Dental Assisting Program. Department of Dental Studies. Admissions Information. Fall 2016

Transcription

1 Dental Assisting Program Department of Dental Studies Admissions Information Fall 2016 Dental Assisting The dental assistant is a highly technical skilled worker who is responsible for working under the supervision of a dentist. A dental assistant provides a wide range of tasks in the dental office including, but not limited to patient care, administrative duties, and laboratory functions. Duties involve assisting a dentist engaged in performing general dentistry practices such as diagnostic, operative, preventive, and other dental procedures during examination and treatment of patients. Tyler Junior College Program Tyler Junior College (TJC) full-time 11-month dental assisting curriculum leads to a Level 1 Certificate in Dental Assisting that will begin in the fall of each year. Enrollment is limited to accepted applicants. The application process is outlined in the enclosed Application Guidelines. Upon completion of the dental assisting program, students will be prepared for the Dental Assisting National Board Exam and for entry level positions in general or specialized dental offices; dental clinics; public health; schools or research. The program provides the student with the basics for furthering his or her professional and educational needs. The full-time dental assistant curriculum at TJC is pending accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation. 1 P a g e

2 Initial Accreditation Status The program in dental assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and have been granted the accreditation status of initial accreditation and approval without reporting requirements, respectively. The Commission is a specialized body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL The Commission s web address is: 2 P a g e

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4 Dental Assisting Program Mission Statement The mission of the Tyler Junior College Dental Assisting Program is to advance the mission of the college by providing a quality education that respects the individual, encourages student learning, and promotes lifelong advancement. It is the expectation that this department will meet the needs of the dental profession and those of the community by preparing students to be clinically competent, to think critically, to utilize evidence-based decisions, to foster ethical principles, and to meet the changing demands of oral health care. Goals The following goals and learning outcomes are integral to accomplish the mission of the Tyler Junior College Dental Assisting Program: Prepare competent entry-level dental assisting professionals who Demonstrate core behaviors of the profession. Initiate and assume responsibility for health promotion and disease prevention activities for individuals and groups. Demonstrate the ability to actively contribute to the health of the community. Developing strategies to increase professional growth and development. 4 P a g e

5 Contents Career Opportunities in Dental Assisting... 6 Job Description... 6 Career Advantages... 6 Opportunities... 7 Earning Potential... 7 Essential Functions of a Dental Assistant... 8 Curriculum... 9 Dental Assisting Department Bloodborne Pathogen Guidelines... 9 Admission Highlights Minimum Qualifications Policy on criminal background check and drug screening Application Process Application Period How are the applicants selected? Dental Assisting Admission Points: What Steps do I Take? What if I am Selected? Testing for Application HESI A2 VERSION 1 TESTA2 VERSION 1 TEST WHEN AND WHERE CAN A STUDENT TAKE THE EXAM? HOW MUCH DOES THE HESI A2 VERSION 1 TESTA2 COST AND WHAT DO I NEED TO TAKE TO THE EXAM? CAN A STUDENT RETEST? IS THERE A STUDY GUIDE? Application Check List Dental Assisting Admission Worksheet Calculations P a g e

6 Career Opportunities in Dental Assisting Dental assistants greatly increase the efficiency of the dentist in the delivery of quality oral health care and are valuable members of the dental care team. If you have strong communication skills, enjoy working with your hands as well as your mind, and want a career with responsibility, dental assisting is for you. Job Description The duties of a dental assistant are among the most comprehensive and varied in the dental office. The dental assistant performs many tasks requiring both interpersonal and technical skills. Although state regulations vary, responsibilities may include: assisting the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays) asking about the patient's medical history and taking blood pressure and pulse serving as an infection control officer, developing infection control protocol and preparing, and sterilizing instruments and equipment helping patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment providing patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatment procedures, such as the placement of a restoration (filling) teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health; (e.g., tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling) taking impressions of patients' teeth for study casts (models of teeth) performing office management tasks that often require the use of a personal computer communicating with patients and suppliers (e.g., scheduling appointments, answering the telephone, billing and ordering supplies) helping to provide direct patient care in all dental specialties, including orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and oral surgery Career Advantages Variety: Dental assisting is a challenging and rewarding career, demanding versatility and a willingness to assume responsibility for many different tasks. Flexibility: Since dental assistants are in demand, career options include both full-time and part-time positions. Excellent working conditions: Dental offices are interesting, pleasant, people-oriented environments in which to work. Personal satisfaction: Dental assisting involves people contact, and with this personal interaction comes the personal satisfaction of knowing you've really helped someone by helping to provide a valuable health service. 6 P a g e

