The list below is NOT a complete list of program courses and shows courses taught in the previous, current, and two future terms. View complete degree/certificate requirements and course offerings by clicking the links below.
DENA 100 - Introduction to Dental Assisting - 1.00 credits
This course introduces students to basic dental terminology, roles of the dental assistant and members of dental health team, scope of dentistry as well as the legal and ethical responsibilities of a dental health care worker.
DENA 101 - Body Structure and Function - 1.00 credits
Prerequisites: Formal Admission to the Dental Assisting Program, DENA 100, ENGL 101 with grades of “C” or higher. This course provides students with an overview of basic structure and function of the various systems of the human body and on inflammation and healing.
DENA 102 - Head and Neck Anatomy - 2.00 credits
Prerequisites: Formal Admission into the Dental Assisting Program, DENA 100, ENGL 101 with grades of "C" or higher. This course utilizes a systems approach to the gross anatomy of the head and neck with emphasis on the maxilla, mandible and supporting structures of the oral cavity, oral tissues, temporomandibular joint, neuromuscular and circulatory function.
DENA 103 - Dental Anatomy - 2.00 credits
Prerequisites: Formal Admission into the Dental Assisting Program, DENA 100, ENGL 101 with grades of “C” or higher. This course introduces students to various dental science topics such as a detailed study of crown and root morphology of both primary and permanent dentition, supporting oral structures, eruption schedule and numbering system. It also provides an understanding of the embryonic development of the orofacial structures, tooth development (oral embryology) and histology.
DENA 104 - Dental, Medical Emergencies and Pharmacology - 2.00 credits
Prerequisites: Formal admission to the Dental Assisting Program, DENA 100, ENGL 101 with grades of “C” or higher. This course provides an overview of emergencies common to the dental office settings. Students will gain knowledge in emergency drugs, allergic reactions and drug-related emergencies. Also emphasized are specific medical conditions related to treatment, management of medical emergencies, pharmacology related to dental practice, different types of anesthesia used in the dental office, the methods of administration and precautions during their use.
DENA 105 - Dental Materials I - 2.50 credits
Prerequisites: Formal Admission into the Dental Assisting Program, DENA 100, ENGL 101 with grades of “C” or higher. This course is designed to provide students with basic knowledge of various dental materials and manipulation of alginate materials, impression materials, bite registration materials, cements and gypsum products and their role in making dental models. Students will gain laboratory experience in the handling, practical application, safe use of dental materials and laboratory equipment in addition to following infection control procedures in accordance with OSHA and CDC.
DENA 106 - Preclinical Dental Assisting - 2.00 credits
Prerequisites: Formal Admission into the Dental Assisting Program, DENA 100, ENGL 101 with a grade of “C” or higher. The course introduces theories and rationales for clinical dental assisting with emphasis on the following: infection control techniques, preparation of operatory, preparation for patient care, chairside assisting, treatment support procedures, chairside instruments and tray systems for basic examination and restorative procedures.
DENA 108 - Oral Microbiology and Infection Control - 1.50 credits
Prerequisites: DENA 101, DENA 102, DENA 103, DENA 104, DENA 105, and DENA 106 with grades of “C” or higher. This course provides an overview of microbiological aspects with emphasis on practical infection and hazard control, sterilization and monitoring, chemical disinfectants, aseptic techniques, infectious disease, HIPPA and OSHA Standards.
DENA 110 - Chairside Assisting I - 5.00 credits
Prerequisites: DENA 101, DENA 102, DENA 103, DENA 104, DENA 105, DENA 106 with grades of “C” or higher. The course introduces the students to various dental terminologies and responsibilities as a dental assistant in the dental operatory which includes patient preparation, record keeping, delivery of pre and post-op instructions, methods of oral evacuation, utilization of rubber dam, matrix, anesthetic, fluoride, wedge, assisting with amalgam and composite procedures, coronal polishing techniques and assisting during dental and medical emergencies. The above responsibilities will be performed using standard considerations for infection control.
DENA 115 - Dental Radiology I - 4.00 credits
Prerequisites: DENA 101, DENA 102, DENA 103, DENA 104, DENA 105, DENA 106 with grades of “C” or higher. This course is an introduction to radiography history, characteristics of radiation production, film composition, x-radiation terminology, effects of radiation exposure and protection. exposing, processing and mounting of radiographs taken on a radiographic manikin.
DENA 125 - Clinical Experience I - 2.00 credits
Prerequisite: DENA 101, DENA 102, DENA 103, DENA 104, DENA 105, DENA 106 with grades of “C” or higher. This course is the practical clinical experience in operative and oral hygiene procedures utilizing four-handed dentistry in the clinics. Current federal, state and local regulatory mandates related to infection control and hazardous waste management will be discussed. Additionally, ethical dilemmas in dentistry as well as medical emergencies will be examined in detail.
DENA 205 - Dental Materials II - 3.00 credits
Prerequisites: DENA 101, DENA 102, DENA 103, DENA 104, DENA 105, DENA 106 with grades of “C” or higher. This course provides instruction in advanced manipulation of dental cements, amalgam, esthetic restorations (composites), alginates, gypsum products, sealants and various specialty dental materials. Emphasis is placed on the understanding and safe application of materials used in the dental office and laboratory.
DENA 210 - Chairside Assisting II - 5.00 credits
Prerequisites: DENA 108, DENA 110, DENA 115, DENA 125, DENA 205 with grades of “C” or higher. This course primarily emphasizes on various dental specialties such as theories of orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery, endodontics, and pedodontics, as well as the application of different procedures, instruments and current concepts of chairside assisting.
DENA 215 - Dental Radiology II - 2.00 credits
Prerequisites: DENA 108, DENA 110, DENA 115, DENA 125, DENA 205 with grades of “C” or higher. This course emphasizes radiographic techniques, procedures and infection control methods as well as on in exposing, processing and mounting radiographs taken on patients at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry and in private practice offices (general and specialty).
DENA 225 - Dental Office Management - 2.00 credits
Prerequisites: DENA 108, DENA 110, DENA 115, DENA 125, DENA 205 with grades of “C” or higher. Students will learn principles of business management in the dental office. Control of the appointment book, filing, financial management, insurance forms, supply inventory and recall systems by conventional and computerized methods. Dental computer application and use as well as learn Eaglesoft practice management software. Hands-on experience in private practice offices and/or clinic DENA 250.
DENA 230 - Oral Pathology - 1.00 credits
Prerequisites: DENA 108, DENA 110, DENA 115, DENA 125, DENA 205 with grades of “C” or higher. This course provides an overview of diseases of the human body, including basic cell tissues, with specific emphasis on diseases of the oral and maxillofacial region.
DENA 250 - Clinical Experience II - 4.00 credits
Prerequisite: DENA 108, DENA 110, DENA 115, DENA 125, DENA 205 with grades of “C” or higher. This course is a continuation of the student's clinical experience with emphasis placed on the application of principles and procedures of four-handed dentistry in general and specialty private practices as well as laboratory and clinical support functions.
DENA 260 - Dental Assisting Seminar - 2.00 credits
Prerequisite: DENA 108, DENA 110, DENA 115, DENA 125, DENA 205 with grades of “C” or higher. This course provides an overall review and clarification of all and any of the materials covered within the academic year by discussion, dialogue between students and instructor as a step towards the preparation for the Dental Assisting National Board Examination. Further emphasis is placed on preparation of personal resume, interviewing techniques and job applications for successful employment.