Dental Materials Syllabus for 2019-2020
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Instructor Information

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

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Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

DNTA-1301-001 Dental Materials

Prerequisites

Course Description

Composition, properties, procedures and safety standards related to dental materials.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Modern Dental Assisting, 12th ed.; Doni Bird , Debbie S. Robinson; Saunders Elsevier, Inc. 

Modern Dental Assisting Workbook, 12th ed.

Dental Instruments, 6th ed.; Bartolomucci, Linda Boyd

For E-Book, the instructor may offer highlights for students to subscribe to. The student will be expected to know, not only the information in the highlighted sections, but ALL information provided via textbook, lecture, lab assignments, etc. Do not rely on only the highlighted text. 

Supplies

Computer with Internet Access for Blackboard 

1 Folder or Binder

Typodont

Proper clinical attire is required; including gowns, mask, protective eyewear, gloves, etc. Students will need to refer to the course calendar, and Blackboard announcements for specific duties of each class period. 

Student Performance

Given the course textbook, personal notes, and handouts, the student should:
    1.   Learn technical terminology, facts, theories and principals associated with the various dental specialties.

    2.   Apply knowledge learned in class to a dental office setting.

    3.   Evaluate the learning experience from the perspective of the specific course objectives.

   LEARNING OUTCOMES

1.   Explain the different types of restorative materials

2.  Discuss how a dental material is evaluated prior to it's being marketed

3.  Describe the factors that affect  how dental materials are manufactured for the oral cavity environment

4.  Discuss the differences between direct and indirect restorative materials

5.  For each type of oral dental material, describe/discuss the composition, properties, manipulation, advantages/disadvantages of use, indications and contraindications of use, clinical tips, cautions of use and case based discussion.

6.  The materials focused on in this course are: Restorative, Preventive( continued in the Preventive course DNTA  1000, ) Dental Cements, Impression materials,  Metals & Waxes  ( continued in the Dental Lab Procedures Course DNTA 00) and Pain management.

7.   Explain the role of the assistant in the preparations of these materials

8.   Identify the different types of dental cements: permanent, temporary and sedative materials

9.   Describe bonding agents and their manipulation

10.  Describe the etching process of a tooth and it's importance in the bonding of tooth and material

11.  Discuss how and why cavity liners, cavity sealers, bases and varnishes are used in restoring tooth structure

12.   Describe steps of cavity preparation

13.  Explain the importance of occlusal registration and describe it's use in a procedure

14.   Explain instrument transfer, including various grasps used by the operator and common one-handed and two-handed transfer

15.   Identify areas in which the assistant must have competency when practicing expanded duties legal in the State of Texas

16.    Explain how to identify restorative hand instruments

17.    Discuss the classification of instruments including, restorative, examination and cutting

18.    Discuss the theory of placing instruments in specific sequence according to the treatment being provided

19.     Describe the advantages of using pre-set trays. tubs and color coding systems

20.     Discuss the importance of pain control in dentistry

21.    Describe the composition and application of topical anesthetics

24.    Discuss local anesthesia, including:   Composition of the local anesthetic; injection techniques; possible complications and precautions the dental team should be aware of when administering local anesthesia

22.    Discuss inhalation sedation

23.    List situations where antianxiety drugs may be utilized

24.    Explain the importance of documenting anesthesia and pain control in the patient chart

PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES

1.   Mix intermediate restorative material   competency assessment

2.   Prepare acrylic resin for provisional coverage... the actual provisional crown will be be made during the Lab Procedures course

3.   Apply calcium hydroxide and to a prepared tooth surface (non-vital tooth or typodont)  competency assessment

4.   Mix and place three types of base material to a prepared tooth surface (non-vital tooth or typodont) competency assessment

5.   Apply etchant material (non-vital tooth) ( competency assessment in Preventive Course)

6.   Mix and prepare glass ionomer, polycarboxylate, zinc phosphate, zinc oxide-eugenol materials to competency level & general assessment

