Objective
The objective of the Dental Administrator program is to train students in attaining skills and demonstrating competency in essential dental office procedures and administrative assistant skills. Our graduates have been successful securing employment in dental offices and clinics.
Program Outline
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.
COMPUTERS
This course provides a basic overview of using a computer, accessing the internet and basic word processing skills.
DENTAL FUNDAMENTALS
The student will study the normal function of external and internal structures of the teeth, oral cavity, histology, tooth morphology, occlusion, Blacks classifications and dental procedures.
INTRODUCTION TO THE DENTAL ADMINISTRATOR PROFESSION AND TERMINOLOGY
In this course, students are introduced to the profession of dental administration, receiving an overview of dentistry, professional organizations, provincial rules, ethics, and the role of the dental health team. Students will also be introduced to a systematic study of dental terms for their professional training. The student will become proficient with prefixes, suffixes, and key words that formulate dental terms and translating dental terms to common language.
RECORDS MANAGEMENT
This course will introduce the student to the numerous dental records, electronic charts and manual charts. The importance of diagnostic records and treatment planning will be examined. Emphasis will be placed on charting and record keeping. The significance of standards of practice, quality assurance, and ethics will also be explored.
BASIC CLINICAL SKILLS
Students will be introduced to infection control procedures in the dental environment, seating and dismissing patients and x-ray identification. Students will also be introduced to proper ergonomics to prevent workplace injury.
DENTAL SOFTWARE
Dental software applications are utilized in the both the clinical operatories as well as the reception area of a dental office or group practice. The students are required to be efficient in all aspects of the daily processes that take place in a dental facility. The more familiar a student is with the diverse software, the more in demand they will be in the job market.
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
The success of the dental practice will depend on communication with patients and among the dental staff. This course will focus on effective communications within the dental office. Communication is the process of transmitting information from one person to another. In the dental office, this will vary often between the dentist(s), the patients, the dental team, and the community the office serves. Regardless of how the message is delivered—whether verbal, non-verbal, or written—each dental team member is responsible for providing a positive impression. The first and continuing impressions involve much more than just physical appearance. Perceptions are built on professionalism, attitude, compassion, and good, quality communication. The patient who comes to the dental practice expects the dental staff to communicate not only in a professional manner but also with proper grammar and diction.
ORAL PATHOLOGY, PHARMACOLOGY, MEDICAL EMERGENCY
This course focuses on an introduction to general and oral pathology with an emphasis on diseases affecting the oral region, including the principles of inflammation and healing; developmental disturbances; the pathology of dental caries; dental and oral abnormalities; bacterial, viral and mycotic diseases; oral injuries and neoplasms are also studied. Premalignant lesions and their differences from common benign conditions are emphasized. The classification of drugs used in dentistry will be examined. The student will also be introduced to common medical emergencies in the dental office. Preventive measures and management of these emergencies will be reviewed.
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVENESS
This segment will cover the key competencies related to office practices and administrative responsibilities of the dental administrator. Dentistry is a business as well as a healthcare service profession. It is essential to provide treatment for patients in a caring manner, but it is also necessary to maintain maximum efficiency and production in order to maintain a successful practice. The administrator plays a key role in the smooth operation of any dental practice, including the protection of patient information, records management, scheduling, billing and insurance, accounts payable and receivable, financial controls, communication with patients and other healthcare professionals.
FIRST AID/CPR
Students will learn the skills needed to recognize and respond to cardiovascular, choking, airway and breathing emergencies. Students gain the skills needed to perform CPR and wound care to treat a variety of injuries. Upon completion of this course, students will acquire Standard First Aid/CPR level C certification.
JOB SEARCH
This unit will provide the student with the basics to create an effective and usable resume and the skills to be effective at searching for a job. The students will also become comfortable with being interviewed and know what to expect when entering an interview.
ENRICHED ACADEMY
The Enriched Academy program will teach you how to manage your money and build a solid financial future.
