PROGRAM APPENDICES
Dental Assistant Program Information Mission Statement The mission of the Dental Assistant Program of the Connecticut Technical High School System is to provide higher education to students who are interested in pursuing post-secondary study in the dental field. It ensures the student both academic and clinical success and instills a zest for lifelong learning. We support students in their pursuit of their personal and professional goals to become productive members of the dental health care team. Purpose The primary purpose of the program is to train dental assistants at the vocational (non-degree) level by providing an environment which simulates the general practice of dentistry and is consistent with the requirements of the Council on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association and the Connecticut State Dental Practice Act. Students graduate with a marketable degree of skill and can assume an entry-level position in a private or public dental office or clinic. The program is ten months in length (1080 hours), approximately 350 of the 1080 hours is spent in an externship in dental offices. Admission is done yearly with the program starting in late August and ending in June of the following year. Philosophy of Dental Assistant Education Dental assisting is a science which includes the maintenance and promotion of dental health through assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of ever-changing patient needs. The Connecticut Technical High School System is committed to respond to community needs by producing skilled graduates who will attain gainful employment and job satisfaction. The Dental Assistant Program is offered within the framework of Vocational Education. The Dental Assistant Program, with its common core of theoretical knowledge and clinical experience, is offered sequentially from simple to complex and provides the necessary skills for the graduate to function as a dental assistant. Ongoing evaluation of the attainment of curriculum goals is the responsibility of the school faculty with input from the students clinical staff and the Career Technical Education Advisory Committee (CTEAC). Individuals are encouraged to pursue further education beyond the scope of the Dental Assistant Program. Program Objectives At the completion of the Dental Assistant Program the graduate is prepared to: function effectively in assisting the dentist in caring for the patient with emphasis on comfort, safety and efficiency; apply infection control practices in accordance with CDC recommendations; exhibit interpersonal skills, professional ethics and personal integrity; demonstrate competency in basic dental laboratory, radiology and office procedure skills; and, effectively communicate using verbal, non-verbal and writing skills.
Policies Specific to the Dental Assistant Education Program 1 Selection of Students Selection of students for enrollment in the program is based upon scholastic requirements (high school diploma or GED), personal interview, spontaneous essay, a letter of professional recommendation and a physical examination. Additionally, students will be required to spend a minimum of two hours observing the dynamics of a dental office and to furnish documentation of same. Students admitted to the Dental Assistant Education Program are required to have a background check performed. Attendance Regular attendance by students is a critical aspect of the educational process. Without daily classroom attendance, a student does not receive the benefits of personal interaction with his/her teacher and other students. Ideas are often exchanged which enrich the learning experiences, and research indicates that the mere makeup of assignments and time cannot substitute for actual physical presence and involvement in the classroom. Tardies/Early Dismissals: If a student is tardy or has early dismissal (unexcused) three (3) times during the program, the student will receive a progressive discipline form. If the student fails to follow the written plan or is tardy or leaves early three (3) additional times, they will receive a second discipline form and the administration of the program will be notified. The student will meet with administration. If the student is tardy or leaves early an additional three (3) times, they will be dismissed from the program. Any time and work missed due to tardiness or early dismissal must be made up within five (5) school days with arrangements made with the Department Head. In order to receive credit for attendance, students must be present in school for the time equivalent of a shortened school day. A shortened school day is one half or more of the scheduled school day. Students are required to notify the DH via telephone of all academic absences or tardies. Additionally, clinical absences and tardies must be reported to the DH and the clinical site coordinator. Early dismissals must be communicated to the DH or faculty by 7:45 a.m. The maximum number of unexcused absences per year is ten. A letter of warning will be issued to the student on the third day of absence as well as any subsequent absence. Excused Absences Excused absences which are accepted by the Connecticut Technical High School System are limited to the following: Participation in school activities with prior permission of the school principal Medical reasons which are verified by a physician, an APRN/PA, or school nurse and on letterhead Death in the immediate family as verified by an obituary/death notice (maximum 3 days) Religious holidays Suspensions Court appearances verified by official notification Students that currently have a parent/spouse deployed to a combat zone, or an activated National Guard or Reserves Unit or is employed by a military contractor or federal government and has been deployed. (The number of excused absences is at the discretion of the superintendent or designee.)
