Students will be introduced to what it means to be a dental health care professional. Students will begin to learn of the different areas of dentistry and common medical and dental terminology, tooth numbering systems, tooth functions, surfaces and restoration classifications, and dental materials used in the provision of basic assisting. Preparation for practice theory will be introduced and will include time management, critical thinking, confidentiality, and the fundamental principles of effective communication as they relate to patient and team interactions.

This course will provide theory and knowledge as it relates to both general physical and oral health. Students will be provided foundational knowledge in microbiology, infection prevention and control, general and dental anatomy, including histology, embryology, morphology, pharmacology, and nutrition.

Within the clinic component of this course, students are introduced to the related practical applications of the theories provided in this course, as well as within DA100 and DA101. In preparation for practice, students will actively be engaged in the practical applications related to clinic and treatment area preparation, operations and maintenance, infection prevention and control processes, patient communication, assisting with dental examinations, chairside assisting, instrument usage, and basic diagnostic procedures.

The theory and clinical components of this course introduce concepts of oral self-care, periodontal disease, creating a preventive care treatment plan, oral self-care agents, dental prophylaxis, dietary counselling as it pertains to oral health, and the learning and teaching process as it applies to patient interaction. 
Prerequisite: DA100, DA101, and DA102.

This program provides the student with general and practical knowledge related to dental administration. Students will be provided with a general knowledge of dental software systems and have the opportunity to practice their knowledge utilizing the dental software system.

This course continues from Preventive Dentistry I to prepare the learner to perform the direct patient care procedures that a Certified Dental Assistant in BC may perform under the supervision of a dentist. Pre-clinical activities taught in this course. Skills will be taught in a progressive manner, practiced on dental manikins and then on student partners as indicated within the course outline. Students will be required to participate in a Public Health Care activity where they will be providing oral self-care instruction and dental related nutritional information.

In the theory portion of this course, students are taught the fundamentals of radiographic (x-ray) physics, the safe and efficient practices required for exposing and processing dental radiographic images, paralleling, and bitewing techniques, and quality assurance. 

This course provides the learner with information and practical experiences related to basic dental laboratory procedures, including laboratory equipment, laboratory materials, gypsum products, fixed and removable prosthodontics, and custom appliances.

This course provides foundational knowledge on the recognized Canadian dental specialties, as well the common clinical procedures associated with the specialty. Theory sessions will provide detailed information about the need for and the provision of common dental treatments associated with each specialty.

This practicum experience provides the opportunity for students to practice and grow their dental assisting skills in a general dentistry practice. It focuses on professional conduct, communication skills, clinical support procedures, chairside assisting, patient oral care instruction, and basic lab procedures.

No certified dental assisting duties may be performed during this practicum.

During this course, students are given the opportunity to demonstrate their new skills and knowledge and provide preventive dental services to patients in an on-site public clinic setting. Students will be evaluated on their skills under the direct supervision of a clinic instructor, a dentist or a dental hygienist.

Students will create resumes, experience mock employment interviews, and identify and assess various employment avenues. Communication skills developed throughout the academic year will be highlighted and refined.

In advance of the student completing the program, this course will provide the learner with an opportunity to have guided revision of the theory presented throughout the entire program in advance of the graduate sitting the NDAEB Written Examination and CPE.

This final dental practicum experience will provide the opportunity for the students to practice the full range of their skills as permitted by the sponsoring dentist.