7 Opportunities Since many dentists employ two or more dental assistants, employment opportunities in this field are excellent. The types of practice settings available to dental assistants include: solo dental practices (practices with only one dentist) group practices (practices with two or more dentists) specialty practices, such as oral and maxillofacial surgery (removal of teeth and correction of facial deformities), orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics (straightening teeth with braces or other appliances), endodontics (root canal treatment), periodontics (treatment of gum problems), prosthodontics (replacement of lost teeth) and pediatric dentistry (treatment of children) public health dentistry, including settings such as schools and clinics which focus on the prevention of dental problems within entire communities hospital dental clinics, assisting dentists in the treatment of bedridden patients dental school clinics, assisting dental students as they learn to perform dental procedures Other career opportunities for dental assistants include: insurance companies, processing dental insurance claims vocational schools, technical institutes, community colleges and universities, and dental schools teaching others to be dental assistants (which may require associate or baccalaureate college degrees) dental product sales representatives Earning Potential Dental assistants earn salaries equal to other health care personnel with similar training and experience such as medical assistants, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapy assistants, veterinary technicians, and pharmacy assistants. Salaries, benefits and job opportunities for licensed dental assistants vary according to experience, geographic location and dental specialty. In 2014, full-time salaries ranged from $29,994 to $38,472 in Texas According to the Texas Wage Information Network. 7 P a g e

8 Essential Functions of a Dental Assistant In addition to the academic admission requirements for students entering the Dental Assisting Program; the following Essential Functions are also expected of all students with or without accommodations: Student must have the intellectual, conceptual and critical thinking abilities to access, analyze, reason and synthesize data in order to draw sound conclusions and make clinical decisions. Students must be able to problem solve as well as obtain, interpret and document information. Students must have effective oral and written communication skills in order to accurately transmit information appropriate to the ability of dentists, patients, colleagues, and other healthcare workers. Students must be able to read and write clearly in English. Students must have fine motor skills sufficient to lift and operate equipment and provide safe and effective dental assisting care. Student must have interpersonal skills such that they are capable of interacting with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, economic and ethnic backgrounds. Students must have the physical mobility necessary to move from place to place in small spaces as well as full range of motion, manual and finger dexterity Student must have the physical endurance that enables them to stay on task for prolonged period while sitting, standing, or moving. Student must have the visual and perceptual abilities sufficient for observation of patients, oral conditions, and assessments. Student must have the ability to discriminate between subtle changes in oral conditions, clinically and radiographically. Students must process a high degree of hand-eye coordination. The students auditory ability and other sensory skill must be sufficient to monitor and assess the health needs and determine the oral conditions of patients as well as maintain patient safety. Students must demonstrate professional attitudes and behaviors. Students must be able to use reasonable judgment under stressful conditions that impact patient care. Students must be able to work independently as a member of a team to maintain the highest standards in relation to quality care. Students must be able to present a professional appearance, maintain personal health, and be emotionally stable. Students must be able to demonstrate effective time management and patient management. Students must be able to multitask, prioritize, comprehend, and follow instructions. Students must also be able to comply with a variety of clinical and professional rules and regulations related to safe clinical practices. Students must be able to fulfill these essential functions of the job without endangering patients or other healthcare workers. Students with disability are eligible for 8 P a g e