Extraordinary educational opportunities pre-approved by district administrators Excused absences require documentation to be presented to the DH upon the first day of the students return to school. Failure to do so will result in the absence being considered unexcused. In addition, absences will be considered excused provided that all work and assignments are completed by the date set by the DH or instructor. It is the student s responsibility to seek out appropriate faculty in order to obtain all lessons and activities missed due to absence, late 2arrival or early departure. Make up Students who are absent on an academic day: make-up work is provided for missed academic assignments, lectures, quizzes and tests. Students who are absent on a clinical day: A minimum of 300 hours of clinical experience is required in order to graduate. Clinical hours will be calculated from the opening of the clinical site until 4:00 p.m. only, with time off for lunch. The maximum number of unexcused clinical absences is five days. Additional excused absences will be allowed for extenuating circumstances such as a prolonged illness or recovery from an accident/injury. In this case, documentation from a physician or APRN/PA must be presented to the DH. All clinical absences, excused or unexcused, must be made up. Clinical time that is not made up may result in postponement of graduation or dismissal from the program if clinical absences cannot be made up. All dismissals from this program are subject to an appeal process. All appeals must be made in writing to Central Office through the subject area consultant. Appeals will be referred to the Assistant Superintendent for Adult Education. Evaluation of Student Performance There will be three types of evaluation in the Dental Assistant Program: Theory, Pre-Clinical and Clinical. The student will receive written notice following two failed theory or pre-clinical evaluations. A remediation plan will then be developed at the time of student-instructor conference. An informal conference may be scheduled at the request of either the student or appropriate faculty, if a student s progress is in jeopardy of falling below the minimum passing grade of 70. 1. Theory Evaluation (test, quizzes) Exams will be announced in advance but quizzes do not have to be. Alternative exams or quizzes may be given for make-up at a time determined by the appropriate instructor. Any student who cheats on a test, quiz or exam will receive a grade of zero with no opportunity for a retake. 2. Pre-Clinical Evaluation (evaluations that occur in the school), Skill evaluations in Dental Materials, will have a weight of 50% of the student s final grade. The remaining 50% will be determined by averaging quizzes, exams, homework and projects. In Pre-Clinical Lab, Radiology Lab, and Infection Control Lab the student s final grade will be based 100% on skill evaluations. 3. Clinical Evaluation (evaluations that occur during a clinical rotation). Students will be evaluated by the clinical facility personnel as well as the dental assisting faculty in accordance with the CODA standards for accredited dental assistant programs. Students will have the opportunity to review all evaluations, discuss them with instructors and use them as a guide for clinical progress. Any student who fails one clinical faculty evaluation will receive written notification of a specific remediation plan and a specific timeframe for re-evaluation. To progress in the clinical portion of the program, satisfactory performance related to the clinical objectives must be achieved during each rotation. Satisfactory performance is defined as: 70% for first evaluation, 75% for second evaluation and 80% for third evaluation.
Professional Appearance In order to ensure both academic and clinical success, 3 dental assistants are expected to demonstrate professionalism in their daily activities. Good grooming and appropriate dress are essential components of professionalism and are consistent with safety and infection control requirements of the dental assisting department and of the clinical facilities as dictated by the CDC Guidelines. The following Guidelines for a Professional Appearance are required in the classroom and clinical environment: Uniform/scrubs must be clean, pressed, and in good repair.* Footwear must be made of leather or leather like material, with no holes, no open toes or open backs, clean and in good repair.* Hair must be neat, pulled back, away from the face, and above the collar*23 Jewelry is not permitted. * Fingernails must be clean and short.* Artificial fingernails and/or fingernail polish are not permited.* All head coverings of any kind is prohibited, unless it is worn for religious reasons.* No perfumes and/or body scents Tobacco products should not be used. Makeup should be subtle and natural. Avoid body piercings, and extreme hairdos. *Special implications for infection control and prevention of disease transmission. Clinical Affiliation Guidelines Each student will be assigned to at least two dental offices and clinics during the course of the school year. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in disciplinary consequences including dismissal from the program. Failure to comply with any of the affiliation guidelines will result in no clock hours for the entire day and may result in removal from the affiliation site. If a clinical site requests your removal, you will be required to report to school pending an administrative investigation. Under such circumstances, the DH is not obligated to immediately place you at another clinical site. During the investigation, missed clinical time must be made up. The request by a second clinical site for your removal may result in disciplinary consequences including dismissal from the program. Failure to complete clinical affiliations for any reason will result in dismissal from the program. The dental assisting student is expected to: 1. Arrive on time, return on time after lunch and stay until the end of the assigned day. Transportation and parking fees are the responsibility of the student. 2. Display a positive and respectful personality. Students must be willing to take direction and instructions from staff and doctors at all times and remain open for improvement feedback. 3. Call both the affiliation and the Department Head on the morning of a day of absence or missed clinical time. In case of a weather related delay or school closing, the student is required to call their clinic to report this change.