7.   Remove cement from permanent and temporary cementation (non-vital tooth or typodont)  competency  assessment

8.   Mix alginate material to competency level

9.   Take a wax bite registration and an elastomeric bite registration to competency level

10.   Demonstrate admitting and seating of the patient

11.    Demonstrate the proper use of a dental mirror

12.    Transfer instruments to the operator using the single-handed technique, and two handed technique

13.    Transfer instruments to the operator using the four-handed technique, and six handed technique

14.    Demonstrate proper seating for the operator and the assistant

15.   Identify and transfer various examination, restorative and accessory instruments to the operator

16.   Make a pre-set tray for a restorative procedure

17.    Demonstrate the placement of topical anesthetic

18.    Demonstrate to the competent level, the preparation of the anesthetic syringe

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Professional Standards

For maximum learning to occur, the student is expected to demonstrate professional conduct and judgment at all times. A violation of professional or ethical standard may result in a zero for the day as well as the student being sent home with an absence. The following are examples which are considered professional standards. These are representative examples and may not be all inclusive.

1. Student is prompt to class.

2. Student is prepared for class sessions.

3. Student assumes responsibility for his/her own learning.

4. Student is concerned with excellence in learning rather than just meeting the minimal criteria.

5. Student applies lecture material in the clinical setting.

6. Student will seek faculty assistance if needed, and will monitor their own progress in meeting course requirements.

7. Student maintains his/her composure, dealing with conflict in a constructive way.

8. Student exhibits an attitude  of respect for classmates, faculty, and staff.

9. Student will not be disruptive or talk to each other during lectures, slide presentations, guest lectures, etc. Should this occur, the student will be asked to leave the classroom immediately.

Failure to adhere to the above standards, will result in remediation and be reflected in the grade for the course in which the inappropriate conduct is displayed. 

Infection Control

“The Dental Assisting Program is committed to utilizing the most current research and technology to maintain an ongoing infection control program that is practical while meeting regulatory requirements. The policy for infection control procedures must be followed in strict compliance for the protection of patients, students, faculty, and staff from the transmission of disease or the spread of blood borne pathogens. All dental assisting students, faculty, and staff have the responsibility and ethical duty to comply with the infection control procedures".

 A high standard of conduct is expected of all Amarillo College Students. The student Code of Conduct is defined in the Amarillo College Students Rights and Responsibilities publication. This conduct may be located online at Amarillo Colleges main web page    www.actx.edu   click, catalog, then click "notices to students"

"Amarillo College expects a high standard of conduct from it's students. Students are expected to comply with the law, respect proper constitutional authority, obey College policies, rules and regulations. Unacceptable conduct is defined as an action or behavior that is contrary to the best interest of a fellow student of students, the faculty or staff, the College, or the teaching/learning process. Students failing to  perform according to established standards may be subject to disciplinary action. Policies, standards, rules, and regulations apply to students attending College activities whether the activity takes place on or off campus.

Each student shall be responsible for becoming knowledgeable of the contents and provisions of College policies, rules and regulations concerning student conduct .  In some cases, individual programs may have approved policies for student conduct which also apply to student conduct in those programs."

ACADEMIC GRIEVANCES

A student who has a grievance concerning an academic course in which he or she is enrolled is directed to appeal in the following order:  (1) Instructor  (2)  Program Director  (3)  Dean of Health Sciences Division  (4)  Vice President of Academic Affairs and  (5) College President

Grading Criteria

Quizzes                    5%
Major Exam            40%
Competency Exam 30%
Final                        25%

All Dental Assisting courses will follow the grading scale below:

A = 93 -100
B = 83 - 92
C = 75 - 82
F = Below 75

Cassie Hall, AGS, CDA, RDA  cmnirschl@actx.edu

Rm 129 Office Hours- Appointments Available Upon Request 

Miranda Rue, RDA, CDA m0038097@actx.edu

Rm 129 Office Hours-Appointments Available Upon Request

Jolie Vega, RDA, CDA j0107181@actx.edu

Rm 129 Office Hours-Appointments Available Upon Request

Dana Scott, BS, CDA, RDA dcscott@actx.edu

Rm 129 Office Hours-Appointments Available Upon Request

Lecture Examinations and Quizzes

Students will be given several Major Exams, Quizzes, and Competency Exams throughout the course. Exams and Quizzes will be objective in nature (true/false and multiple choice) as well as subjective (short answer, fill in the blank, and essay). The Final Exam will be objective. 