9 accommodations. Prior to the start of the program, students may contact the ADA Student Coordinator in Support Services in Rodgers Student Center or call for an appointment Curriculum Those applying for the program MUST complete all sections of the HESI A2 VERSION 1 TEST. Only those accepted into the Dental Assisting Program may take any course with the DNTA prefix. After a student is accepted and placed into the Dental Assisting Program, enrollment is necessary for one consecutive year to complete the program, to earn a Level 1 Certificate and to attain eligibility to apply for licensure. Failure to complete any DNTA course with a grade of 70 or better will cause dismissal from the program. Further licensure requirements include successful scoring on the Registered Dental Assisting Exam, a written exam administered by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and a Jurisprudence exam for the licensing state. Dental Assisting Department Bloodborne Pathogen Guidelines Dental assistants are healthcare providers and may be at risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases due to the nature of the profession. 9 P a g e

10 Qualifications: DENTAL ASSISTING Level 1 Certificate The following requirements must be completed prior to applying to the Dental Assisting Program: Apply to Tyler Junior College Have earned a High School Diploma or required equivalent (GED) Have a minimum GPA of 2.0 Complete the required sections of the HESI A2 VERSION 1 TEST: a. Reading b. Vocabulary c. Math d. Anatomy and Physiology Recommended course but not required: BIOL 2404 Intro to Anatomy and Physiology FIRST YEAR Fall Semester Prefix and Number Course Name Credit Hours DNTA 1311 Dental Science 3 DNTA 1301 Dental Materials 3 DNTA 1315 Chairside Assisting 3 DNTA 1305 Dental Radiology 3 DNTA 1353 Dental Assisting Application 3 DNTA 1113 Emergency Management 1 Total Credit Hours 16 Spring Semester Prefix and Number Course Name Credit Hours DNTA 1349 Dental Radiology in the Clinic 3 DNTA 1245 Preventive Dentistry 2 DNTA 2250 Advanced Dental Assisting Application 2 DNTA 1341 Dental Laboratory Procedures 3 DNTA 1266 Practicum Dental Assistant 1 2 DNTA 1347 Advanced Dental Science 3 Total Credit Hours 15 Summer Long Session Prefix and Number Course Name Credit Hours DNTA 2130 Seminar for the Dental Assistant 1 DNTA 2166 Practicum Dental Assistant 2 1 DNTA 1251 Dental Office Management 2 Total Program Credit Hours 35 All applicants to our Nursing and Health Sciences programs must be able to pass a criminal background check that includes the provision of necessary documentation for the background check agency to make it reliable. Said documentation may include an authenticated social security card and positive identification such as a driver s license or identification card 10 P a g e

11 Admission Highlights Prior to applying to the Dental Assisting Program Apply to Tyler Junior College Have earned a High School Diploma or required equivalent (GED) Have a minimum GPA 2.0 Complete the required sections of the HESI A2 VERSION 1 TEST a. Reading b. Vocabulary c. Math d. Anatomy and physiology Minimum Qualifications An applicant is considered to be qualified for admissions if the candidate has met ALL of the following criteria Qualified for admissions to Tyler Junior College Have earned a High School Diploma or required equivalent (GED) with a minimum GPA of 2.0 Complete the required sections of the HESI A2 VERSION 1 TEST o Reading o Vocabulary o Math o Anatomy and physiology Students are encouraged to take the following course to gain extra points on their application BIOL Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology HPRS 1201 and HPRS Introduction to the Health Profession Policy on criminal background check and drug screening All applicants to nursing and health sciences programs must be able to pass a criminal background check that includes the provision of necessary documentation for the background check agency to make it reliable. Said documentation may include an authenticated social security card and positive identification such as a driver s license or identification card All applicants to our Nursing and Health Sciences Programs must be able to pass a drug screening from a designated lab 11 P a g e

