{ "college": "san-diego-mesa-college", "edition": "2026-2027", "code": "DENA", "name": "Dental Assisting", "sourceUrl": "https://sdccd.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/17459/18544/18546/17460/17482", "courses": [ { "code": "DENA 50", "subject": "DENA", "number": "50", "title": "Dental Communications", "units": "3", "hours": "48 - 54 hours lecture", "cid": [], "transfer": [], "description": "This course is an introduction to dentistry. Emphasis is placed on the history of dentistry, current trends in the dental industry, educational requirements, and the responsibilities of each Dental Health Team. Students explore the dental field and its demands as they develop the verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills required to be effective members of a Dental Health Team. Topics include dental terminology, California Occupation Safety and Health Administration (Cal OSHA) standards, infection control basics, standards of patient care, methods of conflict resolution and an exploration of psychological issues related to dental patients, employers and co-workers. This course is for students who are interested in dental assisting and/or dental office administration.", "notes": [ "Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for DENA 102", "Grading: Letter Grade Only" ], "offered": [ { "term": "fall-2026", "name": "Fall 2026", "sections": 1, "open": 1, "url": "/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/fall-2026/dena/#dena-50", "subject": "DENA" }, { "term": "spring-2027", "name": "Spring 2027", "sections": 1, "open": 1, "url": "/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/spring-2027/dena/#dena-50", "subject": "DENA" } ] }, { "code": "DENA 54", "subject": "DENA", "number": "54", "title": "Basic Dental Assisting", "units": "2", "hours": "32 - 36 hours lecture", "prerequisite": "DENA 50 with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent", "corequisite": "DENA 54L; Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: DENA 56 with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent", "cid": [], "transfer": [], "description": "This basic dental assisting course presents the role of the restorative dental assistant. This course includes sterilization/disinfection principles, preparation/function of instruments, matrix systems and care/maintenance of dental equipment. Principles of team positioning as well as delivering dental care in four-and six-handed general dentistry, and moisture control methods are stressed. Patient relations and techniques of team interactions are introduced. This course is for students who have been admitted to the Dental Assisting Program.", "notes": [ "Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for DENA 122 or DENA 124", "Special Admission - must be admitted to program.", "Grading: Letter Grade Only" ], "offered": [ { "term": "fall-2026", "name": "Fall 2026", "sections": 1, "open": 0, "url": "/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/fall-2026/dena/#dena-54", "subject": "DENA" } ] }, { "code": "DENA 54L", "subject": "DENA", "number": "54L", "title": "Basic Dental Assisting Lab", "units": "2", "hours": "96-108 hours lab", "corequisite": "DENA 54", "cid": [], "transfer": [], "description": "This basic dental assisting laboratory course allows for the practical application of chairside dental assisting techniques in restorative dentistry. Emphasis is placed on the manipulation and delivery of restorative materials, sterilization procedures, and the preparation of dental instruments and the treatment room. Topics also include the care and preventive maintenance of equipment used in restorative dentistry, team positioning, four- and six-handed dentistry, moisture control, placing and removing a dental dam, matrices, vital signs and overall patient handling. This course is for students who have been admitted to the Dental Assisting Program.", "notes": [ "Limitation on Enrollment: Special Admission - must be admitted to program.", "This course is not open to students with previous credit for DENA 122L or DENA 124L", "Grading: Letter Grade Only" ], "offered": [ { "term": "fall-2026", "name": "Fall 2026", "sections": 2, "open": 0, "url": "/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/fall-2026/dena/#dena-54l", "subject": "DENA" } ] }, { "code": "DENA 56", "subject": "DENA", "number": "56", "title": "Basic Dental Science", "units": "3.5", "hours": "56 - 63 hours lecture", "advisory": "Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: DENA 50 with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent", "cid": [], "transfer": [], "description": "This course is a basic study of Science in Dentistry for dental assisting students. Emphasis is placed on anatomy, physiology, tooth morphology, embryology and histology, head and neck anatomy, and landmarks of the face and oral cavity. Topics include microbiology in dentistry, disease transmission in dentistry, oral pathology, pharmacology, medical emergencies in the dental office, pain control, and anesthesia. This course is for students who are interested in the dental assisting and/or dental office administration.", "notes": [ "Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for DENA 105 or DENA 106", "Grading: Letter Grade Only" ], "offered": [ { "term": "fall-2026", "name": "Fall 2026", "sections": 1, "open": 