IS A CAREER AS AN EXPANDED DUTY DENTAL ASSISTANTFOR YOU?

Here are some answers to your questions!

FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Infectious disease transmission can pose significant concerns in the dental workplace

All dental healthcare workers must understand the basic principles of disease transmission, infection control, and safety to minimized the risks associated with exposure to biohazardous agents.

To ensure an understanding of the risks presented and to implement safe work practices, federal regulations require that all healthcare professionals participate in specific training in infection control practices for exposure to an handling of biohazardous materials.

FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Upon entering Dental Health Professions, the students are given a training session that includes, but not limited to, an explanation of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, the Exposure Control Plan, hazard communication, engineering controls, work practice controls and personal protective equipment.

The Exposure Control Plan and the Bloodborne Pathogen standard are available to all students, faculty and staff in Programs’ Policy Manuals.

WHAT IS AN EXTENDED DUTY DENTAL ASSISTANT?

The Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA) Program prepares the student to become an essential member of the dental team. The student learns current infection control practices, concepts of four-handed dentistry, radiography techniques and techniques for providing preventive oral hygiene services.

TYPICAL DUTIES

Obtains and charts patient’s dental health and history

Takes and documents vital signs Exposes, develops and interprets x-

rays Performs chair side dental

procedures

TYPICAL DUTIES Prepares dental tray set-ups for all

dental procedures Assists dentist in all dental procedures

using four-handed dentistry Performs coronal polish on

supragingival tooth structures and polish restorations

Takes impressions, pours and trims study models

TYPICAL DUTIES Makes and cements temporary

coverings Applies topical medication prescribed

by the dentist Applies pit and fissure sealants Instructs patients in home care

procedures Gives post-operative instructions Implements emergency procedures and

administers first aid including CPR

Working hours range from 32 to 40 hours per week.

WORKING HOURS

What are the steps to enrollment in the Expanded Duty Dental Assisting Program?

® Complete and submit a York Technical College Application

® Take the placement test or submit SAT/ACT scores

® Submit college transcripts (if applicable)® Meet with an Admissions Counselor ® Be accepted to the Pre-EDDA program® Work with your advisor each term® Meet requirements for program goal® Meet with an member of the Enrollment

Services Team® Pay the $50.00 wait list fee® Pay the $100.00 deposit when seat is available ® Maintain 2.0 GPR each semester® Fulfill entry criteria

Physical ExamHealth and liability insurance

FULFILL ENTRY CRITERIA

Physical Assessment Proof of two MMR vaccinations AND Rubella titer is required or

if no proof of MMR is available you must have titers for each(Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)

Varicella (Chicken Pox) titer required Proof of Diphtheria-Tetanus Booster (Last booster must have

been received within the past 10 years.) Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended (Documentation of

declination is required if student does not have the vaccine.) Proof of 2 step PPD within 3 months prior to entry of program is

required. Physician’s evaluation

COURSES TO TAKE IN HIGH SCHOOL

Algebra Biology Chemistry College Preparatory English

What job opportunities exist?

Dental Offices Schools Hospitals Civil Service offices Dental Mobile Unit

What salary will I make after completing this program?

EDDA’s earn anywhere from $14.00 to $18.00/hour. Assistants will earn more if they are Certified Dental Assistants.

THINGS TO CONSIDER Curriculum is rigorous – requires extensive

reading, study time and good time management skills.

Program runs concurrently – starts only once each fall; if you withdraw or fail an EDDA course, you have to reapply to be able to reenter

Critical thinking required on the job Stress level – medium to high Must be a team player as well as able to work

independently Very interesting and rewarding field of study

MAKE AN INFORMED AND REALISTIC CHOICEEDDA’S HAVE GOOD, ENJOYABLE JOBS IN A NICE ENVIRONMENT, BUT:

You need to realize there are more harmful bacteria in the mouth than any other orifice of the body.

You may work on patients with pus coming out from under the gum which gives off a foul odor.

You need to realize that every patient you see has the potential to transmit HIV, TB, or herpes despite what they tell you or how they look.

You may see patients, including children with badly decayed teeth and know they have no funding.

How much time should I expect to spend in this program to be successful?

The program is very demanding! The program is a full-time, Monday

through Friday, daytime program. Between the coursework and the

clinical rotations, successful students should plan to devote approximately 40 hours per week each semester to their education.

This schedule can make it challenging to be employed full-time while enrolled in the program.

For students who must work, it is highly recommended that they work no more than 20 hours per week.

How stressful is the clinical environment?

The program can be quite stressful. Classroom material must be retained for the clinical setting where students are acquiring hands-on skills to make the connection between theory and practice. Students must be willing to become motivated, independent learners and accept constructive criticism while in the clinical setting.

What are the physical requirements for this field?

Good hand dexterity Use of feet to operate

equipment The ability to sit or stand for

long durations of time

What type of special skills do I need to possess in order to be a successful EDDA?

Responsible/reliable Flexible/adaptable Good communication skills Like working with people and equipment Strong interest in science Able to apply principles of logical or

scientific thinking Able to interpret an extensive variety of

technical instructions and forms

MAKE AN INFORMED AND REALISTIC CHOICE

The grading scale for the EDDA program for both coursework and clinicals:

Students MUST maintain a MINIMUM grade point average of 70 in all EDDA coursework in order to remain in the program.

A minimum of 70 is required in all clinical coursework. Below 70 is considered unacceptable clinical performance.

IN OTHER WORDS…

Students who earn any grade below an 70 in any EDDA course will not be eligible to continue.

It is very difficult for students to work more than 20 hours per week and be successful in this program.

What are the estimated expenses

for the program?

Tuition & fees for three semesters (in county) $8, 290 Textbooks $1,160 Uniforms $400 Universal Protection Kit $ 600 Instruments & Supplies $1,820 Liability Insurance $15 Health Insurance ( varies) $600

Physical Exam (varies) $600 Eye Exam ( varies) $75 Dental Exam ( YTC Dental Clinic) $35 Hepatitis B Vaccination (Required) $420 CPR Certification $50 National ADDA Student Dues $60 Certification Exam (DANB)

Infection Control $175 Radiology $175 Chairside $200

TEAS Test $86 Graduation Fee/Cap/Gown $35 Transportation to clinical sites (varies)

Will I be required to complete additional training once I become a Expanded Duty Dental Assistant?

Continuing education in the form of workshops, classes, etc., is the norm for all medical professionals and is required to maintain licensure.

CAN YOU PICTURE YOURSELF IN A CAREER AS AN EDDA?

If so, you may have additional questions.

Please feel free to contact: Edna Martin

Program Manager, at 981-7068