Program Profile
We currently have four distance-delivered dental assisting courses that prepare students to take sections of the national certifying exam (DANB) that prepare students to work in the dental assisting field. A student may also choose to continue their dental assisting training at UAA's main campus in Anchorage.

What are the outcomes of these courses?

• Experienced chairside assistants strengthen their understanding of the concepts underlying dental assisting practices.
• Beginning Dental Assistants can develop an excellent knowledge base.
• Students considering a career change are introduced to dental assisting.
• Preparation for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).*

*Students completing the series of courses gain preparation to sit for these components of the DANB: RHS (Radiation Health and Safety) and ICE (Infection Control). Many students find the DANB less intimidating if they break their preparation into sections.

Course Offerings

DA A101 - Essentials of Dentistry
Provides a foundation in general dentistry as it relates to dental assisting including an introduction to basic dental procedures, dental specialties, and dental anatomy. Topics covered include: chairside skills, ethics and jurisprudence, HIPAA, dental charting, emergency procedures, dental anatomy, psychology in the dental office, communication in the dental office, treating people with special needs, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

DA A102 - Infection Control for Dental Auxiliaries
Designed to promote safer workplace practices and prepare students for the Infection Control Component of the DANB. This course covers everything students need to know about dental sterilization. Topics include an introduction to oral microbiology, diseases of concern in the dental office, cross-contamination, hand hygiene, surface disinfectant, instrument recirculation, sterilization monitoring, OSHA standards, occupational and environmental standards, office emergency procedures, and how to market infection control to patients.

DA A127 - Dental Practice Management and Professionalism
Introduces the day-to-day duties of the Dental Administrative Assistant and the Dental Practice Management Assistant. Topics include: business office procedures, computer programs for dentistry, telephone techniques, recall systems, inventory supply, payroll, personnel management, and HIPAA.

DA A110 - Dental Radiography
Comprehensive course designed to train all dental auxiliaries in dental radiography. Topics include radiation health, safety, protection, radiation production, x-ray machines, components and functions, and image receptors. Introduces the study of essential radiographic techniques, film processing, and identification of radiographic anatomy. Prepares students for the Radiation Safety Component of the DANB.

For More Information: Contact Lynda Hernandez at (907) 786-4894 or aflrh@uaa.alaska.edu.