4. Report any concerns regarding your clinical assignment to the Department Head immediately. 5. Refrain from cell phone use during clinical hours. 6. Follow all the rules and regulations of the affiliating clinic/dental office. 7. Follow the Professional Appearance Guidelines. 8. Submit a weekly clinical attendance 4 time sheet that reflects the exact time of daily arrival and departure. This must be signed by a staff member at that facility. The dental assistant faculty will verify clinical time sheets for accuracy. 9. Submit proof of a physical, immunizations, CPR certification, background check and health insurance card (if applicable). This documentation must be submitted to the clinical affiliation. Students will be responsible for all personal medical expenses incurred during clinical experience. 10. Make up all missed affiliation hours/days, including time missed due to late arrival or early departure. The maximum number of days scheduled for make-up is five (5) excused and/or unexcused. 11. Report to the Department Head any change to your clinical schedule due to the facility closing early, attending a meeting, etc. Graduation Requirements Professional Development Dental Radiology Dental Radiology Lab Dental Anatomy Dental Materials Microbiology/Infection Control Infection Control Lab Pre-Clinic Pre-Clinic Lab* Clinic** Medical Emergencies Dental Practice Management Anatomy & Physiology Oral Pathology Pharmacology *Students must have a passing grade in Pre-Clinic and Pre-Clinical Lab in order to proceed to Clinic. **Students must pass each clinical rotation to continue in the program. This program is made up of fifteen (15) subjects. Students must pass all subjects in order to graduate. Minimum passing grade is 70% for all classes except Clinic (requirements are outlined above). All dismissals from this program are subject to an appeal process. All appeals must be made in writing to Central Office through the subject area consultant. Appeals will be referred to the Assistant Superintendent for Adult Education. DENTAL ASSISTANT PROGRAM I have read and understand the attendance policy and recognize the consequences for failing to comply with it. Print Name Signature Date 5
SIGN-UP/ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS/AGREEMENTS NOTE: The forms in this section must be completed and returned to the Department Head or Instructor.
CONNECTICUT TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL SYSTEM FULL-TIME ADULT STUDENT INFORMATION/FINANCIAL OLIGATION Tuition and Fees: The tuition and fee schedule for 2015-2016 academic year as approved by the Connecticut State oard of Education are as follows: Program Resident/ Non-Resident Tuition Registration Fees (nonrefundable) Payment Due Dates New August 2015 Class Licensed Practical Nurse In-State Resident Total of $11,550 payable over three semesters Per program ased on selected payment plan ($3,850 per semester) New August 2015 Class Licensed Practical Nurse Non-State Resident Total of $23,772 payable over three semesters per program ased on selected payment plan ($7,924 per semester) Returning Aviation Resident Total of $6,576 payable over two years ($2,192 per installment) per program August 2015 February 2016 New Aviation (December 2015) Resident Total of $6,576 payable over two years ($2,192 per installment) Per program December 2015 **March 2016 **3 rd Installment 2016-2017 Certified Nurse Assistant Not applicable $1,400 Per ten-week cohort Dental Assistant Not applicable $3,710 payable over two semesters per academic year per academic year Date of first scheduled class Date of first scheduled class ($1,855 per semester) Medical Assistant and Surgical Technology Not applicable $3,710 payable over two semesters ($1,855 per semester) per academic year Date of first scheduled class ristol T.E.C. Programs Automotive Technology; Culinary Arts; Electronics Technology; Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning; Manufacturing Technology; Welding and Metal Fabrication; HVAC/R (2years) Not applicable $3,710 payable over two semesters ($1,855 per semester) $7,420 payable over four semesters ($1,855 per semester) per academic year Date of first scheduled class Date of first scheduled class each semester 1
Acceptable Methods of Payment: ank check or money order made payable to Treasurer, State of Connecticut for the exact amount due; Cash will be accepted in the school business office only during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Unacceptable Methods of Payment: Personal checks; Debit and credit cards; Cash (except during normal business hours). Other Financing Options (it is the responsibility of the student to initiate and follow-up on the methods listed below): The CTHSS offers financing options including: Tuition Waivers are available for veterans, students age 62 and over (subject to seat availability), and ONLY to students enrolled in the Certified Nurse Assistant program that are experiencing financial hardship; Financial Aid: Students enrolled in a full-time program may apply for a federal Pell grant; Outside Agencies: Funding from other state agencies (i.e. Dept. of Labor, Office