1, "url": "/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/fall-2026/dena/#dena-56", "subject": "DENA" }, { "term": "spring-2027", "name": "Spring 2027", "sections": 1, "open": 1, "url": "/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/spring-2027/dena/#dena-56", "subject": "DENA" } ] }, { "code": "DENA 58", "subject": "DENA", "number": "58", "title": "Preventive Dental Care", "units": "1.5", "hours": "24 - 27 hours lecture", "prerequisite": "DENA 50 with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent", "corequisite": "DENA 58L; Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: DENA 56 with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent", "cid": [], "transfer": [], "description": "This course is a study of the principles and techniques for preventing tooth decay. Emphasis is placed on nutrition, personal preventive oral hygiene, and education of the dental patient on issues related to preventive dental care. Students maintain a food log, analyze their nutritional and sweet intake and counsel one another on dietary choices. Students also practice applying fluoridation in conjunction with a caries detection device to aid against tooth decay. Topics also include coronal polishing, dental sealants and Caries Management By Risk Assessment (CAMBRA). This course is for students who have been admitted to the Dental Assisting Program.", "notes": [ "Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for DENA 104, DENA 103, or DENA 053", "Special Admission - must be admitted to program.", "Grading: Letter Grade Only" ], "offered": [ { "term": "fall-2026", "name": "Fall 2026", "sections": 1, "open": 0, "url": "/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/fall-2026/dena/#dena-58", "subject": "DENA" } ] }, { "code": "DENA 58L", "subject": "DENA", "number": "58L", "title": "Preventive Dental Care Lab", "units": "0.5", "hours": "24-27 hours lab", "corequisite": "DENA 58 and DENA 83A", "cid": [], "transfer": [], "description": "This laboratory course is a practical application of preventive dental care, including an analysis of personal/patient nutrition and nutritional counseling. Emphasis is placed on a plaque control program using a variety of oral hygiene products and patient education strategies. Students perform fluoride treatments, use a variety of caries detection devices and perform caries risk assessments. Laboratory practice includes developing skills in coronal polishing and pit and fissure sealants. This course is for students who have been admitted to the Dental Assisting Program.", "notes": [ "Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for DENA 104, DENA 103L or DENA 053L", "Special Admission - must be admitted to program.", "Grading: Letter Grade Only" ], "offered": [ { "term": "fall-2026", "name": "Fall 2026", "sections": 2, "open": 0, "url": "/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/fall-2026/dena/#dena-58l", "subject": "DENA" } ] }, { "code": "DENA 60", "subject": "DENA", "number": "60", "title": "Clinical Business Management", "units": "1.5", "hours": "24 - 27 hours lecture", "prerequisite": "DENA 50 with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent and DENA 56 with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent", "corequisite": "DENA 60L", "cid": [], "transfer": [], "description": "This course presents a basic foundation for the administrative dental assistant in accounts receivable and payable for manual and computerized systems. Included is the role of the dental assistant in clinical record keeping, preparing treatment plans, telephone techniques, effective scheduling, and insurance processing. The topics of this course also include maintaining recall system, inventory control, and marketing systems. Employment skills necessary to obtain a position as an administrative Registered Dental Assistant and cultivate skills necessary to remain employed are also covered in this course. This course also includes law and ethics and the California Dental Practice Act as they apply to dentistry. This course is designed for students enrolled in the Dental Assisting Program and/or Dental Office Administration.", "notes": [ "Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for DENA 131 or DENA 132", "Grading: Letter Grade Only" ], "offered": [ { "term": "spring-2027", "name": "Spring 2027", "sections": 1, "open": 1, "url": "/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/spring-2027/dena/#dena-60", "subject": "DENA" } ] }, { "code": "DENA 60L", "subject": "DENA", "number": "60L", "title": "Clinical Business Management Lab", "units": "1", "hours": "48-54 hours lab", "prerequisite": "DENA 50 with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent and DENA 56 with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent", "corequisite": "DENA 60", "cid": [], "transfer": [], "description": "This lab course presents a basic foundation for the administrative dental assistant in accounts receivable and payable when theories can be applied to a computerized system. Included is the role of the dental assistant in clinical record keeping, preparing treatment plans, telephone techniques, effective scheduling, insurance processing, and maintaining recall and inventory control systems. This course is designed for students enrolled in the Dental Assisting Program.", "notes": [ "Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for DENA 131 or DENA 132L", "Grading: Letter Grade