ObjectivesAs a CDA student you'll be working in Camosun's 24 chair, fully equipped clinic. You'll learn how to prepare for and provide chair-side support to assist dentists and clients in all diagnostic/assessment, restorative, and specialty procedures. Your clinical training will focus on the ever-present and critical need to exercise control of infection and transmission of disease. You'll learn basic support techniques for pain and anxiety management. You'll master the placement of dental dam, treatment liners, matrices, and wedges.
Academic titleCertificate in Certified Dental Assistant
Upon completion of the CDA program, and a national examination you will be eligible to apply for licensure to practice as a Certified Dental Assistant in British Columbia.
Course descriptionCDA 110 Theory 1
(3 credits) F (5,0,0,0)
Learners will acquire the introductory knowledge in this course that will be transferred to a wide variety of contexts/applications in Certified Dental Assistant practice. Topics include: head and neck anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, radiology and nutrition.
Co-requisite(s): CDA 120, CDA 140, CDA 150.
CDA 111 Theory 2
(3 credits) W (4,0,0,0)
In this course, learners will transfer the knowledge acquired in Theory 1 to a wide variety of contexts/applications in Certified Dental Assistant practice. Learners will also continue their study of pharmacology and radiology, and receive an introduction to dental specialties with a focus on disease and abnormalities.
This course focuses on the theory and practice base of selected introductory psychomotor skills that are required for the practice of the Certified Dental Assistant. Learners will study theory and skills related to the areas of prevention, assessment, operative and fundamental practice at an introductory level.
Co-requisite(s): CDA 110, CDA 140, CDA 150.
CDA 121 Practice Skills 2
(4 credits) W (2,6,0,0)
This course builds on the material previously learned in CDA 120 and continues to focus on the theory and practice base of independent psychomotor skills required for certified dental assisting. The learner will study and practice in simulated situations.
Learners will participate in integrative activities related to the knowledge, skills and values learned in Semester One courses. The learning activities include integration seminars, clinical practice and a one-day dental office observation.
Co-requisite(s): CDA 110, CDA 120, CDA 150.
CDA 141 Integrated Practice 2
(5 credits) W (1,3,0,8)
Classes will focus on the integration of knowledge, skills and values learned in Academic Term one and Academic Term two. Learners will develop personal learning goals and strategies, practice skills in Camosun's dental clinic and provide support and assistance to the dental team and clients in private dental offices.
(2 credits) P (0,12.5 ,0,0 for 2 weeks; 0,0,0,32 for 2 weeks)
CDA 142 provides opportunities to practice, integrate and consolidate the content learned in Academic Term one and Academic Term two. Learners will provide care to clients in the college dental clinic and in private dental offices.
CDA 150 outcomes relate to the professional practice of the Certified Dental Assistant in association with the client and family, the dental and interdisciplinary teams, the regulatory body and community agencies. Professional empowerment and the evolving scope of practice are emphasized. Various conceptual models are examined at an introductory level.
Co-requisite(s): CDA 110, CDA 120, CDA 140.
CDA 151 Professional Practice 2
(2 credits) W (3,0,0,0)
CDA 151 outcomes build on the content introduced in CDA 150 and relate to the professional practice of the Certified Dental Assistant at an advanced level. Ethical and legal aspects of certified dental assistant practice, current trends and issues in dentistry, self-advocacy and dental career development will be examined.