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K–12 Standards

Dental Assistant II (2025)

Other Maryland CTE Programs of Study sets

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. This course is recommended for Grades 10-12 students, and Dental Assistant I is the prerequisite.1

  • 1

    GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. This course is recommended for Grades 10-12 students, and Dental Assistant I is the prerequisite.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 II builds on foundational healthcare and dental assisting knowledge, focusing on clinical applications and advanced skills. Students will deepen their understanding of dental anatomy, radiography, infection control, and chairside assisting techniques. This course emphasizes practical skills, including taking impressions, assisting with restorative procedures, and adhering to workplace safety protocols. Students will prepare for and take two key certifications: Dental Assisting National Board Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) certification, demonstrating competencies in radiographic procedures and safety and the 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 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 advanced knowledge and application of infection control and workplace safety in dental settings. The student is expected to:3.E

    1. 1

      Apply OSHA and CDC guidelines for infection control and workplace safety, including proper sterilization, disinfection, and hazardous material handling.3.E.1

    2. 2

      Implement protocols for managing biohazardous waste, maintaining instrument sterility, and using personal protective equipment (PPE).3.E.2

    3. 3

      Evaluate infection control procedures for effectiveness and compliance with regulatory standards.3.E.3

  • F

    The student demonstrates proficiency in radiographic procedures and safety practices for dental assisting. The student is expected to:3.F

    1. 1

      Understand the principles of radiation physics, radiographic imaging, and biological effects of radiation exposure.3.F.1

    2. 2

      Demonstrate competency in positioning, exposing, and processing dental radiographs.3.F.2

    3. 3

      Troubleshoot common radiographic errors and correct techniques to improve imaging outcomes.3.F.3

    4. 4

      Mount a complete intraoral series and maintain a radiography quality-assurance log (exposure settings, retakes, corrective action).3.F.4

    5. 5

      Adhere to safety measures to protect patients and staff, including the use of protective barriers and dosimeters.3.F.5

  • G

    The student demonstrates advanced skills in performing expanded functions as a dental assistant as permitted under MSBDE regulations and required supervision. The student is expected to:3.G

    1. 1

      Take alginate impressions for diagnostic models, study casts, and intraoral appliances.3.G.1

    2. 2

      Perform coronal polishing and apply fluoride treatments under supervision.3.G.2

    3. 3

      Prepare, place, and remove temporary restorations and crowns, ensuring patient comfort and procedural accuracy.3.G.3

    4. 4

      Assist with placing and removing matrix bands, wedges, and retraction cords during restorative procedures.3.G.4

    5. 5

      Construct custom trays and athletic mouthguards for patients.3.G.5

  • H

    The student demonstrates understanding of dental anatomy, morphology, and pathology. The student is expected to:3.H

    1. 1

      Identify and describe the anatomy of teeth, oral structures, and supporting tissues.3.H.1

    2. 2

      Analyze common dental pathologies, including caries, periodontal disease, and malocclusion, and their implications for treatment.3.H.2

    3. 3

      Use dental morphology knowledge to assist in diagnosing and planning treatment for patients.3.H.3

  • I

    The student demonstrates effective patient care and communication skills. The student is expected to:3.I

    1. 1

      Provide patient education on oral hygiene practices, pre- and post-treatment instructions, and preventive care.3.I.1

    2. 2

      Demonstrate professional and empathetic communication techniques when interacting with patients of diverse cultural and developmental backgrounds.3.I.2

    3. 3

      Accurately document patient information and care plans using dental terminology and electronic health records.3.I.3

  • J

    The student integrates advanced scientific and critical thinking skills into dental assisting practices. The student is expected to:3.J

    1. 1

      Apply principles of human anatomy, physiology, and chemistry to analyze and deliver dental care services.3.J.1

    2. 2

      Evaluate case studies to identify appropriate treatment options and expanded function procedures.3.J.2

    3. 3

      Solve clinical challenges through critical thinking and decision-making skills in simulated and real-world settings.3.J.3

  • K

    The student prepares for industry-recognized certifications and demonstrates readiness for professional practice. The student is expected to:3.K

    1. 1

      Review competencies required for the Maryland General Dental Assisting Qualified Functions (MDG) Exam, including expanded function skills such as temporary restorations and fluoride application.3.K.1

    2. 2

      Practice and refine radiographic skills and safety measures in preparation for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Exam.3.K.2

    3. 3

      Complete mock exams and practical assessments aligned with both certification requirements.3.K.3

Frequently asked questions

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

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