Only" ], "offered": [ { "term": "spring-2027", "name": "Spring 2027", "sections": 2, "open": 2, "url": "/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/spring-2027/dena/#dena-60l", "subject": "DENA" } ] }, { "code": "DENA 62", "subject": "DENA", "number": "62", "title": "Dental Specialties I", "units": "2.5", "hours": "40 - 45 hours lecture", "prerequisite": "DENA 118 with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent and DENA 54 with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent", "corequisite": "DENA 62L", "cid": [], "transfer": [], "description": "This course presents the first phase of dental specialties, including oral and maxillofacial surgery, periodontics, and pediatric dentistry. Topics include mouth mirror inspection for the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), basics of dental implants, teeth whitening, infection process of periodontal disease, and the types of dental instruments used in each specialty procedure. This course also covers the theory for the application of coronal polishing, as well as pit and fissure sealants. This course is designed for students enrolled in the Dental Assisting program.", "notes": [ "Limitation on Enrollment: Special Admission - must be admitted to program.", "This course is not open to students with previous credit for DENA 161 or DENA 162", "Grading: Letter Grade Only" ], "offered": [ { "term": "spring-2027", "name": "Spring 2027", "sections": 1, "open": 1, "url": "/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/spring-2027/dena/#dena-62", "subject": "DENA" } ] }, { "code": "DENA 62L", "subject": "DENA", "number": "62L", "title": "Dental Specialties I Laboratory", "units": "2", "hours": "96-108 hours lab", "prerequisite": "DENA 54L with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent and DENA 83A with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent and DENA 118L with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent", "corequisite": "DENA 62", "cid": [], "transfer": [], "description": "This laboratory course presents the practical application of chairside assisting and laboratory techniques in the specialty areas of oral and maxillofacial surgery, periodontic surgery, dental implants, and pediatric dentistry. Assisting skills are developed in a variety of surgical procedures. This course provides certification in coronal polishing, pit and fissure sealants. The following are taught to clinical proficiency: mouth mirror inspection, use of intra-oral camera, charting the findings, bleaching trays, coronal polishing, pit and fissure sealants, and infection control evaluations for certification. This course is intended for the student enrolled in the Dental Assisting program.", "notes": [ "Limitation on Enrollment: Special Admission - must be admitted to program.", "This course is not open to students with previous credit for DENA 161L or DENA 162L", "Grading: Letter Grade Only" ], "offered": [ { "term": "spring-2027", "name": "Spring 2027", "sections": 2, "open": 2, "url": "/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/spring-2027/dena/#dena-62l", "subject": "DENA" } ] }, { "code": "DENA 82", "subject": "DENA", "number": "82", "title": "Dental Specialties II", "units": "2.5", "hours": "40 - 45 hours lecture", "prerequisite": "DENA 118 with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent and DENA 54 with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent", "corequisite": "DENA 82L", "cid": [], "transfer": [], "description": "This course presents the second phase of dental specialties, including prosthodontic dentistry, orthodontics and endodontic specialties. Topics include fixed and removable dental prosthesis, provisional coverage, application of liners and bases, and the types of dental instruments used in each specialty procedure. Law and ethics and the California Dental Practice Act as they apply to dental assisting are also presented. This course is designed for students enrolled in the Dental Assisting Program.", "notes": [ "Limitation on Enrollment: Special Admission - must be admitted to program.", "This course is not open to students with previous credit for DENA 181 or DENA 182", "Grading: Letter Grade Only" ], "offered": [ { "term": "spring-2027", "name": "Spring 2027", "sections": 1, "open": 1, "url": "/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/spring-2027/dena/#dena-82", "subject": "DENA" } ] }, { "code": "DENA 82L", "subject": "DENA", "number": "82L", "title": "Dental Specialties II Lab", "units": "2", "hours": "96-108 hours lab", "prerequisite": "DENA 54L with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent and DENA 58L with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent and DENA 118L with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent", "corequisite": "DENA 82", "cid": [], "transfer": [], "description": "This course prepares the student to perform procedures of the chairside dental assistant in the specialty areas of fixed and removable prosthodontics, orthodontia and endodontics. Laboratory practice includes developing skills in constructing provisional crowns, placement of liners, bases, temporary sedative restorations on a typodont, scanning and milling a fixed crown, use and care of specialized instruments, and preparation of impression materials. The following are taught to clinical proficiency: preliminary impressions, impressions for