Revised 05/2020

DNA 100 - Introduction to Oral Health Professions (1 CR.)

Course Description

Provides an introduction to the oral health profession and covers basic terminology, historical perspective, the credentialing process, accreditation, professional organizations, and legal and ethical considerations. Lecture 1 hour per week.

General Course Purpose

This course explores the major historical events in dentistry. Other areas of study include: ethics and jurisprudence OSHA and HIPAA regulations, the state dental practice act, certification procedures, expanded functions for dental auxiliaries and an overview of the dental specialties.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

  • Prerequisites: ENG 111, NAS 159, and SDV 101
  • Corequisites: DNA 108, DNA 110, DNA 113, DNA 134 and PSY 200

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:

  • Describe the major developments concerning the history of dentistry
  • Describe the role of the dental assistant and the dental health team
  • Describe the education and certification/licensure requirements for the dental assistant and members of the dental health team
  • Describe the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens, HIPAA and Hazard Communication Standards
  • Describe the importance and methods used to label containers
  • Describe the use and importance of material safety data sheets
  • Describe the various classifications of waste management
  • Describe the legal and ethical aspects of dentistry
  • Describe and identify the categories of expanded functions delegated to dental assistants in the Commonwealth of Virginia
  • Describe the role of the dental assistant in specialized areas of dentistry

Major Topics to Be Included

  • History of Dentistry
  • The Dental Profession
  • The Dental Assisting Profession
  • Regulatory and Advisory Agencies
  • OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
  • Hazard Communications Standard and Material Safety Data Sheets
  • Waste Management and HIPAA Regulations
  • Ethics and Jurisprudence
  • State Practice Act
  • Introduction to Specialized Areas in Dentistry