Laboratory Assignments

Students will complete several laboratory assignments throughout the course. Specific Instructions and grading rubrics will be given for each assignment and located on the grading forms. 

Competency

Students will be required to complete Competency Examinations in the Lab Clinic. These Examinations will assess the student's ability to competently use dental materials on a manikin prior to delivering care to live patients. The following grading rubric is used for competency evaluations.

Letter grade A demonstrates a "Mastery Level" of Competence. Letter grade B demonstrates "Competence" with need for remediation. Letter grade C or below requires remediation and reassessment. 93-100=A; 83-92=B; 75-82=C

Remediation

All students are responsible for his/her own learning. The student is expected to monitor their progress, and should they have any questions or concerns, contact the instructor for assistance.  

Review and Remediation will be made available throughout the course and will be documented. The instructor can assist with identifying the need for remediation, but the student should also identify their own needs.

The student is expected to notify the instructor in a timely manner so that remediation can be provided prior to the end of the course.

For didactic remediation, the student will be required to review the content and complete either an assignment or Adaptive Quiz to demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of the content. The instructor reserves the right to allow or deny the student to retest after a failed didactic examination. In the event the student is offered the opportunity to retest, the highest grade possible will be 75.

For Lab and Clinical remediation, the student will be required to meet with an instructor. For failed Competency Evaluations, the student will be required to retest before proceeding to the next lab and clinical assignment. For retesting, the highest grade possible will be 75.

Amarillo College offers several resources for student success. If resources outside of the Dental Assisting program are needed, the student will need to seek assistance through Amarillo College Tutoring Center West Campus.

West Campus Building D Room 105 and 113

806-354-6020

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement of the Dental Assisting Program. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class. Due to the amount of information contained in the course work, the student who plans to succeed should attend all lectures, labs, and clinical sessions regularly and promptly. The student will need to come to class on time, fully prepared for that session, with the necessary materials.

There is no distinction between an excused or unexcused absence. In each course, you may have up to TWO absences without it affecting your final grade. On the third absence, the final grade for the course will be reduced by 2 points. On the fourth absence, the final grade for the course will be reduced by 4 points. On the fifth absence, the overall grade will be reduced by 10 points. On the sixth absence, the student will be required to repeat the course. Attendance will be recorded at the beginning of each session. If the student is not present when attendance is taken the student is counted absent. Two bonus points will be added to the final grade for perfect attendance.

All personal appointments should be scheduled during non-instructional hours.

The student should consult a physician regarding illness. If the illness is infectious, the student must take precautions to not spread infection with Amarillo College students and staff. Examples of infectious and communicable diseases includes but is not limited to Upper Respiratory Infection, Gastroenteritis, Influenza, Conjunctivitis, Chicken Pox, Active Tuberculosis, etc. 

Students with children should have adequate and dependable arrangements for their care; have an alternate plan to follow when a child becomes ill.

In order to be fair to students who are present and perform the required tasks and because of time restraints, most missed work, especially lab and clinical work cannot be made up. Lab and clinical assignments involve the use of a partner. Without you, they cannot perform their assignments.

Missed exams maybe made up on the designated "make-up" days. In order to be fair to the students who take the exam at the scheduled time, an alternate exam with a loss of 5% of the original value will be given.

Calendar

Additional Information

The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the course calendar to meet course objectives.

Electronic and Recording Devices

Due to privacy issues and in order to create a proper learning environment, free of unnecessary distractions, all electronic devices are prohibited in this course.

This course will follow all established guidelines for cell phone use in all Dental Assisting courses. The use of cell phones is a privilege and must be treated as such. Cell Phones may be checked as designated break times. Any student that is found texting or talking on their phones during ANY part of class, clinical, or lab experience, will be asked to leave class for that day and receive a grade of ZERO for that time period. In case of an EMERGENCY situation in which cell phones are needed, they are to be used OUTSIDE the classroom. Smart watches are prohibited in the classroom, lab, and clinic.