DAST 1630 - The Compromised Patient

Lecture hours: 15 Contact hours
Laboratory hours:30-45 Contact hours

Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Dental Assisting Program 

Course Description:
This course is a study of the compromised patient with emphasis on medical emergencies in the dental office and special needs patients.

Student Learning Outcomes:
To provide the student with training in emergency procedures and special skills used with the compromised patients that are needed in dental assisting career. To familiarize the student with dental terminology and problem-solving skills needed when faced with a compromised patient in the dental office.

Students will be able to:

1. Record the vital signs essential to the patient’s health.
2. Judge the emergency treatment of chronic illnesses.
3. Watch for four primary characteristics of the patient born with learning disabilities and record their special dental needs.
4. Locate two of the problems faced by a patient born with a cleft palate, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, diabetes or other special needs.
5. Demonstrate what can be done to help the blind patient, the hard of hearing and the homebound patient with their dental needs.
6. Participate in improving the oral health of Assisted Living and Nursing Home residents in the community through presentation at the facilities.