Fall Office Hours: Monday- Friday 8:30 am-9:00 am; Monday-Wednesday 3:00 pm-5:00 pm
Spring Office Hours: Monday 8:30 am-9:00 am; Wednesday 8:30 am-9:00am; Friday 8:30 am-9:00 am.
Instructor Office Hours are FOR STUDENTS. Students are welcome during these times. Additional Times are Available Upon Request.
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.
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.
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
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.
Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016
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.
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 .
DNTA-1305-001 Dental Radiology
Introduction to radiation physics, radiation protection, and the operation of radiographic equipment, instruction in exposure, processing and mounting of dental radiographs, and study of federal and state safety and standard practices.
Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website
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.
(3 sch; 2 lec, 2 lab)
On Campus Course
Required Textbook
1.) Dental Radiography: Principles and Techniques, 5th ed., Joen M. Iannuci, Laura Jansen Howerton, W.B. Saunders Company
2.) Modern Dental Assisting, 11th Ed., Doni Bird, Debbie S. Robinson; Saunders Elsevier, Inc
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.
Course Supply List
Pens and Pencils
Computer or Internet Access for BlackBoard (Home, Public Library, AC Computer Lab)
Dosimeter
RINN
1 Gallon Zip Bag
1 Folder/ Binder
Proper clinical attire is required. Students will need to review BlackBoard Announcements and the course outline for specific duties of each class period. Most classes will need RINN and other radiology related items including the current textbook.
Dosimeters
In accordance with OSHA recommendations, students in the Amarillo College Dental Assisting Program will be required to wear a radiation monitoring device. The cost of the Dosimeter is the student’s responsibility. 2016-2017 prices were approximately $50.00 per monitoring device.
If a student becomes pregnant, an additional monitoring device for the fetus is required. This expense is also the responsibility of the student.
If the device is lost or damaged, a replacement will need to be purchased at the student’s expense.
Given the course textbooks, personal notes, handouts, and other course materials, the student should:
1.) Learn the terminology, facts, theories, methods, and principles, associated with dental radiology as outlined in the daily objectives and in the course schedule.
2.) Apply the knowledge learned to a laboratory simulation or clinical patient.
3.) Evaluate the learning experiences as measured by the course objectives.
Unit 1 Objectives
Chapter 1-History of Dental Radiography
Chapter 2-Characteristics and Measurement of Radiation
Chapter 3-The Dental X-ray Machine: Components and Functions
Chapter 4-Radiation Biology
Chapter 5 Radiation Protection
Unit II Objectives
Chapter 6 Dental X-Ray Equipment
Ch. 7 - Dental X-ray Film
1. Describe in detail film composition and latent image formation.
2. List and describe the different types of x-ray film used in dentistry.
3. Define intraoral film and describe intraoral film packaging.
4. Identify the types and sizes of intraoral film available.
5. Discuss film speed.
6. Discuss the differences between intraoral film and extraoral film.
7. Describe the difference between screen and nonscreen films.
8. Describe the use of intensifying screens and cassettes.
9. Describe duplicating film.
10. Discuss proper film storage and protection.
Ch. 8 - Dental X-ray Image Characteristics
Ch. 9 - Dental X-ray film Processing
1. Describe in detail how a latent image becomes a visible image.
2. List and discuss the five steps of film processing.
3. List and describe the four basic ingredients of the developer solution.
4. List and describe the four basic ingredients of the fixer solution.
5. Discuss the location, size, lighting, and equipment requirements necessary for the darkroom.
6. Discuss safelighting.
7. Discuss the parts of the processing tanks, master tank, and lid.
8. List and describe the equipment needed for manual film processing.
9. List and discuss the step-by-step procedures for manual film processing.
10. Describe the care and maintenance of the processing solutions, equipment, and equipment accessories used in manual film processing.
11. Discuss the advantages of automatic film processing.
12. List and identify the component parts of the automatic film processor.
13. Describe the mechanism of automatic film processing.
14. List and discuss the step-by-step procedures used for automatic film processing.
15. Describe the care and maintenance of the automatic film processor and automatic processing solutions.
16. Discuss the equipment requirements and step-by-step procedures used for film duplication.
17. Describe film processing problems that result from time and temperature errors.
18. Describe film processing problems that result from chemical contamination errors.
19. Describe film processing problems that result from film handling errors.
20. Describe film processing problems that result from lighting errors.
Ch. 10 - Quality Assurance in the Dental Office
1. List quality control tests and quality administration procedures that should be included in the quality assurance plan.
2. Discuss the purpose and frequency of testing dental x-ray machines.
3. Describe the tests used to check for fresh film and adequate film-screen contact. Discuss the frequency of testing and the interpretation of test results.
4. Describe the test used to check for darkroom light leaks and proper safelighting. Discuss the frequency of testing and the interpretation of test results.
5. Describe the test used to check the automatic processor. Discuss the frequency of testing and the interpretation of test results.
