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K–12 Standards

Dental Assistant I (2025)

Other Maryland CTE Programs of Study sets

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. This course is recommended for students in Grades 9-12, and there are no prerequisites.1

  • 1

    GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. This course is recommended for students in Grades 9-12, and there are no prerequisites.1

INTRODUCTION2

  • A

    Career and Technical Education (CTE) instruction provides content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills for students to further their education and succeed in current or emerging professions.2.A

  • B

    The Health and Human Services Career Cluster promotes whole health in individuals and communities through diverse services. This sector includes technical, mental, and therapeutic services and personal care supported by medical and social sciences. By addressing social determinants of health and leveraging health data and science, this Cluster aims to enhance the overall health and resilience of individuals, families, and communities.2.B

  • C

    The Dental Assistant Program of Study prepares students for careers in dental assisting and healthcare. Aligned with Advance CTE’s Health and Human Services Career Cluster, the program develops foundational healthcare knowledge, specialized dental assisting skills, and hands-on experience through internships or apprenticeships. Students gain proficiency in infection control, chairside assisting, patient care, and administrative duties while exploring human anatomy and physiology. Students will be eligible to sit for the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) certification exam and the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners Maryland General Dental Assisting Qualified Functions (MDG) certification exam.2.C

  • D

    Dental Assistant I introduces students to dental assisting and prepares them to progress into the Dental Assistant II course, where they will complete the requirements for the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) certification and the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners Maryland General Dental Assisting Qualified Functions (MDG) certification.2.D

  • E

    Students will participate in at least two Career-Connected Education and Work-Based Learning experiences in this course, which might include informational interviews or job shadowing relevant to the program of study.2.E

  • F

    Students are encouraged to participate in extended learning experiences through aligned Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs). CTSOs are a cocurricular requirement in the Carl D. Perkins Act, and alignment to CTSO activities is an expectation for CTE programs in the state of Maryland.2.F

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS3

  • A

    The student demonstrates the necessary skills for career development, maintenance of employability, and successful completion of course outcomes. The student is expected to:3.A

    1. 1

      Identify and demonstrate positive work behaviors that enhance employability and job advancement, such as regular attendance, promptness, proper attire, maintenance of a clean and safe work environment, and pride in work.3.A.1

    2. 2

      Demonstrate positive personal qualities such as flexibility, open-mindedness, initiative, active listening, and a willingness to learn.3.A.2

    3. 3

      Employ effective reading, writing, and technical documentation skills.3.A.3

    4. 4

      Solve problems using critical thinking techniques and structured troubleshooting methodologies.3.A.4

    5. 5

      Demonstrate leadership skills and collaborate effectively as a team member.3.A.5

    6. 6

      Implement safety procedures, including proper use of software and following privacy guidelines.3.A.6

    7. 7

      Exhibit an understanding of legal and ethical responsibilities in the healthcare field, following copyright laws and regulations.3.A.7

    8. 8

      Demonstrate time-management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks in a technical setting.3.A.8

  • B

    The student identifies various career pathways in the healthcare field. The student is expected to:3.B

    1. 1

      Develop a career plan that includes the necessary education, certifications, job skills, and experience for specific roles in healthcare.3.B.1

    2. 2

      Create a professional resume and portfolio that reflect skills, projects, certifications, and recommendations.3.B.2

    3. 3

      Demonstrate effective interview skills for roles in healthcare fields.3.B.3

  • C

    The student develops technology and digital literacy skills. The student is expected to:3.C

    1. 1

      Use technology as a tool for research, organization, communication, and problem-solving.3.C.1

    2. 2

      Use digital tools, including computers, mobile devices, collaboration platforms, and cloud services, to access, manage, and create information.3.C.2

    3. 3

      Demonstrate proficiency in using emerging and industry-standard technologies.3.C.3

    4. 4

      Understand ethical and legal considerations for technology use, including the principles of data protection, copyright, and responsible technology use.3.C.4

  • D

    The student integrates core academic skills into healthcare practices. The student is expected to:3.D

    1. 1

      Demonstrate the use of clear communication techniques, both written and verbal, that are consistent with industry standards.3.D.1

    2. 2

      Apply English concepts such as writing informative texts when documenting the healthcare plans and articulating goals.3.D.2

    3. 3

      Use mathematical concepts for measurement and conversion (Fahrenheit vs. Celsius), ratios and proportions as well as fraction and decimal conversions.3.D.3

  • E

    The student demonstrates infection prevention and safety for dental settings. The student is expected to:3.E

    1. 1

      Apply CDC and OSHA guidelines for hand hygiene, PPE, operatory asepsis, and environmental surface disinfection for dental treatment rooms.3.E.1

    2. 2

      Describe instrument flow (cleaning, packaging, sterilization), indicators, and spore testing at a student-appropriate level.3.E.2

    3. 3

      Identify sharps and regulated medical waste; follow exposure-incident reporting steps.3.E.3

  • F

    The student demonstrates basic dental anatomy, charting, and terminology. The student is expected to:3.F

    1. 1

      Identify tooth anatomy, surfaces, and common numbering systems (Universal/National, Palmer, ISO).3.F.1

    2. 2

      Record findings using standard dental chart symbols and abbreviations (intro level).3.F.2

  • G

    The student identifies and maintains basic dental instruments, materials, and equipment. The student is expected to:3.G

    1. 1

      Identify exam and restorative instrument setups; describe indications and safe handling.3.G.1

    2. 2

      Describe properties and aseptic handling of basic dental materials (e.g., alginate, gypsum) used for study casts.3.G.2

  • H

    The student applies chairside fundamentals in a simulated dental operatory. The student is expected to:3.H

    1. 1

      Prepare and break down the operatory; maintain ergonomics and principles of four-handed dentistry.3.H.1

    2. 2

      Demonstrate moisture control techniques (HVE, saliva ejector, cotton products, retraction) in simulation.3.H.2

  • I

    The student performs patient intake and dental communication tasks appropriate to scope. The student is expected to:3.I

    1. 1

      Collect/update medical history and medications; obtain/record vital signs used in dentistry.3.I.1

    2. 2

      Provide age-appropriate oral health education and basic pre/post-op instructions under guidance.3.I.2

    3. 3

      Use dental EHR/practice-management features for scheduling and basic chart entries (no diagnosis).3.I.3

  • J

    The student demonstrates introductory dental radiography concepts and safety (no exposures yet). The student is expected to:3.J

    1. 1

      Explain radiation basics, ALARA, patient shielding, and staff protection in a dental office.3.J.1

    2. 2

      Identify parts of intraoral imaging equipment and sensors/film; explain storage/handling and error-prevention.3.J.2

    3. 3

      Describe patient consent, documentation, and quality-assurance logs that will be practiced in DA II.3.J.3

  • K

    The student demonstrates professionalism and scope awareness specific to Maryland dental assisting. The student is expected to:3.K

    1. 1

      Describe Maryland supervision levels and the role of the dental assistant (high-school appropriate orientation).3.K.1

    2. 2

      Identify how DA I prepares for later DANB RHS and MSBDE MDG components in DA II.3.K.2

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, and Grade 12
Where can I read the official document?
Dental Assistant

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