PROGRAM OUTLINE
Your hands on training program is designed to take you step-by-step through the techniques and skills you'll employ in your new career as a Dental Assistant.
Introduction to Dentistry and the Dental Assistant
Overview of the dental field and dental history; the dental team and their duties and responsibilities; the role of the dental assistant.
Dental Terminology and Anatomy
Dental terminology; anatomy of the mouth and various parts of the mouth, neck, and throat; the structure of the tooth; types of teeth and their surfaces; charting.
Preventive Dentistry and Nutrition
Preventive dentistry and the role of good nutrition; dental plaque and its role in dental disease; nutrition and the use of vitamins.
Cavity Classification and Charting
Healthy history form; the oral examinations; standardized system of charting dental conditions, tooth identification, and cavity classification; interpreting charting.
Dental Law and Ethics
Dental applications of ethics and the law; ethical issues in dentistry; HIPAA and its purpose; privacy, confidentiality, and security.
Dental Operatory: Patients, Instrumentation, Moisture Control
Introduction to the dental operatory; functions of rotary instruments; dental burs, stones, points, and discs; moisture control procedures.
Disease Transmission, Pathology, and Dental Emergencies
Disease transmission and microbiology; the most common dental emergencies and how to respond.
Infection Control
Proper infection control procedures; personnel attire and protective barriers; sterilization and disinfection procedures.
OSHA Regulations
How OSHA guidelines influence infection control and what guidelines are relevant to the dental office; proper handling of waste from the dental office.
Radiology 1
Radiology; radiation safety and equipment; responsibilities of the dental staff; protection devices.
Radiology 2
Bisecting technique; properties of diagnostic-quality X-rays; preventing technical faults in radiographs.
Pharmacology and Anesthesiology
Basic pharmacology and its relationship to the dental profession; general, local, and topical anesthesia.
Dental Materials 1
Dental materials and how they're used in restorations; principles of cavity preparation.
Dental Materials 2
Continues with dental materials; different impression materials; dental stone and plaster.
Dental Specialties 1: Endodontics/Periodontics
Stages of endodontic and periodontic treatment; root canal therapy; periodontal examination; dental implants.
Dental Specialties 2: Pediatrics/Orthodontics
Describes the pediatric dental specialty; emergency treatments.
Dental Specialties 3: Prosthodontics/Oral Surgery
Introduces the specialties of prosthodontics and oral surgery; procedures in prosthodontics; explains bridges, crowns, laboratory preparation, infection control; dentures.
Communicating in the Dental Office
Discusses different types of communication; verbal and nonverbal communication techniques.
Business Administration for the Dental Assistant
Scheduling and appointment control; records management; dental charting and terminology; preventive recall; accounts receivable; bookkeeping; dental insurance; collections and payment plans.