of the State Comptroller); G. I. ill Veteran Education enefits ** Any student failing to pay or be approved for an alternative financing option by the payment due date will be immediately dismissed from their program of study. As regular attendance is a critical aspect of the educational process, students with attendance problems may be dismissed from the program. ** Applying for a Tuition Waiver: Eligible students wishing to apply for a tuition waiver must complete a Tuition Waiver Request form (available at http://www.cttech.org/adulted/index.htm) no later than four weeks prior to the first class session. Veterans requesting a tuition waiver must attach a copy of their Certificate of Release or Discharge (DD Form 214) (90 days of honorable active duty service in addition to that spent in active duty training and in attendance at military service academies for any war period after August 2, 1990 or engaged in combat or in combat support role in specific conflicts prior to August 2, 1990); Senior Citizens: Students age 62 and over requesting a waiver must attach a copy of their proof of age; Students receiving educational assistance benefits under the G. I. ill from the Veterans Administration must submit enrollment verification or training agreement. The student should provide the school Certification Officer, VA Form 22-1999 for submission to the Veterans Administration to receive the education benefits payment from VA; If a student is denied tuition waiver, all tuition and fees are due by the next class session. 2
Applying for a Pell Grant: Admitted students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It is recommended that the student completes the FAFSA after completion and submission of the 2014 IRS Tax Return in order to avoid delay and having to go back to change information or making corrections. The completion and submission of 2014 IRS tax return will allow the student and/or parent(s) to use the IRS data retrieval tool when prompted during the FAFSA completion and will provide accurate financial information and therefore expedite the award process. Admitted students must submit a valid Student Aid Report (SAR) and complete a CTHSS Financial Aid Application Packet available from the school s Adult Education clerk; The CTHSS deadline for applying for a Pell grant for the 2015-2016 academic year is as follows: o LPN July 22, 2015; o All other full-time programs August 3, 2015; o New Aviation starting December 2015 after official acceptance into the program by October 30, 2015; *Applicants applying and accepted for a program after the specified deadlines can still apply for a Pell grant; however students will need to initiate tuition payments until determined eligible and Pell grant has been awarded.* If a student is deemed ineligible for financial aid, outstanding tuition is due five days following receipt of the denial notification; If a student is notified that their financial aid award will not cover the entire semester tuition cost, all tuition and fees are due five days following receipt of the award notice or by the regular tuition deadline, whichever is later; The federal government randomly selects Pell grant applications for verification. If your application is selected for verification, you will be notified by the Financial Aid Administration and additional supporting documentation must be submitted by the specified deadline. Procedures for Withdrawal: In order to officially withdraw form an adult education program in the CTHSS and be considered for a tuition refund, candidates must complete and submit to the school s Guidance Office, the following two documents available from the district s Adult Education webpage www.cttech.org/adulted: 5. Student Withdrawal Form 6. Request for Tuition Refund Form (Appendix IX) Upon approval of the Student Withdrawal Form by a school administrator (principal or assistant principal), students may be eligible for a tuition refund. Eligibility for Tuition Refunds: Except for withdrawal due to military action or serious illness, if the Student Withdrawal Form is received from the student prior to the first scheduled class session, the student is eligible for a 100% tuition refund;
Except for withdrawal due to military action or serious illness. If the Student Withdrawal Form is received from the student after the first scheduled class session, but prior to the fourteenth (14 th ) calendar day from the first scheduled class session, the student is eligible for a 60% tuition refund; 3 Except for withdrawal due to military action or serious illness, if a Student Withdrawal Form is received after the fourteenth (14 th ) calendar day from the first scheduled class session, the student is not eligible for a tuition refund; All requests for tuition refunds due to military action and supported by written documentation from the military are eligible for 100% tuition reimbursement; All requests for tuition refunds due to serious illness and supported by written documentation from a medical professional are also eligible for 100% tuition reimbursement; Except for military action or serious illness, no refunds will be provided