Dental Assisting Courses

Course Code Title & Description Credits Schedule
DEN 102

Managing Safe Practice in Dentistry

In this course, dental assisting students are introduced to types of diseases and their transmission, the application of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines to dentistry, and the management of hazardous waste in the dental office. Students gain practical experience in the ...

(1 Credit) View Schedule
DEN 106

Biomedical Science for Dental Assistants

In this course, students cover the formation and eruption of the teeth and craniofacial growth and development. Topics such as cell, tissue and organ development and systems of the body will be examined. Types and uses of local and general anesthesia and medical emergency and appropriate response will be discussed. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Re...

(2 Credits) View Schedule
DEN 107

Oral Anatomy

In this course, students are introduced to head and neck anatomy. Students identify intraoral and extraoral structures of the skull and face, including bones, muscles, and soft tissue. Tooth surface annotation and occlusion and malocclusion are emphasized. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; Admission to Dental Assisti...

(2 Credits) View Schedule
DEN 108

Dental Radiography

In this course, students are introduced to concepts of radiography as they are applied to dentistry. Principles of radiation physics, health and safety factors, and quality control measures are examined. Students then use this knowledge to expose radiographic images in which they must then evaluate to determine if the image is diagnostically accept...

(2 Credits) View Schedule
DEN 110

Basic Clinical Dental Assisting

In this course, dental assisting students will receive an introduction to basic four-handed dentistry. This will include topics such as but not limited to: the history of dental assisting, professional organizations, ethics, and the roles within the dental health team. Students will assist faculty with basic dental procedures. An emphasis is placed...

(4 Credits) View Schedule
DEN 112

Dental Materials

In this course, dental assisting students will be introduced to various materials used in dentistry. Students will learn the purpose, use and properties of these dental materials. The manipulation, practical application and adherence to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines ...

(3 Credits) View Schedule
DEN 118

Preventive Dentistry

In this course, dental assisting students receive a foundation in preventive dentistry. Methods to ensure the dental health of patients are addressed, including instruction in oral hygiene and proper nutrition. Etiology, prevention and control of dental caries and periodontal disease are emphasized. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writin...

(2 Credits) View Schedule
DEN 120

Patient Records

In this course, students will recognize and record diagnostic data for patient assessment. Students will demonstrate the ability to obtain vital signs as well as practice common charting techniques. Students will also discuss the legal and ethical responsibilities of dental record management. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Level...

(1 Credit) View Schedule
DEN 128

Dental Radiography Practice

This course provides students with both laboratory and clinical experience in producing dental radiographs. Infection prevention methods and maintaining patient and quality assurance records are emphasized. Students gain experience with manikins in the laboratory, and apply these skills to patients in a clinical setting. The content of this course,...

(1 Credit) View Schedule
DEN 129

Patient Assessment

In this course, students gain experience in critical evaluation of a patient's health status in order to modify normal dental routines and apply the essential skills needed to assist in common dental/medical emergencies. Students will study diseases of teeth and supporting structures, oral pathology and systemic diseases and their relationship to o...

(2 Credits) View Schedule
DEN 130

Clinical Practice

In this course, dental assisting students are provided with clinical application of previous dental assisting knowledge as they gain clinical experience in clinical settings such as the WCC Dental Clinic and other assigned clinical sites. Students assist during basic preventive and operative procedures, monitor vital signs, utilize Occupational Saf...

(2 Credits) View Schedule
DEN 131

Principles of Dental Specialties

In this course, students are introduced to the role of the dental assistant in dental specialties. The latest concepts in dental specialties are presented by dental specialists. Students will develop an understanding of equipment and instruments that are associated with procedures performed in various dental specialties. Level I Prerequisite: Acade...

(4 Credits) View Schedule
DEN 202

Advanced Clinical Practice

In this course, dental assisting students build on the clinical experiences acquired in the prerequisite course. Students develop advanced clinical skills in a variety of dental settings. Students must complete rotations at different clinical sites and provide evidence of such. Students will complete journals, case studies, a clinical portfolio and...

(2 Credits) View Schedule
DEN 204

Advanced Functions

In this course, dental assisting students will apply previous knowledge and practice Michigan-specific legally delegated extraoral and intraoral functions. Students will prepare for and master the clinical skills necessary to pass the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Board Exam. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; Pathw...

(4 Credits) View Schedule
DEN 212

Dental Practice Management

In this course, students will be introduced to the business practices needed to be an effective team member in a dental office. Students will explore practices such as payroll, accounts receivable and payable as well as appointment scheduling. Students will focus on formatting and preparing written communications. Throughout this course, accuracy a...

(3 Credits) View Schedule
DEN 230

Alternative Dental Assisting Education Project

In this course, students will reflect on/demonstrate the clinical, laboratory and radiographic skills necessary to be a professional dental assistant and an integral member of the dental health team. This course is designed specifically for the on-the-job trained dental assistant who has been admitted to the Dental Assisting Program with advanced s...

(9 Credits) View Schedule
Revised on February 5, 2026

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