online - Dona Ana Community College - New Mexico State University

perhaps some surgery. They may want to specialize for work in periodontics,
oral and maxillofacial surgery, pedodontics, or orthodontics.
In the state of New Mexico, dental assistants can become certified
to perform the following expanded duty tasks: radiology (taking x-
rays), coronal polishing (polishing of teeth and removal of stains),
fluoride treatments (the act of placing fluoride on a patient’s teeth),
and sealant placement (used to prevent decay). These certifications
are obtained through the State Dental Board and are a portion of the
Dental Assisting National Board Certification Exam.
The Dental Assistant program at DACC is nationally accredited by
the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Program
Accreditation. It is also recognized by the New Mexico State Board
of Dentistry as a continuing-education provider.
Program Admission Special Requirements
The Dental Assistant program is a limited-entry, special-application
program. When a candidate is considered for acceptance into the
program, the following factors are taken into account:
• High school and/or college transcripts and GPA
• Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test (HOBET) scores
• Proof of residence
• Copy of current health care provider CPR card and immunizations
• Completion of ENGL 111G and computer literacy course—required
prior to applying (completion of other general education
and related requirements also considered)
• Completion of program application (submitted before deadline)
Certificate (45 credits)
NOTE: Courses preceded by an asterisk (*) must be completed before
a student can apply to the Dental Assistant program. Courses
appearing in italics may be applied toward a bachelor’s degree at
NMSU.
OR
OR
OR
OR
Core Requirements
11 credits
*ENGL 111G, Rhetoric and Composition 4
*OECS 101, Computer Basics 1–3
*OECS 105, Intro. to Microcomputer Technology
*C S 110, Computer Literacy
OEHO 101, Comm. for Health Care Students 3
COMM 253G, Public Speaking
COMM 265G, Prin. of Human Commun.
PSY 201G, Introduction to Psychology 3
Related Requirements
3 credits
OR
OEHO 225, Nutrition for Health Occupations
HNFS 163, Nutrition for Health
3
NOTE: Although OEHO 225 lists additional prerequisites/
corequisites, these are not required by the Dental Assisting program.
Technical Requirements
31 credits
OEDA 111, Biodental Science 4
OEDA 113, Dental Assisting I 4
OEDA 115, Dental Radiology 3
OEDA 117, Dental Materials 3
OEDA 121, Dental Assisting II 4
OEDA 123, Dental Assisting Practicum 6
OEDA 125, Professional Concepts 3
OEDA 127, Dental Office Management 2
OEDA 129, Preventive Dentistry 2
Dental Hygiene Program*
Associate in Applied Science Degree
528-7216 (*program is pending final approval)
A dental hygienist is a vital member of a team of dental professionals
dedicated to improving oral health and supporting the general
health of individuals and groups. As licensed professionals, dental
hygienists provide educational, clinical, and therapeutic services
and may be involved in research, administration, client/patient advocacy,
marketing or consulting. Dental hygienists may practice in a
variety of settings such as private dental offices, public health facilities,
schools, nursing homes and hospitals. They may also work in
correctional facilities, business and industry and other settings.
Dental hygienists in a clinical setting perform oral and general
health assessments such as: medical history, vital signs, oral cancer
screening, dental charting, examination of the gums and supporting
structures of teeth. They provide oral health instruction, counseling
regarding nutrition and healthy lifestyle and their impact on oral
and general health. Dental hygienists take and interpret radiographs
and provide many types of preventive services such as removing
deposits from teeth, applying fluoride, placing sealants and more.
Infection control and emergency management are also important
functions. In New Mexico and other states, dental hygienists may be
certified to provide local anesthesia.
Dental hygienists enjoy working with people, have good manual
dexterity and enjoy working with their hands. They possess the maturity
and critical thinking skills to provide current, quality, professional
care. They have strong interpersonal skills to motivate and
educate patients of all ages. Dental hygienists are life-long learners
and are dedicated to continuing education, enhancing the profession
and practicing ethical decision-making and behavior.
Dental hygienists are generally well paid and are highly thought
of as professionals in their communities. The profession is one of
the fastest growing occupations in the country and is expected to
grow much faster than average for all occupations through 2014.
The number of people seeking preventive dental hygiene care, the
expansion of an older population who retain their teeth, and a trend
in group practices that stress effective and productive use of office
personnel, will provide increasing opportunities for employment.
Graduation from this program qualifies students to take national and
state examinations to become a licensed dental hygienist anywhere
in the United States and there are international employment opportunities
for dental hygienists educated in the U.S.
This is a limited entry program. Criteria for selection are available
from the program director. Student faculty ratio in the clinical setting
is 1-6 thus allowing for individualized instruction.
Students wishing to pursue a Bachelor’s degree should consult with
an advisor regarding transferability of courses in the prerequisite list
as well as the dental hygiene curriculum.
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