12 Application Process Completion of the dental assisting curriculum will result in the eligibility to apply to take licensure exam to become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). All applicants must meet the same basic requirements to be selected for placement. Due to specific individual needs that include additional program specific supplies and equipment, estimated costs in the program may range from $6100-$8400. This estimate includes in-state tuition and fees, books, uniforms, equipment, instruments, and supplies. If the applicant has previously attended any Nursing and Health Sciences Program, including programs at TJC and/ or other colleges, he/she must be eligible for readmission to the respective program(s). A letter of good standing from the previous program director must be submitted to TJC Dental Assisting for verification Application Period December 1- June 15 Completed qualifying application materials may be submitted on or after December 1 st, and must be submitted by the June 15 st deadline in order to be considered for placement. How are the applicants selected? Applicants are awarded points based on the following criteria (see Admission Highlights) is based on total points ranked from highest to lowest. The top 24 ranking applicants will be selected for conditional placement. If applicant scores are tied, the HESI A2 VERSION 1 TEST composite score will be utilized to break the tie. Dental Assisting Admission Points: HESI A2 VERSION 1 TEST sections: o Reading o Vocabulary o Math o Anatomy and Physiology In-district residency (confirmed by TJC registrar s office) BIOL Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology HPRS Introduction to Health Professions 12 P a g e

13 Dental Assisting Admission Points: Selection for placement into the dental assisting program is based on the following point system 1. HESI A2 VERSION 1 TEST based on the following 4 sections: HESI How to calculate your points Points Reading Score X 10% Math Score X 5% Vocabulary Score X 10% Anatomy and Physiology Score X 5% 2. Residency within the Tyler Junior College District 2 points 3. Additional bonus points, but are not required: completion of each of the following courses (HPRS requires a B or better) a. BIOL Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology points Grade A B C D Points Bonus, if completed at TJC b. HPRS 1201 & HPRS Introduction to the Health Profession 1 point *Grades in currently enrolled courses will not be considered towards application points What Steps do I Take? In order to apply to the program, applicants must provide proof of admission (A#) to Tyler Junior College and evidence of a High School Diploma or required equivalent (these documents will be on file in the registrar s office, once you have submitted them with your application to the college). Applications are available on the website and must be completed and PRINTED, then delivered by , mail or in person to the Dental Assisting Office located in Rodger Nursing and Health Science Building (RNHS) room Applications will be accepted in the Dental Assisting Office beginning December 1 st 2015 until the deadline for applications on June 15 th Steps: 1. Apply to Tyler Junior College- and receive a student ID number ( A number). 13 P a g e

14 2. Submit official transcripts to the registrar s office. 3. Meet with a Nursing and Health Science advisor ( for an appointment) on the 2nd floor of Rodgers Student Center or with the Program Coordinator of Dental Assisting, Jenna Wallis ( ), where you will obtain a voucher to take the HESI A2 VERSION 1 TEST. 4. Complete the required sections of the HESI A2 VERSION 1 TEST (reading, math, vocabulary, and anatomy and physiology). You MUST be a student at TJC and have an A-number to be able to take the HESI exam. 5. After completing the HESI A2 VERSION 1 TEST, complete the application (available on our website ( and PRINT the application. Also, complete the Dental Assisting Admissions Worksheet (available online at and make sure to hit submit (this link works best with Google). Deliver the printed application, along with your HESI A2 VERSION 1 TEST scores, to the Dental Assisting Program office number RNHS What if I am Selected? The applicant selected for conditional placement into the Dental Assisting Program will receive an (via TJC ) of notification from the program coordinator along with the following forms: Health Immunization Recognition of policies Change of major Drug screening/criminal back ground check Confirmation agreement To confirm placement the applicant must submit written acceptance. Confirmed placement is subject to submission of the confirmation agreement, health and immunization forms with a full release by the physician to perform patient care, and a successful drug screening and criminal background check. Failure to submit the required confirmation agreement and required forms within the designated time frame will result in forfeiture of placement. Any spaces vacated by a forfeiture or health reasons will be filled from the alternate list in ranking order. Tyler Junior College gives equal consideration to all applicants for admission, employment and participation in its programs and activities without regards to race, creed, color, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability or veteran status Testing for Application HESI A2 VERSION 1 TEST 14 P a g e

