Program Director
Dr. Dusan Surdilovic
Associate Professor, Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry
Program Description and Local Accreditation
The Diploma of Dental Assistant (DDA) program is accredited by the National Qualification Center (NQC) in the UAE, this vocational competency-based program is designed to provide students with comprehensive training in dental assisting. The DDA program spans over two years and consists of four semesters, with a total of 90 Credit Hours. Our curriculum is specifically designed to focus on the development of essential competencies required in the dental assisting profession. With state-of-the-art technology, excellent infrastructure, and highly qualified staff, our college and dental hospitals provide an optimal learning environment for students to acquire the necessary professional attributes and skills. We look forward to welcoming aspiring dental assistants and shaping their careers in this rewarding field.
Program Goals
To graduate qualified dental assistants who are able to support the dental practitioners in delivering dental services to their patients.
Program learning outcomes
| Domain | Competency |
| 1. Professionalism | 1.1 Apply ethical and professional behavior and comply with national legal and regulatory requirements in the provision of dental care. |
| 1.2 Ensure that patient safety is paramount in all decisions and actions. | |
| 1.3 Demonstrate empathy and caring behavior towards patients, their families, and members of the community. | |
| 1.4 Maintain patients’ privacy and confidentiality. | |
| 2. Communication
and Social Skills |
2.1 Apply appropriate interprofessional and communication skills that allow work effectively as part of a dental healthcare team. |
| 2.2 Document and share written and electronic information about dental encounters. | |
| 2.3 Present clear information to patients in a timely manner. | |
| 2.4 Communicate effectively within the organizational hierarchy. | |
| 2.5 Recognize cultural diversity and apply cultural competency in caring for patients and communities. | |
| 3. Health Promotion | 3.1 Apply the principles of health promotion strategies and disease prevention to educate patients on proper oral hygiene and assist them with maintaining good oral health. |
| 4. Scientific and
Clinical Knowledge |
4.1 Apply the scientific basis, application, and risks of using ionizing radiation and dental materials. |
| 4.2 Demonstrate appropriate knowledge as relevant to clinical skills in restorative dentistry. | |
| 4.3 Demonstrate appropriate knowledge as relevant to clinical skills related to pediatric, preventive dentistry and oral public health. | |
| 4.4 Demonstrate appropriate knowledge as relevant to clinical skills related to oral surgery. | |
| 4.5 Demonstrate appropriate knowledge as relevant to clinical skills related to orthodontics. | |
| 4.6 Demonstrate appropriate knowledge as relevant to clinical skills related to periodontics. | |
| 5. Patient-Centered Care | 5.1 Assess and record vital signs of patient. |
| 5.2 Assist and support the dental practitioners in delivering dental services to their patients | |
| 5.3 Perform certain clinical related tasks such as taking radiographs, impression materials/ placing rubber dam and preparing trays for different dental procedures. | |
| 5.4 Maintain accurate, consistent, and legible records of the patient using different health information systems. | |
| 5.5 Apply infection control guidelines and protocols for maintaining a clean and safe dental environment. | |
| 5.6 Assist the health care provider in the management of medical and dental emergencies.
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| 5.7 Manage efficiently the dental office’s daily operations. |
