This page has been created to keep in touch with past graduates, to inform those who are a part of the dental community about our programs and CEU courses, and to provide information to potential hygiene, assisting & EFDA students. The Dental Health Programs at the University of Maine at Augusta-Bangor were established in 1973 to meet the growing need for dental health care providers in the State
of Maine. in Dental Assisting on the Bangor & Augusta campus. The programs' combine courses in anatomy, physiology, medical microbiology and more, with hands-on learning in our Dental Health Clinic located right on the Bangor campus. Under the supervision of UMA’s outstanding staff, you’ll work on real patients in our Clinic, fully preparing you to enter upon graduation into this highly in-demand, well paying profession. Working in classrooms, labs, a campus Dental Health Clinic, and in the community, our Dental Health students are prepared for positions of responsibility in a variety of settings, including dental offices, schools and public health agencies. DENTAL HYGIENE
The programs’ unique curriculum combines advanced dental health courses with general studies classes, so that our students are both well rounded and ready upon graduation to perform clinical services, such as patient assessment, instrumentation, dental radiography, application of fluorides and sealants, and administration of local anesthesia. Students are also trained as oral health educators to teach patients and the community the principles of preventive oral health care. The centerpiece of the program is the campus Dental Health Clinic which includes the type of equipment our students are likely to find once employed. Most important, our students get to work on actual patients from the community, which makes the transition from college to job almost seamless. In addition to experiences in the Dental Health Clinic students also gain enrichment experiences through extramural rotation assignments like the Veteran’s Administration Dental Center at Togus and from practicing dentists and dental hygienists throughout the state. The Dental Hygiene Program is just one of two in the state of Maine, and the only in Eastern Maine. The Dental Assisting Program is the only CODA accredited assisting program in the state. Both programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and by the United States Department of Education. DENTAL ASSISTING
This program is designed for individuals who are interested in becoming members of the dental health care delivery system. The curriculum is designed to provide a broad educational experience in the theory and practice of dental assisting, as well as a background in biological sciences and the humanities. The dental assisting student will be educated in fourhanded dentistry and in duties which may be delegated to dental assistants, including dental radiography, oral health education and business office responsibilities. Students gain practical experience through clinical and laboratory sessions and through extramural assignments in general and specialty dental practices, community and hospital dental clinics and dental laboratories. The courses of study are particularly suited to those who leave a sincere interest in science and enjoy working with people. The curriculum includes content in five areas: liberal studies, biomedical sciences, dental sciences, clinical sciences and clinical practice. The program emphasizes the knowledge and skills necessary for chairside dental assisting, but also prepares students to perform clinical support services, selected laboratory procedures and basic business office procedures. The Dental Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and by the United States Department of Education. EFDA
Competencies/ Outcomes:
Upon satisfactory completion of DEH 380 Preclinical Expanded Functions and DEH381 Clinical Expanded Functions, the student will be able to demonstrate competence in the following areas:
Professionalism
The student will be able to:
1. Provide ethical, legal, compassionate care without discrimination and with
respect for confidentiality of patient information
2. Communicate effectively; provide explanations of procedures and respond to
patients' questions & concerns; interact professionally with colleagues
Patient care
The student will be able to:
1. Ensure the health & safety of the patient during the delivery of EFDA
services
2. Perform competently all of the following expanded functions permitted by the
Board of dental examiners:
o Place & remove rubber dam
o Place & contour amalgam, composite & other restorative materials prior to
final setting and/or curing
o Supragingival polishing
o Cement provisional/temporary crowns & bridges and remove excess cement
o Perform pulp vitality tests
o Place & remove retraction cord
o Place & remove periodontal dressing
o Size, place & cement/bond orthodontic bands & brackets
o Apply topical fluoride, desensitizing agents and pit & fissure sealants
o Use slow speed instrumentation for removing composite material when
Debonding orthodontic brackets
o Take impressions for study casts, bleaching trays, sports guards and
provisional/temporary crown and bridges
3. Maintain accurate and thorough treatment records