to students who are dismissed from their program of study due to issues with attendance, unsatisfactory educational performance or violation of the district s discipline policy as detailed in the 2015-2016 Full-time Adult Student Handbook. Processing of Tuition Refunds (only for students tuition who had paid out-of-pocket. Pell Grant recipients will be processed through the Post-Withdrawal calculation to determine earned funds and refundable funds to the federal government): If the student meets the eligibility requirements for a tuition refund, the Request for Tuition Refund Form (Appendix IX) completed by the student will be forwarded from the school administrator to the school s business office and then to the State Department of Education s (DOE) Payments Unit. The SDE Payments Unit will then issue a state invoice utilizing the State of Connecticut s official accounting system (CORE-CT) and transmits the invoice to the State Comptroller for issuance of a refund check payable to the student within the state s payment timelines (currently net 45 days). I have read and understand the above: Student Signature Print Name Date
4 CONNECTICUT STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Technical High School System ADULT EDUCATION Student Withdrawal Form Last Name: First Name: M. I. Street Address: Apt. No. P. O. ox Town: State: Zip Code: School Name: Shop: Reason for withdrawal: Student signature: Date: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TO E COMPLETED Y GUIDANCE STAFF Official withdrawal code: Official withdrawal date: Guidance staff signature: Date: Official grade at time of withdrawal: Copies of the completed form must be sent to a School Administrator and to Central Office, Attn: Financial Aid Administrator. Withdrawal can be rescinded within a reasonable time. A
Student Acknowledgement/Agreement FULL-TIME ADULT STUDENT HANDOOK This form must be completed, detached from the handbook and submitted to your instructor to be filed in the student s permanent record file. Student Name (printed) Program Area I HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND and WILL COMPLY WITH THE RULES AND REGULATIONS AS STATED IN THIS HANDOOK: STUDENT SIGNATURE DATE Discipline Policy and Substance Abuse Policy I understand the responsibilities outlined in the Discipline Policy and Substance Abuse policy. I also understand that should I violate either policy I shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to or including expulsion from school and/or referral to law enforcement officials, for violation of the law. Attendance Policy I understand that regular attendance is the responsibility of the student and is a critical aspect of the educational process. I also understand the credit denial policy. I further understand that I may make a written request for review within three school days following receipt of notification of denial of credit. Education Records Regarding education records, I understand that certain personally identifiable information is considered directory information and does not require a signed release for disclosure. I understand that unless I deny the release of any or all of this information within 10 school days of the date this student handbook was issued, directory information may be released. I also understand that I have a right to inspect and review all of my student records. I acknowledge that I have reviewed the above. Student Signature Date Permission to Publish My Photographic or Video Image I do hereby certify, acknowledge, authorize and give consent to the Connecticut Technical High School System (CTHSS) to publish my photographic or video image, at its discretion, in school newsletters, newspapers, in TV or video coverage or in any related printed, electronic and/or video publications. It is my understanding that my photographic or video image shall only be used for informational and publicity activities conducted by the CTHSS and shall not be used for any commercial purposes. Student Signature Please sign below ONLY IF you DO NOT grant permission. I do not grant permission for the release of directory information without my prior consent. Student Signature Date I do not grant permission for the use of photographic or video images of me to be used by the Connecticut Technical High School System. Student Signature Date Date
Progressive Discipline Form 1 st Offense Cite Handbook Student Name Student s statement of incident (includes date, place) Instructor s statement of incident Interventions Student Signature Instructor Signature ****************************************************************************************** 2 st Offense Cite Handbook Student Name Date Referring Instructor Student s statement of incident (includes date, place) Instructor s statement of incident Interventions Student Signature DH Signature ****************************************************************************************** 3 st Offense Cite Handbook Student Name Date DH Student s statement of incident (includes date, place) Instructor s statement of incident Interventions Student Signature DH Signature AP Signature Outcome Student File C