Dental Assisting: A Comprehensive Approach,
7th Edition

Vaishali Singhal, Melissa Damatta, Susan Kantz, Karla Alvarez, Donna J. Phinney, Judy H. Halstead

ISBN-13: 9798214113852
Copyright 2026 | Published
400 pages | List Price: USD $260.95

Packed with step-by-step instructions, Singhal/DeFiore/Alvarez/Kantz/Phinney/Halstead's DENTAL ASSISTING: A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH, 7th Edition, is the all-in-one resource that equips aspiring dental assistants with the knowledge and confidence for success. Dental assistants need to master many skills while taking on increasing responsibilities, from basic practices and procedures to advanced clinical competencies and patient safety -- and this book covers it all. Written to encompass CODA accreditation standards and DANB certification competencies, this complete learning system provides resources and tools that help you navigate the dental office while thinking on your feet. In addition, MindTap's anywhere, anytime digital learning solutions enable you to learn on your own terms. Begin your future in dental assisting today!

Purchase Enquiry INSTRUCTOR’S eREVIEW COPY

The Language of Dentistry.
1. Introduction to the Dental Profession.
2. Psychology, Communication, and Multicultural Interaction.
3. Ethics, Jurisprudence, and Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
4. General Anatomy and Physiology.
5. Head and Neck Anatomy.
6. Landmarks of the Face and Oral Cavity.
7. Embryology and Histology.
8. Dental Anatomy.
9. Oral Pathology.
10. Microbiology.
11. Infection Control.
12. Management of Hazardous Materials.
13. The Special Needs and Medically Compromised Patient.
14. Pharmacology.
15. Medical Emergencies.
16. Oral Health and Preventive Techniques.
17. Nutrition.
18. The Dental Office.
19. Dental Instruments and Tray Systems.
20. Ergonomics and Instrument Transfer.
21. Moisture Control.
22. New Patient Examination.
23. Anesthesia and Sedation.
24. Dental Prophylaxis and Recare Appointment.
25. Coronal Polishing and Fluoride Application.
26. Dental Sealants.
27. Introduction to Dental Radiography, Radiographic Equipment, and Radiation Safety.
28. Production and Evaluation of Dental Radiographs.
29. Infection Control for Dental Radiology.
30. Paralleling Technique Exposures.
31. Bisecting Technique Exposures.
32. Supplemental and Special Radiographic Exposures.
33. Processing, Evaluating and Mounting Radiographs.
34. Digital Radiography and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).
35. Radiographic Interpretation.
36. Dental Emergency Procedures and Dental Cements.
37. Amalgam Procedures and Materials.
38. Composite Procedures and Materials.
39. Dental Laboratory Materials.
40. Pediatric Dentistry.
41. Orthodontics.
42. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
43. Endodontics.
44. Periodontics.
45. Dental Implants.
46. Fixed Prosthodontics.
47. Computerized Impression and Restorative Systems.
48. Removable Prosthodontics.
49. Cosmeticdentistry and Teeth Whitening.
50. Dental Practice Management.
51. Career Planning.

  • Vaishali Singhal

    Vaishali Singhal is an associate professor at Rutgers University's School of Health Professions (SHP) and Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) in Newark, New Jersey. Teaching at the university since 2001, she serves as program director of the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Program and Master of Science in gerontology at SHP as well as course director for Practice Management, Dentistry in the Community, and Ethics and Jurisprudence at RSDM. At the faculty practice of RSDM, Dr. Singhal specializes in treating patients with serious mental illness. In 2019 she completed her doctoral thesis at SHP, evaluating ways to improve the oral health of patients with serious mental illness. She completed a Master of Science in health sciences at Rutgers University in 2011 and received her DMD from the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine in 1993. Her Ph.D. and M.S. programs included specialized courses in education, which is Dr. Singhal's passion.

  • Melissa Damatta

    Melissa Damatta began her career as a dental assistant at a young age. Her love of dentistry motivated her to return to school and pursue dental hygiene. Upon graduation, she immediately returned to school to pursue her second love -- education. She began her education career at Rutgers School of Health Professions as an adjunct in the department of Allied Dental Education, where she taught both clinical and didactic courses. During that time she sought out her CDA. After the program closed, she went on to teach in the dental hygiene program for Burlington County College in New Jersey. Currently, Ms. Damatta is an associate professor for the dental hygiene program at Community College of Philadelphia, where she serves as clinic coordinator for second-year students and teaches radiology and a preclinical course to first-year students. She has practiced dental hygiene for 18 years, with experiences in periodontal, pediatric and general dentistry. A former president of CNJDHA, she holds memberships in the ADHA and the ADEA. She continues to practice as a clinical dental hygienist for a private practice in New Jersey. Ms. Damatta completed her associate degree in applied science in dental hygiene at Middlesex County College in New Jersey, her BSHS – education track at UMDNJ (now part of Rutgers University) and her MSDH with an education concentration at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut.

