Course Outline

During the course of study, students learn the operation of all equipment, instrumentation and materials commonly used in a general dental practice. All students receive in excess of 8 hours of instruction in radiology. Also included is CPR Certification and VA X-Ray Certification. Our students will also be exposed to many of the “expanded duties” of dental assisting. Details are outlined below.

The following subjects are covered in depth from both a didactic and a practical clinical experience.

I. Dental Theory and Terminology
A. Dental and oral anatomy, tooth identification and numbering system
B. Instrument nomenclature and identification for all aspects of General Dentistry
C. Dental terminology
D. Equipment operation, chair positioning, assistant equipment usage
E. Treatment options available, depending on oral conditions

II. Four-Handed Dental Assisting
A. Instrument transfer techniques, chair-side assisting and patient suctioning
B. Chairside doctor-patient-assistant positioning
C. Tub and tray systems of instruments and materials
D. Familiarity and use of instruments and materials in assisting for:
1. Operative Dentistry-amalgam and composite restorations
2. Oral Surgery - instruments, procedures and post-op protocol
3. Crown and Bridge - polyvinyl "gun type" impression taking, temporary fabrication, cord packing hemostatic agents, introduction into various crown types
4. Endodontics - instruments, medicaments and materials: how and why they are used
5. Periodontics - disease origin and usual treatment methods
6. Pedodontics - commonalty and differences in treating children vs. adult patients and introduciton to treatment of special needs children
7. Orthodontics - braces, wire and ligature placement

III. Radiology
A. X-ray theory and technique, use of Rinn© holders and other methods
B. Intraoral, bitewing and endodontic exposure methods
C. Developing X- rays using an automatic processor and an introduction to Digital X-rays.
D. Automatic processor care and maintenance
E. X-ray identification, interpretation, safety and precautions

IV. Impressions and Model Trimming
A. Impression materials and practice in their uses: alginates, poly vinyl siloxane, etc.
B. Wax bites, triple tray impressions
C. Model pouring and trimming

V. Cements and Liners
A. Introduction to various cements and liners used in dentistry
B. Practice mixing cements and liners

VI. Sterilization Techniques
A. Sterilization theory and terminology, autoclave operation
B. Instrument and equipment sterilization / disinfection
C. Treatment room disinfection and asepsis techniques
D. Handpiece care and maintenance

VII. Job Interview Preparation and Constructing a Professional Resume

VIII. Dental Office Internship