15 All dental assisting applicants must take the HESI A2 VERSION 1 TEST, which is administered in the Testing Services at Rodgers Student Center on the TJC campus for a fee of $50.00 to students who are currently enrolled at TJC or who are applying for a Nursing and Health Science Program at TJC. Permission to take the exam must be granted, based on applicant s readiness, by a Nursing and Health Sciences Advisor in the Advising Center in Rodgers Student Center, 2 nd floor, or by Jenna Wallis, Dental Assisting Program Coordinator. All of the following four sections of the HESI A2 VERSION 1 TEST must be complete: 1. Reading 2. Vocabulary 3. Math 4. Anatomy and Physiology One retest is allowed per application period. HESI A2 VERSION 1 TEST scores are good for two years See section on HESI A2 VERSION 1 TEST in this document for more detailed information HESI A2 VERSION 1 TESTA2 VERSION 1 TEST The HESI A2 VERSION 1 TESTA2 Version 1 Test is a comprehensive exam that evaluates the academic and social skills of new applicants to the Nursing and Health Sciences Program. This exam evaluates a student s math and reading skills, science knowledge, vocabulary, social interaction, stress level, learning style, and personality profile. MATH Focuses on math skills for health care fields including basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, fractions, decimals, ratio and proportion, household measures, and general math facts. READING Provides reading scenarios over medical topics in order to measure reading comprehension, identifying the main idea, finding meaning of words in context, passage comprehension, and making logical inferences. VOCABULARY/GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Contains vocabulary terms that are used commonly in both general English speaking and in the health care fields. ANATOMY and PHYSIOLOGY Provides coverage of general terminology and anatomical structures and systems. WHEN AND WHERE CAN A STUDENT TAKE THE EXAM? The Dental Assisting Program offers the HESI A2 VERSION 1 TESTA2 Version 1 exam in the Testing Center at Tyler Junior College. Depending on demand, an appointment may be necessary, otherwise testing is 15 P a g e

16 administered on a first come-first test basis. HESI A2 VERSION 1 TESTA2 Version 1 testing will not be administered 4 hours 40 minutes before closing. Visit for testing hours. If the student completes the exam at another institution, the institution can fax the scores to the Dental Assisting office at or send by mail to Tyler Junior College, Dental Assisting Program, PO Box 9020, Tyler, TX HOW MUCH DOES THE HESI A2 VERSION 1 TESTA2 COST AND WHAT DO I NEED TO TAKE TO THE EXAM? The cost of the exam is $50.00 for Tyler Junior College Students. The student must pay for the exam and present a receipt to complete the exam. Payment can be made at the Testing Center or the Cashier s office in White Administration Building. The Cashier will accept check, credit card, money order or cash payments. Along with receipt of payment, the student will need to present a photo ID. Calculators may be used during the exam and are provided by the Testing Center. Directions for testing will be given when the HESI A2 VERSION 1 TEST ticket is given. Students will have up to four hours and forty minutes to test. CAN A STUDENT RETEST? One or more sections of the HESI A2 VERSION 1 TESTA2 Version 1 Test may be retaken once per application period to achieve a better score. HESI A2 VERSION 1 TESTA2 Version 1 is the only version accepted. Scores are valid for two years. IS THERE A STUDY GUIDE? A study guide can be purchased at or at various bookstores. The ISBN is for reference. The cost is approximately $ Application Check List Does your application packet contain the following materials? If so, you are ready to submit your application to the Dental Assisting Program Office (RNHS 2.251) Have been accepted to TJC and have obtained an A# Copy of your official transcript from all previous schools attended on file in registrar s office Selective admissions application form (located online under the Nursing and Health Science Center Home (please print application and submit with other application documents) HESI Test Scores Dental Assisting Admissions Worksheet under Related Downloads 16 P a g e

17 Dental Assisting Admission Worksheet Calculations 1. HESI A2 VERSION 1 TEST based on the following 4 sections: HESI How to calculate your points Points a. Reading Score X 10% b. Math Score X 5% c. Vocabulary Score X 10% d. Anatomy and Physiology Score X 5% 2. Residency within the Tyler Junior College District (2 points) points 3. Additional bonus points, but are not required: completion of each of the following courses (HPRS requires a B or better) a. BIOL 2404 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology points Grade A B C D Points Bonus if completed at TJC b. HPRS 1201 & HPRS 1103 Introduction to the Health Profession (1 point) point Add totals from 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 3a, 3b and place here Total Points *Grades in currently enrolled courses will not be considered towards application points 17 P a g e