6. List three tests used to check the strength of the developer solution.
7. Describe the preparation of the reference radiograph and the standard stepwedge radiograph. Discuss the use of these radiographs to compare film densities and to monitor the strength of developer solution.
8. Describe the test used to check the strength of the fixer. Discuss the frequency of testing and the interpretation of test results.
9. Discuss the basic elements of a quality administration plan.
10. Detail the importance of operator competence in dental radiographic procedures.
Unit III Objectives
Ch. 15 - Infection Control and the Dental Radiographer
1. Define the key terms listed.
2. Describe the rationale for infection control.
3. Describe three possible routes of disease transmission.
4. Describe the conditions that must be present for disease transmission to occur.
5. Discuss protective attire and barrier techniques, handwashing and care of hands, sterilization or disinfection of instruments, and the cleaning and disinfection of the dental unit and environmental surfaces.
6. Detail infection control procedures necessary before x-ray exposure.
7. Detail infection control procedures necessary during x-ray exposure.
8. Detail infection control procedures necessary after x-ray exposure.
9. Detail infection control procedures necessary for processing.
10. Discuss film handling in the darkroom with and without barrier envelopes.
11. Discuss film handling without barrier envelopes using the daylight loader of an automatic processor.
Chapter 16 Introduction to Radiographic Examination
Ch. 17 - Paralleling Technique
1. State the basic principle of the paralleling technique and illustrate the placement of the film, film holder, position-indicating device (PID), and central ray.
2. Discuss how object-film distance affects the radiographic image and how target-film distance is used to compensate for such changes.
3. List the film holders that can be used with the paralleling technique.
4. Describe why a film holder is necessary with the paralleling technique.
5. Describe the different sizes of film used with the paralleling technique and how each film is placed in the bite-block.
6. State the five basic rules of the paralleling technique.
7. Describe the patient and equipment preparations that are necessary before using the paralleling technique.
8. Discuss the exposure sequence for 15 periapical film placements using the paralleling technique.
9. Describe each of the 15 periapical film placements recommended for use with the XCP instruments.
10. Describe the patient and equipment preparations that are necessary before using the bite-wing technique.
11. Discuss the exposure sequence for a complete mouth radiographic series (CMRS) that includes both periapical and bite-wing exposures.
12. Describe the premolar and molar bite-wing film placements.
13. Describe the purpose an use of vertical bite-wings. List the number of exposures and the size of film used in the vertical bite-wing technique.
Ch. 20 - Exposure and Technique Errors
1. Identify and describe the appearance of the following film exposure errors: unexposed film, film exposed to light, underexposed film, and overexposed film.
2. Describe horizontal and vertical angulation.
3. Identify and describe the appearance of the following periapical technique errors: incorrect horizontal angulation, incorrect vertical angulation (foreshortened images and elongated images), and incorrect beam alignment (cone-cut images).
4. Describe and identify proper film placement for bite-wing radiographs.
5. Identify and describe the appearance of the following bite-wing technique errors: incorrect horizontal angulation, incorrect vertical angulation, and incorrect position-indicating device (PID) alignment (cone-cut images).
6. Identify and describe the appearance of the following miscellaneous technique errors: film bending, film creasing, phalangioma, double exposure, movement, and reversed film.
Unit IV Objectives
Ch. 18 - Bisecting Technique
1. State the rule of isometry.
2. State the basic principles of the bisecting technique and illustrate the location of the film, tooth imaginary bisector, central ray, and position-indicating device (PID).
3. List the film holders that can be used with the bisecting technique.
4. Describe the finger-holding method of film stabilization.
5. List the disadvantages of the finger-holding method.
6. Describe the film size used with the bisecting technique.
7. Describe correct and incorrect horizontal angulation.
8. Describe correct and incorrect vertical angulation.
9. State each of the recommended vertical angulation ranges used for periapical exposures in the bisecting technique.
10. State the basic rules of the bisecting technique.
11. Describe the patient and equipment preparations necessary prior to using the bisecting technique.
12. Discuss the exposure sequence used for the 14 periapical film placements used in the bisecting technique.
13. Describe each of the 14 periapical film placements recommended for use with the bisecting technique.
14. List the advantages and disadvantages of the bisecting technique.
Ch. 20 - Exposure and technique Errors
1. Identify and describe the appearance of the following film exposure errors: unexposed film, film exposed to light, underexposed film, and overexposed film.
2. Describe horizontal and vertical angulation.
3. Identify and describe the appearance of the following periapical technique errors: incorrect horizontal angulation, incorrect vertical angulation (foreshortened images and elongated images), and incorrect beam alignment (cone-cut images).
4. Describe and identify proper film placement for bite-wing radiographs.
5. Identify and describe the appearance of the following bite-wing technique errors: incorrect horizontal angulation, incorrect vertical angulation, and incorrect position-indicating device (PID) alignment (cone-cut images).
6. Identify and describe the appearance of the following miscellaneous technique errors: film bending, film creasing, phalangioma, double exposure, movement, and reversed film.