  • Susan Kantz

    Susan Kantz was a dental assisting program director for a private college and a high school career center. She also was an active HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) local advisor, and her students consistently placed in the top 10 -- and often in the top 3 -- at the National HOSA Leadership Conference. Dedicated to helping each student achieve their greatest potential, Ms. Kantz received both Teacher of the Year and Indiana HOSA Advisor of the Year honors. Prior to teaching, she worked as an EFDA in private practice at Indiana University School of Dentistry and Riley Children's Hospital Dental Clinic. She was the curriculum developer for the Indianapolis Public Schools Health Professions Center and a member of the Indiana Department of Education cadre that taught writing duties/task lists and articulation agreements to vocational instructors throughout the state. After retirement, Ms. Kantz worked as a dental assisting/dental hygiene adjunct instructor at Ivy Tech Community College. She completed her dental assisting and expanded dental assistant program at Indiana University School of Dentistry, earned an M.S. in allied health education from Indiana University and attended Indiana Wesleyan University Education Leadership Program.

  • Karla Alvarez

    Karla Alvarez is an accomplished dental professional at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) in Newark, NJ, and a current member of the ADAA. As an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant, she trains students in digital scanning. Karla has a strong background in pediatrics, specializing in oral sedations, pulpotomies, extractions and fillings. Her training includes experience across various specialty departments. Karla's expertise extends to the Oral Surgery Department, where she excels in assisting with IV sedations and extractions. Her dedication to excellence in patient care and education makes her a valuable asset to the dental community.

  • Donna J. Phinney

    Donna Phinney was a Certified Dental Assistant and program director for the Dental Assisting Program at Spokane Community College. She devoted her 20-year career to the dental field as a dental assistant and office manager and later to consulting and teaching. Ms. Phinney was a fellow of the American Dental Assistants Association, where she served as a consultant and an appointed commissioner, as well as an active member of the Washington State Dental Assisting Association. She earned her BA from Eastern Washington University and MEd from Whitworth College.

  • Judy H. Halstead

    Judy Halstead, CDA, is the former Dental Assisting Program Director for a private college and a high school skills center. Now retired, she also worked as a dental assistant and an enthusiastic industry representative for more than 30 years. As a president of the Washington Dental Assistant Association, Ms. Halstead often delivered lectures and workshops at local, state and regional dental conferences as well as served as an industry consultant. She earned a BA from Eastern Washington University and is a Certified Dental Assistant with an Expanded Functions certificate.

  • The revised radiology section is now divided into six new chapters to enhance the student's experience, including Infection Control for Dental Radiology and Radiographic Interpretation.

  • The improved user experience with Dental Assisting Certification Exam Preparation provides seamless customization, exam creation and improved grade reporting.

  • MindTap online learning platform has been updated! Revisions throughout this edition's digital resources reflect functionality enhancements, customization improvements and assessment updates.

  • The text includes enhancements of DEI through the text with an increased focus on digital techniques.

  • Updated assets include chapter terms, patient dialogue scenarios, documentation, professional encounters, icons, review practice and recapped points.

  • Recapped Points: Keeping students focused and productive, chapter summaries emphasize key ideas and highlight critical takeaways from the readings.

  • Review Practice: Multiple-choice questions at the end of every chapter help students dive deep into topics and test their knowledge, while open-ended critical thinking questions allow them to blend chapter material with their own personal insights and judgment.

  • Personalized Studies: Let students learn on their terms with MindTap, the anytime, anywhere digital learning solution that consolidates a variety of course materials into an individualized learning path! Available as an optional supplement, MindTap offers readings, multimedia and interactive activities designed to build skills and boost course success.

  • Colorful Insights: Vibrant photos and lifelike illustrations give students an accurate vision of modern clinical settings and best practices for their future dental assisting careers.

  • Systematic Detail: Step-by-step instructions walk students through proper procedures related to hand-washing, gloves, masks and protective eyewear, basic setup, expanded functions and dental assisting competencies.

  • Thoughtful Issues: A variety of thought-provoking case studies enable students to put their newfound knowledge into action by finding solutions to problems and challenges from real-world practice.

  • Helpful Icons: Clearly visible, graphic icons in the readings point out information related to legal, safety, and infection control.

  • Interactive Skills: Help students learn more by doing!

Cengage provides a range of supplements that are updated in coordination with the main title selection. For more information about these supplements, contact your Learning Consultant.

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