In this program grouping, students should be able to meet specific technical standards, which are the essential skills and abilities needed to be successful in a program, with or without reasonable accommodation. It is important to review and understand these standards before applying to the program.
This information should be reviewed prior to applying to the program.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made to ensure access to academic programs, activities, services, and employment in accordance with Section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended. If accommodations are needed, contact the campus Accommodations Specialist or the Northwood Tech Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Officer, at 715-645-7042, TTY 711, 30 days in advance of needed assistance. Services available are documented on the Northwood Tech Accommodations webpage:
Accommodation Services | Northwood Technical College.
For more information, please see Administrative Procedure J-111A Reasonable Accommodation for Student.
Area
Physical Skills
Standard
The student must demonstrate:
- Gross motor for data collection/assessment, intervention, and to promote a safe environment.
- Fine motor/dexterity to manipulate small objects and complete procedures or assessments.
- Endurance, strength, mobility, balance, flexibility, and coordination to perform client care activities and emergency procedures.
Examples (Not Inclusive)
- Sit, stand, walk and maintain balance at varying intervals
- Bend, stretch, squat, twist, kneel and reach
- Good hand-eye coordination
- Arm-hand steadiness
- Finger and manual dexterity (squeeze, grasp, twist, pinch, and manipulate small objects)
- Move in confined spaces
Sensory Skills
The student must demonstrate:
- Vision sufficient for observation and assessment of patient care.
- Tactile, auditory, visual, and olfactory ability for data collection/assessment and to promote a safe care environment.
- Ability to tolerate exposure to odors and common allergens.
- Detect audible sounds for function and warning of equipment
- Visually detect equipment displays
- Visually detect environmental hazards
- Detect objects, symbols, and numbers
- Detect and identify different colors and shades
- Detect changes in skin color, temperature, swelling
- Detect odors (abnormal breath, alcohol, gases, smoke)
Communication Skills
The student must have the ability to:
- Communicate effectively with patients/clients, families, peers, supervisors, members of the public, and other healthcare professionals.
- Observe, recognize, respond to, and use appropriate non-verbal communication.
- Listen and respond to others in a nonjudgmental, respectful manner.
- Speak, read, comprehend, interpret, and convey information.
- Produce written work legibly, accurately, and in a timely manner.
- Read and understand digital and computer displays, as well as enter data in a computerized client record.
- Cope with strong emotions and adapt to unpredictable situations.
- Discuss and ask questions regarding patient care with patient, family, and healthcare team
- Convey information in a clear, professional, and timely manner
- Listen and respond to others in an accepting and respectful manner
- Discuss details and ask questions regarding patient care
- Listen and respond to others in a nonjudgmental, respectful manner
- Awareness of non-verbal communication
- Ability to learn different electronic dental charting systems
- Observe, interpret, and respond appropriately to surroundings, nonverbal cues, verbal and written information
Safety Skills
The student must have the ability to:
- Apply knowledge, skills, and experience to provide a safe environment for the patient/client, self, and the healthcare team.
- Respond appropriately to threatening or emergent situations.
- Adhere to safety guidelines and regulations in a variety of healthcare settings.
- Work in an environment with potentially infectious materials
- Demonstrate adherence to safety guidelines and regulations
- Recognize potentially hazardous conditions and take appropriate actions
- Maintain immunization and health care requirements
- Utilize personal protective equipment (gloves, masks, eyewear, gown)
- Operate equipment, adhering to safety standards
- Identify and resolve unsafe situations
- Be familiar with and follow emergency procedures
Critical Thinking Skills
The student must have the ability to execute the following skills in a timely/immediate manner:
- Problem solve creatively.
- Make decisions based on data and policy.
- Analyze, synthesize, and interpret information.
- Make safe and appropriate decisions, including when under stressful situations.
- Acknowledge limitations of knowledge or performance ability (stay within scope of practice).
- Perform basic mathematical skills.
- Apply broad concepts to clinical situations
- Concentrate on performing clinical tasks
- Recognize the need to consult with healthcare professionals
- Demonstrate problem-solving skills
- Anticipate needs for procedures, provider, and patient, and respond appropriately
- Prioritize patient care duties
- Ability to problem-solve complex situations while maintaining a professional demeanor
- Prioritize all job tasks and effective executive functioning
Professionalism
The student must demonstrate:
- Integrity, moral reasoning, ethical behaviors, and concerns for others.
- Respect for diverse populations.
- Ability to adapt to changing environments.
- Ability to function effectively under stress
- Confidentiality when working with diverse individuals and communities.
- Ability to accept constructive feedback and responsibility for own actions.
- Exhibit positive interpersonal skills in all interactions
- Maintain confidentiality
- Recognize appropriate boundaries in relationships with patients and colleagues
- Work as a team member
- Cope with stressful situations
- Demonstrate appropriate impulse control
- Adhere to attendance, dress code, and personal hygiene protocol
- Display integrity, honesty, respect, reliability, and accountability
- Accept and utilize constructive feedback to enhance personal and professional growth
- Work independently and in a team
- Respond to challenging situations while maintaining composure and professionalism
- Maintain the Dental Assistant Professional Code of Ethics
Northwood Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to manage inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Amanda Gohde, Vice President, Talent & Culture, 1900 College Drive, Rice Lake WI 54868; Amanda.Gohde@NorthwoodTech.edu, phone: 715-645-7042.
Specific programs included as part of this grouping are listed below:
- Dental Assistant
- Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA)