Ch. 28 - Film Mounting and Viewing
1. Define the key terms listed.
2. List the individuals who are qualified to mount and view dental radiographs.
3. Describe when and where films are mounted.
4. List five reasons to use a film mount.
5. Describe what information is placed on a film mount.
6. Discuss the importance of normal anatomy in film mounting.
7. Describe how the identification dot is used to determine film orientation.
8. List and describe two methods of film mounting and identify the preferred method.
9. List and describe the step-by-step procedures for film mounting.
10. List and describe the necessary equipment for film viewing.
11. Discuss the importance of masking extraneous viewbox light seen around a film mount.
12. Describe optimal viewing conditions, as well as when and where films should be viewed.
13. Explain the importance of examining films in an established viewing sequence.
14. List and describe the step-by-step procedures for film viewing.
15. Explain why multiple viewings of dental radiographs are necessary, and list the areas, diseases, and abnormalities that must be included in the examinations
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".
"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."
Professional Standards
For maximum learning to occur, the student is expected ti 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 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".
Communication
Continuous communication with the instructors is encouraged. To allow for good, open, honest, and transparent communication please follow the guidelines below:
1. Instructor Office Hours are FOR STUDENTS. Please consider this time and opportunity for you to communicate with your instructors.
2. Utilize your AC email for questions regarding grades, absences, policies, etc. This maintains a record of the discussion for both you and the instructor.
3. Check your AC email EVERYDAY. The instructor will use this method of communication to make important announcements and changes in the schedule. This is also how other AC faculty and staff will communicate with you.
4. Allow 24-48 hours for response from the Instructor. You can expect a 24-48 hour response Monday through Friday. Emails on the weekend will be responded to on the following Monday.
5. Practice Professionalism and Netiquette Guidelines in your correspondence. Please use full sentences, proper grammar, and correct spelling. Remember this is a record of correspondence.
6. If you need immediate technical assistance you may contact AC 806-371-5000.
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
Adjunct Faculty
Cassie Hall, CDA, RDA, BS cmhall@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 5 lecture examinations and several quizzes 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.
Laboratory Competency
Students will be required to complete Competency Examinations in the Lab. These Examinations will assess the student’s ability to competently acquire radiographic images on a manikin prior to exposing 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 will require remediation and re-testing. A minimum level of Competency must be obtained in order to complete this skills assessment. 93-100=A; 83-92=B; 75-82=C
Grading Criteria
Major Exams 40%
Lab Competency 15%
Quizzes 10%
Assignments 10%
Final 25%
The following grading scale will be used for all Dental Assisting Courses:
A = 93 to 100
B = 83 to 92
C = 75 to 82
F = Below 75
Decimal scores from all graded activities will be rounded as follows:
0.1 - 0.4 — rounded down
0.5 - 0.9 — rounded up
The final course average will be rounded in the same way.
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 can not be made up. Lab and clinical assignments involve the use of a partner. Without you they can not perform their assignments.
Clinical work performed in the radiology area and with Dexter manikins is difficult to make up. We have limited time due to sharing the facility with the dental hygiene students and serving rotations within our own class. In order for you to be successful in this course, it is imperative that you respect your reserved time and keep up with the course work.
Missed written exams maybe made up on the designated "make-up" days. These dates will be given at the start of the class. In order to be fair to the students who take the exam at the scheduled time, Make-up exams will lose 5% of their original value. Please note that make-up exams are most often one to five essay type questions.
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
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.
WEEK |
LECTURE 8:30am-10:30am |
LAB 10:30am-12:30pm |
1 |
Syllabus Ch. 1 Radiation History Ch. 2 Radiation Physics |
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2 |
Ch. Radiation Physics Ch. 3 Radiation Characteristics |
|
3 |
Exam I Ch. 1,2,3 Ch. 4 Radiation Biology Ch. 5 Radiation Protection |
|
Ch. 6 Dental X-ray Equipment Ch. 7 X-Ray Film |
|
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5 |
Exam II 4,5,6,7 Ch. 8 Image Characteristics Ch. 9 Film Processing (Chemicals) |
|
6 |
Ch. Film Processing (Errors) Ch. 10 Quality Assurance |
|
7 |
Exam III 8,9,10 Ch. 15 Infection Control Ch. 16 Intro to Radiographic Examinations |
|
8 |
Ch. 17 Paralleling (Introduction and Use of the Rinn) Ch. 19 Bitewing Examination |
|
9 |
Fall Break |
Fall Break |
10 |
Exam IV Ch. 15,16, 17(Intro), 19 Ch. 17 Paralleling Mandibular and Maxillary Posterior Periapical Images |
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11 |
Ch. 17 Paralleling Max and Mand Anterior Periapical Images |
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12 |
Ch. 20 Errors |
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13 |
Ch. 28 Mounting |
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14 |
THANKSGIVING |
THANKSGIVING |
15 |
Exam V 17,20,28 |
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16 |
Review for Finals |
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17 |
FINALS |
FINAL |
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.
08/21/20 8:37 PM
08/27/20 12:52 PM