orthodontic study models, bite registration, and infection control evaluations for certification. This course is intended for the student enrolled in the Dental Assisting program.", "notes": [ "Limitation on Enrollment: Special Admission - must be admitted to program.", "This course is not open to students with previous credit for DENA 181L or DENA 182L", "Grading: Letter Grade Only" ], "offered": [ { "term": "spring-2027", "name": "Spring 2027", "sections": 2, "open": 2, "url": "/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/spring-2027/dena/#dena-82l", "subject": "DENA" } ] }, { "code": "DENA 83A", "subject": "DENA", "number": "83A", "title": "Directed Clinical Practice", "units": "1.5", "hours": "81 hours other", "prerequisite": "DENA 50 with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent", "corequisite": "Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: DENA 54L with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent and DENA 58L with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent and DENA 118L with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent", "cid": [], "transfer": [], "description": "This course is designed for students in the Dental Assisting program to gain experience in directed clinical practice (DCP) in a dental clinic. Basic dental assisting is the main focus of this course. Support procedures include: infection control, preparing treatment rooms and patients for treatment, and assisting in restorative chairside procedures using four and six-handed dentistry. The dental assisting student will also have the opportunity to manipulate a variety of dental materials. Students are required to complete Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification for Healthcare Providers before beginning at their clinical site. The DCP is coordinated by a member of the college faculty. Supervision of the student is shared by the staff of the affiliating institution and faculty from the Dental Assisting Program. Students may not be paid for DCP. This course is for students who have been admitted to the Dental Assisting Program.", "notes": [ "Limitation on Enrollment: Special Admission - must be admitted to program.", "This course is not open to students with previous credit for DENA 185A or DENA 186A or DENA 86A", "Grading: Letter Grade Only" ], "offered": [ { "term": "fall-2026", "name": "Fall 2026", "sections": 1, "open": 0, "url": "/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/fall-2026/dena/#dena-83a", "subject": "DENA" } ] }, { "code": "DENA 83B", "subject": "DENA", "number": "83B", "title": "Directed Clinical Practice", "units": "4.5", "hours": "216-243 hours other", "prerequisite": "DENA 83A with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent", "corequisite": "DENA 139; Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: DENA 60L with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent and DENA 62L with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent and DENA 82L with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent", "cid": [], "transfer": [], "description": "This course provides dental assisting students a comprehensive, supervised application of knowledge and skills in all aspects of chairside assisting and administrative procedures in dental offices or clinics. Focus is on the job-ready, safe, legal, ethical and effective application of registered dental assistant functions. Rotations to specialty clinics are required. Directed clinical practice (DCP) is coordinated by a member of the Dental Assisting program faculty. Supervision of the student is shared by the staff of the dental office or clinic and a faculty member. This course includes clinical hours of dental radiography and administrative assistant duties. Students may not be paid for DCP. This course is for students who are enrolled in the dental assisting program.", "notes": [ "Limitation on Enrollment: Special Admission - must be admitted to program.", "This course is not open to students with previous credit for DENA 185B, DENA 185C, DENA 185D, DENA 186B or DENA 86B", "Grading: Letter Grade Only" ], "offered": [ { "term": "spring-2027", "name": "Spring 2027", "sections": 1, "open": 1, "url": "/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/spring-2027/dena/#dena-83b", "subject": "DENA" } ] }, { "code": "DENA 118", "subject": "DENA", "number": "118", "title": "Dental Materials", "units": "2.5", "hours": "40 - 45 hours lecture", "prerequisite": "DENA 50 with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent", "corequisite": "DENA 118L; Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: DENA 56 with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent", "cid": [], "transfer": [], "description": "This course is a study of the materials used in dentistry and the agencies responsible for dental materials standards. Emphasis is placed on the history of restorative dentistry and its related materials. Topics include restorative, preventive and cosmetic materials, prosthetics, the chemical and physical properties of each material, and proper manipulation techniques. This course covers safe materials handling practices with emphasis on potential hazards to patient, operator and/or the environment. This course is for students who have been admitted to the Dental Assisting Program.", "notes": [ "Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for DENA 116 or