prerequisites: DAT 113, DAT 115, DAT 116, DAT 118, DAT 154

Co-requisites: DAT 121, DAT 160, DAT 175 (required)

This course provides the fundamental background and theory for the safe and effective use of x-radiation in dentistry. It encompasses the history of x-rays, production and uses of radiation, radiographic film, exposure factors, interpretation of radiographs and radiation hygiene.

Offered Fall Semester

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Dental Assisting program (Infection Control Online component must be completed prior to course start date.)

Co-requisites: DAT 113, DAT 115, DAT 116, DAT 118 (required)

This course includes preparation to assist a dentist efficiently in four-handed dentistry. Emphasis is on the names and functions of all dental instruments, the principles involved in their use and the assistant’s role in dental instrumentation.

Offered Spring Semester

Prerequisites: DAT 113, DAT 115, DAT 116, DAT 118, DAT 154

Co-requisites: DAT 121, DAT 127, DAT 175 (required)

This course provides practical experience in performing the expanded duties designated by the SC State Board of Dentistry for Expanded Duty Dental Assistants. In addition, the course covers an overview of dental specialties.

Offered Spring Semester

Prerequisites: DAT 113, DAT 115, DAT 116, DAT 118, DAT 154

Co-requisites: DAT 121, DAT 127, DAT 160 (required)

This course is an introduction to chairside assisting with emphasis on general practice and exposure to several dental specialties. Students will be assigned to a variety of dental practice settings and will record experiences in an online journal for faculty review. Seminars will be held to allow sharing of experiences.

Offered Summer Semester

Prerequisites: DAT 121, DAT 127, DAT 160, DAT 175

Co-requisite: DAT 122 (required)

This course consists of practice in the dental office or clinic with rotation of assignments to encompass experiences in office management and clinical experience in all areas of dentistry.