PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The objective of the Intra-Oral Dental Assisting program is to train students in attaining skills and demonstrating competency in essential dental office procedures and laboratory techniques. Our graduates have been successful securing employment in dental offices and clinics.

Medix College graduates are qualified to take and expose radiographs. Graduates are also eligible to sit for the examination given by the National Dental Assistants Examining Board (NDAEB). This examination is at the option and expense of the student and Medix encourages graduates to become certified – in order for students to utilize their Level II expanded functions, they will be required to write the NDAEB exam.

PROGRAM PREREQUISITE

» Gr. 12 OSSD or Mature Student Status
» Successful Completion of entrance evaluation
» English Proficiency
» Admissions Interview

PROGRAM LENGTH

(46 WEEKS, 1200 HOURS)
The IODA program consists of 3 terms and an externship module offsite. Each term includes clinic time – Terms I & II clinic occurs in school and Term III occurs both in school and at the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry to allow for hands-on training. Please see your enrollment agreement for specific days of the week and hours per day. Note: Clinic hours both in school and at U of T have extended hours.

EXTERNSHIP

(OFF-SITE – 150 HOURS)
As a mandatory component of our programs, all Medix students are required to complete an off-site externship Term. Externships occur at various locations throughout the college’s area. This essential module allows students to exercise the skills learned in class, learn specific applications and to further enhance their learning experience in the practical setting.

GENERAL DENTAL SCIENCES

This course will provide the foundation for the dental assisting program curriculum. Students will learn the vocabulary to understand and discuss conditions related to structure and function of the body and oral cavity as well as a basic understanding of the dental tissues and pathologic conditions or disturbances in development.

PRINCIPLES & TECHNIQUES OF INFECTION CONTROL

The Principles and Techniques of Infection Control course presents to the dental assisting student, foundation knowledge of bacteria and the microorganisms of the oral cavity. Students will be able to discuss bacterial growth in relation to the prevention of cross contamination in the dental office and will be presented with precautions for the patient and all dental health care workers. The use of safety and clinical techniques will be studied in detail as well as the standards required by WHMIS 2015 and Occupational Health and Safety.

CLINICAL DENTAL ASSISTING I

This course will focus on theory, principles and practical application of restorative dentistry and will provide an introduction to chairside assisting and intra-oral skills, and the identification, function and maintenance of instruments and equipment found in dental offices.

PREVENTIVE DENTAL PROCEDURES I

This course is designed to introduce theoretical knowledge in preparation for provision of preventive services. Students will study the nutrition and dental health needs of the patient and be able to plan and implement dental care for an individual or a community dental health program.

PHARMACOLOGY AND EMERGENCIES

The pharmacology and emergencies course will provide entry level information in basic pharmacology and the use of drugs and medications in a dental practice. Students will be given guidelines to prepare for a medical emergency situation that might arise during dental treatment. Information will be presented to review CPR and first aid.

INTRODUCTION TO TODDLER DEVELOPMENT

In this module students develop an appreciation and understanding of historical and contemporary theories of development, developmental domains and research approaches to toddler development.

CLINICAL DENTAL ASSISTING II

The Applied Clinical Dental Assisting course allows students in the dental assisting program the opportunity to apply theoretical material from Term I courses into clinical situations. The focus of the course will be on chairside assisting that requires anticipation of the dentists needs and the student’s ability to deliver instruments and materials required with maximum efficiency.

DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY

This course will introduce dental assisting students to the knowledge and theoretical considerations of dental radiographic procedures. Laboratory sessions will allow students to practice techniques for exposure of intra and extra-oral radiographs and processing and mounting of dental films. Clinical application of material will provide the opportunity to develop competence in exposure of dental film and processing and mounting of x-rays in a safe and pleasant environment.

DENTAL MATERIALS

The dental materials course will provide lecture and laboratory instruction on the category, properties, use and manipulation of materials that are applied to restorative dental procedures. Students will be introduced to the materials and supplies used in specialty practice and will master the techniques for handling each one.

DENTAL SPECIALTIES

This course will provide the dental assisting student with a basic knowledge of the special disciplines of dentistry including Pedodontics, Orthodontics, Endodontics, Periodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, Implants and Forensic Odontology.

OFFICE SKILLS AND COMMUNICATION

The Communications and Office Skills course is designed to provide the student learner with the information and practical knowledge related to the business procedures of a dental practice. In addition, students will learn the importance of a procedures manual for dental practice, office records, filing, appointments, recalls and inventory control. The basics of accounting, and management of financial transactions in a dental practice are covered and computer applications in all dental office procedures will be provided for the student including the protocols of insurance management. Lastly, students will learn The Pacific Institute – Mastering the Attitudes of Success (TPI-MAS) which focuses on how your mind works and how you can control the way you think to achieve success.

PROSTHODONTICS & LABORATORY PROCEDURES

This course presents basic information about prosthetic dental procedures intended to return damaged or missing dentition to normal function. Students will also learn the technique for construction of temporary crowns and bridges. Time will be provided for practice of intra-oral and chairside skills to enable students to feel confident assisting in a prosthodontic practice.

PREVENTIVE DENTAL PROCEDURES II

This course is designed to introduce theoretical knowledge in preparation for provision of preventive services. Content includes preparation of health histories and charting protocols required for accurate documentation in a dental office. Students will study the nutrition and dental health needs of the patient and be able to plan and implement dental care for an individual or a community dental health program.

DIRECT PATIENT CARE I

This course will allow students in the dental assisting program the opportunity to provide dental services to patients at the University of Toronto. Prior to working with patient’s chairside, students will demonstrate their oral evacuation skills on a student partner. At U of T, students will demonstrate their ability to implement chairside dental care that has been introduced and practiced in courses from Terms I and II. Working with a dental student in the Faculty of Dentistry, students will provide dental services to patients with maximum comfort and safety. These skills will be practiced and evaluated under direct supervision by Medix dental assisting faculty.

DIRECT PATIENT CARE II

This course will allow students in the dental assisting program the opportunity to provide preventive dental services to patients where they will be able to demonstrate competency in intra-oral skills. Students will demonstrate the ability to plan and implement dental care that has been introduced and practiced in courses from Terms I and II. Working with fellow classmates and/or on patients, students will complete requirements for entry level intra-oral skills. Intra-oral charting, preliminary impressions, application and removal of dental dam, coronal polish, fluoride application, patient education, pit and fissure sealants, desensitization and radiographs will be practiced and evaluated under direct supervision of a dentist and dental assisting faculty.

THE PACIFIC INSTITUTE – MASTERING THE ATTITUDES OF SUCCESS (TPI-MAS)

TPI-MAS helps students recognize the choices they have in life and how to control how they think to change the way they live their lives. Students will understand how the human mind works and how their beliefs and attitudes influence the present and shape the future. The program encourages students to have a positive outlook and strive for goals despite any challenges and obstacles.

ENRICHED ACADEMY

The Enriched Academy program will teach you how to manage your money and build a solid financial future.

Have Any Other Questions? Visit Our Campus and Talk To An Admissions Representative.