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-1266-001 Practicum (or Field Experience) -Dental Assistant I
Prerequisites: DNTA 1205, DNTA 1241, DNTA 1315, DNTA 1311 and DNTA 1301 Corequisite: DNTA 2130
Practical, general workplace training supported by an individualized learning plan developed by the employer, college and student.
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.
(2 sem hr; 19 practicum)
Clinical
Clinical Notebook; available only through the Amarillo College Bookstore
Modern Dental Assisting, 13th ed.; Doni Bird , Debbie S. Robinson; Saunders Elsevier, Inc.
Clinical Documentation Notebook
Pens/Pencils
Transportation to and from clinical sites to be ON TIME for the clinical site hours of operation.
Adequate child/adult daycare if needed.
Proper Clinical Attire, PPE, Scrubs, Lab jacket, Light Daytime makeup, conservative hairstyle.
Given the course textbook, perwsonal notes, handouts, guest lectures and community projects, the student should:
1. Learn the technical terminology, facts, theories, and principles associated with each type of dental speciality.
2. Apply the knowledge learned in class to a dental office setting
3. Evaluate the learning experience from the perspective of the specific course objectives
1. Become acquainted with each dental speciality
2. Enhance basic assisting skills previously acquired with special skills related to each dental speciality
3. Gain professional skills above those of basic dental assisting to become a well balanced, knowledgeable assistant
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".
The student is expected to be professional at all times. The guidelines taught in this class are to help the student become familiar with the attributes and attitudes of a professional dental healthcare provider.
The student is expected to show respect for each team member of the dental office they are serving clinical rotations in. They are also expected to be prompt, courteous to patients, and have meticulous grooming.
**Note** Hosting offices reserve the right to ask the student not to return to their office because of negative attitude, unwillingness to obey office policies, excess tardiness and/or absences or anything else the office may determine in not in the better interest of patient care.
Students may NOT wear smart watches or use cell phones during patient care. Cell phones nd smart watches should be kept in area where they are not seen or heard, an example would be left at home, kept in the vehicle, or staff break room. Phone calls and text messages may be returned during lunch or after hours.
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.
If a student fails to observe any policy of the practicum facility, or of the Amarillo College Dental Assisting Program, a report by the clinical facility and/or program clinical coordinator will be submitted to the Director of the Amarillo College Dental Assisting Program and the Amarillo College Dean of Health Sciences. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner. Breaches of conduct include, but are not limited to:
A. Violation of patient confidentiality.
B. Violation of clinical facility confidentiality.
C. Refusal to perform assigned tasks or arguing with facility host regarding assigned tasks.
D. Disrespect paid by the student toward facility host and/or patients.
E. Violation of facility or Amarillo College Dental Assisting program policies.
F. Endangerment of patients.
Violation of patient and dental facility confidentiality can occur by
1) discussing patient medical information with other students,
2) by “gossiping” with persons at other practicum/clinical facilities
3) by repeating or relating any information from conversations between dental personnel, to anyone, unless given clear permission to do so.
The first incident of Breach of Conduct will result in an overall 20-point reduction in the grade for that rotation, as well as a conference with the Dental Assisting program director.
The second incident will result in an overall 30-point reduction conference with the Dental Assisting program director and the Amarillo College Dean of Health Sciences.
A third incident of Breach of Conduct is classified as a grave misdemeanor, and will result in complete termination from the clinical facility and an “F” in the course.
Complete termination from the practicum facility may result at any time, if the student is guilty of a grave misdemeanor. Termination automatically results in an "F" for the course. All student disciplinary actions will be in compliance with the policies set forth by Amarillo College, as follows:
A. The facility host must file a written account of the breech of policy with the department chairperson of the Amarillo College program within one week of the incident.
B. A copy will be provided to the student within one week of the date filed by the practicum affiliate.
C. The student will have one week to file a written reply with the chairperson of the Dental Assisting department.
D. There will be a hearing involving all parties concerned and any other designated Amarillo College and affiliate officials.
8. If a student is dismissed and asked to not return to two different facilities during their practicum rotations, this will automatically result in dismissal from the Dental Assisting Program.
Student Injury
If an Amarillo College student is injured in the clinical/practicum setting, it is his/her responsibility to notify the Program Director and/or Clinical Coordinator, IMMEDIATELY. If the student is unable to notify the Program Director or Clinical Coordinator, due to the nature of the injury, then it is the responsibility of the Clinical Host. Injuries include needlesticks, cuts, falls, splashes, etc.
Student Liability and Insurance
All Amarillo College Dental Assisting Students enrolled in a clinical/practicum course are required to purchase Student Liability/Accident Insurance as part of their fees each semester they are enrolled in practicum.
Background Check and Drug Screening
All Amarillo College Dental Assisting students are required to submit to, and pass, a background check and drug screen through Complio prior to beginning their clinical/practicum rotations. Students will be required to assume all costs associated with the background check drug screening process. Information and instructions for completion can be found at www.actxcompliance.com.
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".
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."
COVID-19 Protocol
Amarillo College has requested that ALL students adhere to the guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These guidelines can be found here https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fprepare%2Fprevention.html
In the event, you are diagnosed with COVID-19, display symptoms associated with COVID-19, or are in direct contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 you will be asked to report this information to the Program Director and Amarillo College Campus Health. The student may not attend on-campus courses and clinicals until Amarillo College Campus Health has determined, in accordance with CDC guidelines, that it is safe to return. See the absence and Incomplete policies for more information.
