This curriculum guide, developed for use in dental assistant education programs in Michigan, describes a task-based curriculum that can help a teacher to develop a classroom management system where students learn by doing. It is based on task analysis and reflects the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that employers expect entry-level dental assistants to possess. In the first section of the guide, information is provided on the Dictionary of Occupational Titles job code and title sheet, career ladders, a duty/task/job matrix, and the tasks covered in the curriculum. The body of the document covers 10 duties subdivided by task. Task sheets consist of a task objective, achievement indicators, criteria for completion, lists of tools and equipment needed, and resources. Topics covered in the 10 duties are the following: preventing disease transmission, performing basic emergency procedures, collecting clinical data, performing general chairside procedures, instructing oral health management, performing radiographic procedures, performing laboratory procedures, performing office management procedures, performing expanded functions (registered dental assistant), and using employability skills. In addition, the curriculum guide contains a tool and equipment list, a student achievement record, a class achievement record, and a bibliography. (KC)