DENA 117", "Grading: Letter Grade Only" ], "offered": [ { "term": "fall-2026", "name": "Fall 2026", "sections": 1, "open": 0, "url": "/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/fall-2026/dena/#dena-118", "subject": "DENA" } ] }, { "code": "DENA 118L", "subject": "DENA", "number": "118L", "title": "Dental Materials - Lab", "units": "0.5", "hours": "24-27 hours lab", "corequisite": "DENA 118", "cid": [], "transfer": [], "description": "This course provides dental assisting students with the opportunity to manipulate a variety of dental materials commonly used in modern dentistry. Students practice proper safe handling, dispensing and manipulation techniques for each material presented. This course is for students who have been admitted to the Dental Assisting Program.", "notes": [ "Limitation on Enrollment: Special Admission - must be admitted to program.", "This course is not open to students with previous credit for DENA 116L or DENA 117L", "Grading: Letter Grade Only" ], "offered": [ { "term": "fall-2026", "name": "Fall 2026", "sections": 2, "open": 0, "url": "/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/fall-2026/dena/#dena-118l", "subject": "DENA" } ] }, { "code": "DENA 138", "subject": "DENA", "number": "138", "title": "Dental Radiography I", "units": "2.5", "hours": "40 - 45 hours lecture", "prerequisite": "DENA 50 with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent", "corequisite": "DENA 138L; Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: DENA 56 with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent", "cid": [], "transfer": [], "description": "This is a lecture course that provides the dental assisting student with the history, ethics, infection control and principles of dental radiographic production. Various techniques for obtaining intra-oral radiographs and digital images are presented. The radiographic identification of anatomical landmarks, dental pathology and dental treatment is explored. An introduction to dental photography as well as the discussion of the management of pediatric patients and patients with special needs in dental radiography is also presented. This course is for students who have been admitted to the Dental Assisting Program.", "notes": [ "Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for DENA 127 or DENA 128 or DENA 129", "Special Admission - must be admitted to program.", "Grading: Letter Grade Only" ], "offered": [ { "term": "fall-2026", "name": "Fall 2026", "sections": 1, "open": 0, "url": "/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/fall-2026/dena/#dena-138", "subject": "DENA" } ] }, { "code": "DENA 138L", "subject": "DENA", "number": "138L", "title": "Dental Radiography Lab", "units": "1", "hours": "48-54 hours lab", "corequisite": "DENA 138", "cid": [], "transfer": [], "description": "This is a laboratory course in which the dental assisting student demonstrates radiation protective techniques, caring for dental x-ray equipment, exposing, processing, mounting, and evaluating dental radiographs using infection control techniques. Exposures are accomplished using dental film and digital imaging on manikins (DXTTR) in preparation for exposures on human patients. The student identifies anatomical landmarks and basic caries as well as periodontal disease processes on intra-oral and extra-oral radiographs with beginning level competence. The student obtains a set of full mouth radiographs on a human patient. This course is for students who have been admitted to the Dental Assisting Program.", "notes": [ "Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for DENA 125 or DENA 127L or DENA 128L or DENA 129L", "Special Admission - must be admitted to program.", "Grading: Letter Grade Only" ], "offered": [ { "term": "fall-2026", "name": "Fall 2026", "sections": 4, "open": 0, "url": "/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/fall-2026/dena/#dena-138l", "subject": "DENA" } ] }, { "code": "DENA 139", "subject": "DENA", "number": "139", "title": "Dental Radiography II", "units": "0.5", "hours": "24-27 hours lab", "prerequisite": "DENA 138L with a Grade of \"C\" or better, or equivalent", "corequisite": "DENA 83B", "cid": [], "transfer": [], "description": "This course is the clinical level of dental x-rays and covers the techniques and skills required for obtaining full mouth series of dental radiographs and digital images of diagnostic quality, including Panoramic and Cephalometric images. The use of various radiographic positioning devices is included. Students obtain extra-oral and intra-oral dental photographs. In addition students complete the NOMAD x-ray unit training using a pediatric dental manikin. The student has the opportunity to expose radiographs in a simulated private practice environment through San Dieg Mesa College Community Clinic. Students obtain a California State Radiation Safety Certification of Completion upon satisfactory completion of course requirements. This course is designed for students enrolled in the Dental Assisting Program.", "notes": [ "Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for DENA 136", "Special Admission - must be admitted to program.", "Grading: Letter Grade Only" ], "offered": [ { "term": "spring-2027", "name": "Spring 2027", "sections": 4, "open": 4, "url": "/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/spring-2027/dena/#dena-139", "subject": "DENA" } ] } ] }