Interim Infection Control Guidelines for Dental Personnel
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued Interim Guidelines for Dental Personnel during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The guidelines may be found here:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/dental-settings.html
All Amarillo College Dental Assisting Students are required to follow the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and endorsed by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
Additional resources regarding COVID-19 for Dental Personnel are listed below.
Texas State Board of Dental Examiners
Texas Dental Association
Texas Dental Assistant Association
Dental Assisting National Board
WEATHER
We follow the weather protocol of Amarillo College.
CAMPUS CLOSURE
If the Amarillo College West Campus is closed due to weather, class will also be dismissed.
CAMPUS CLOSED BUT CLINICAL HOST IS OPEN
If the Amarillo College West Campus is closed, you are not required to attend your clinical experience. YOU MUST CALL YOUR OFFICE TO INFORM THEM. However, if the dental office is open, and you want to attend, you may.
CAMPUS OPEN BUT CLINICAL HOST IS CLOSED
If the Amarillo College West Campus is open, and your clinical office is closed, call the Program Director for instruction.
TRAVEL CONCERNS
Remember, your safety is priority. You will have to determine if you feel comfortable traveling in inclement weather. If you decide to not travel, make plans with your instructors to make-up the work.
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) Associate Dean of Health Sciences Division (4) Dean of Health Sciences (5) Vice President of Academic Affairs (6) College President
Adjunct Faculty
Cassie Hall, AGS, CDA, RDA 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
The final course grade will be calculated as follows:
Clinical Notebooks 50%
Professional Assessment 25%
Communication Assessment 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
Clinical Documentation Notebook
The student will complete a Clinical Documentation Notebook for each clinical experience. The guidelines for completion are outlined in each section of the documentation of the notebook.
The objective for this documentation is to provide both the student and hosting clinical site an objective method of assessing the students dental assisting skills and abilities. Both the student and faculty will review this information weekly to determine the student's progression through the program and the need for remediation in specific areas if needed.
The student will turn in the COMPLETED Clinical Documentation Notebook for Faculty Review no later than each Friday at the end of class. The Faculty will review each entry and determine a grade based on completion of Clinical Documentation. See Clinical Documentation Grade Form for the specific guidelines and rubric. The Faculty will return the Clinical Documentation Notebook on the following Monday of the next week. Failure to turn in the notebook on Friday will result in a reduction of the grade. Failure to turn in the Clinical Documentation before the next Practicum week will result in a zero.
Deduction of points from the total number possible in each rotation is based on the following:
Total Points possible for a clinical rotation is 100.
A deduction of 10 points for late submission of the clinical notebook. Clinical notebooks must be turned in on Friday for grading.
A deduction of 20 points for incomplete facility host signatures.
A deduction of 5 points per error for incomplete documentation. This includes but is not limited to:
Attendance Deductions
Incomplete time records will result in a loss of credit for the practicum/clinical hours for that day.
Additional point deductions for attendance will be as follows:
First incidence of tardiness, absence, and/or abuse of breaks will result in a 10-point deduction.
More than two incidences of tardiness/absence/abuse of breaks will result in a 20-point deduction per instance with remediation.
See the attendance policy for additional information. If you have questions, talk with the Program Director and/or Clinical Coordinator.
Professional Assessment
At the end of the 8 week clinical rotation, the clinical host office will objectively assess the student's professional behavior. An objective assessment and rubric will be provided to the clinical host office. The results will be assessed by the Amarillo College Dental Assisting Program Faculty and shared with the student so that remediation may be provided to help the student achieve acceptable and appropriate professionlism in the dental office enviorment.
Communication Assessment
At the end of the 8 week clinical rotation, the clinical host office will objectively assess the student's written, verbal, and non-verbal commmunication skills. An objective assessment and rubric will be provided to the clinical host office. The results will be assessed by the Amarillo College Dental Assisting Program Faculty and shared with the student so that remediation may be provided to help the student achieve aceeptable and appropriate communication in the dental office enviorment.
With the time restraints of class and clinical assignments, any required make-up time for a clinical rotation will need to be performed during spring break OR after the courses has ended.
Students that require excessive make-up hours will be given a grade of “I”, Incomplete and offered to make up the hours during the last two weeks of May.
If the student is in need of more than 32 hours (equivalent to 4 full days) the student MUST complete a specific form requesting permission from the Program Director and may involve the permission of the Dean of Health Sciences.
In order to be fair, there is no distinction between an excused or unexcused absence. You may have ONE absence in this course without affecting your grade.
All other absences will need to be made up, hour for hour, in the office the rotation was missed, or a comparable office setting. Each Student is required to be on a clinical setting for a MINIMUM of 300 hours.
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, and have an alternate plan to follow when a child becomes ill.
If the Clinical Site is closed, it is the responsibility of the student to inform the Program Director so that arrangements can be made with an alternate Clinical Host Office.
If the student is unable to attend their clinical experience the student must:
1. First, Call the Host Clinical Office. If the office is closed, the student must leave a message with the answering service or messaging system.
2. Call AND Email the Program Director.
Failure to inform the host office and/or the Program Director will result in a zero for the day. The hours for the missed Clinical experience must be made up Hour per Hour but the zero grade will not be changed.
|
WK |
Practicum |
|
1 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
4 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
6 |
|
|
7 |
|
|
8 |
|
|
9 |
Spring Break |
|
10 |
|
|
11 |
|
|
12 |
|
|
13 |
|
|
14 |
|
|
15 |
|
|
16 |
Last week for Clinical Rotations |
|
17 |
Finals |
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.
01/18/21 10:59 AM
02/12/21 9:54 AM