30-508-307, 31-508-3Dental Assistant Professional
Course Information
Description
Prepares dental assistant students for entering the workforce. Students develop professional appearance and prepare a resume, cover letter, and professional development plan. Students learn to work within ethical guidelines and legal frameworks.
Total Credits
1
Course Competencies
  1. Illustrate how the role of the dental assistant integrates with the roles of other members of the dental team
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written or graphic assessment
    Criteria
    identify members of a typical dental team
    compare scope of practice for each member of the team
    compare educational requirements for each team member
    you assess your own personal biases
    you reflect on your own dental customs/traditions and how they may differ from patients and those of other members of the dental team
    you identify resources to bridge language barriers within the community and/or dental team members, if applicable

  2. Maintain professional confidentiality
    Assessment Strategies
    by responding to scenarios that present confidentiality issues and decisions
    Criteria
    response correctly identifies confidentiality issues
    response presents effective strategies to prevent a breach of confidentiality
    response is tactful

  3. Cultivate a professionally ethical climate
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written or graphic response to ethical dilemmas
    Criteria
    accurately identify the ethical issue
    explain why it is an ethical issue
    propose a course of action
    predict the impact of proposed course of action
    logically defend choice

  4. Respond to a request to perform a task that is not legally permitted to be delegated to a dental assistant
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, or graphic assessment
    Criteria
    communicate your concern in a polite and professional manner
    define the problem, referencing the appropriate state statute
    point out the risks of undertaking a task that is out of the scope of the dental assistant role
    ask to be excused from undertaking the task

  5. Prepare your dental assistant resume and cover letter
    Assessment Strategies
    in the development of a resume and cover letter
    Criteria
    honestly present information that to the best of your knowledge is true
    resume contains only relevant information
    resume reflects your capability and skills
    resume documents work history in chronological order beginning with the most recent
    resume contains clear evidence of the skills/training necessary to do the job
    resume is easy to read: no incomplete sentences, elimination of "I," no long paragraphs, organized to highlight most important information
    resume presents a professional image
    resume has 100 percent correct spelling and grammar
    cover letter follows standard business letter format
    cover letter showcases your professional qualifications and skills
    cover letter requests an interview
    cover letter has 100 percent correct letter format

  6. Prepare for a job interview for a dental assistant position
    Assessment Strategies
    in a mock interview
    in a portfolio or social media profile or other tool identified by your instructor
    Criteria
    arrive for interview early
    dress professionally
    greet the interviewer with confidence and warmth
    demonstrate comfortable, poised manner
    maintain appropriate eye contact
    are courteous
    honestly present information that to the best of your knowledge is true
    answer questions thoroughly, without presenting irrelevant or inappropriate information
    show sincere interest and enthusiasm for the employment situation
    ask questions that show knowledge about the dental office and insight about the job, but are not benefits-related
    express appreciation to the interviewer(s)
    showcase your qualifications and skills to present yourself as a high performing candidate (i.e. portfolio, social media profile)

  7. Develop a professional development plan
    Assessment Strategies
    in the development of a professional develop plan
    Criteria
    plan is focused on your continued growth after graduation
    plan sets goals for completing certification and other professional growth goals
    plan specifies professional organizations that you will join, illustrating how your membership will contribute to your professional development
    plan lays out strategies and timelines for professional development

  8. Evaluate professionalism as it relates to a dental practice or dental healthcare environment
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, or graphic assessment
    Criteria
    identify components of professionalism
    explain the ADAA code of professional conduct
    identify your college program policies related to professionalism