Dental Assisting

Bisecting the angle intraoral technique adapted to an adult and pediatric manikin; evaluation of film quality; recognition of anomalies with differential tissue densities; preliminary film interpretation for charting and tray setup; specialized procedures for endodontia, the edentulous and geriatric patient; panoramic radiography lateral jaw and skull surveys; legal considerations; digital x-ray intraoral techniques.

Introduction to radiation health and safety protocols for those students needing formal training, more experience, new hires, and on the job trained assistants. This course can assist in preparing the student to take the Dental Assisting National Board Radiation Health and Safety Examination. General dental anatomy and terminology. Placing, exposing, developing and mounting intraoral films, and taking digital X-rays. Infection control techniques will be practiced during film exposure and processing. Hybrid course online and mandatory six mandatory lab meetings.

Introduction to infection prevention in the dental office and management of hazardous materials. Hazardous materials management, OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, personal protective equipment (PPE), and disease transmission protocol. Introduction and application of surface disinfection and instrument sterilization techniques. This course can be used for preparation for the Dental Assisting National Board Infection Control Exam. The information in this course can be used by those individuals seeking a position as a dental sterilization technician. *This is an online course with three mandatory class/lab meetings. Discussion participation is required.

A course designed for the development of laboratory proficiency in the dexterity and professional competencies needed to assist in four and six handed dentistry procedures utilized in general dentistry. Demonstration of proper posture and form at chair side, positive communication, sterilization and disinfecting, manipulation of dental materials, adherence to infection control protocols and OSHA requirements of instrument names. Use and care are stressed. Two hours of lecture and eleven (11) hours laboratory are required each week. Completion of this course satisfies 3 hours of instruction toward completing the embedded math curriculum requirements, in accordance with Embedded Curriculum Guidelines Option A.

An in-depth, comprehensive course of the properties, techniques and manipulation of dental materials used in operative dentistry. The dental materials discussed are bases and varnishes, amalgam and components, aesthetic and posterior composites, cements and impression materials. One two-hour lecture each week.

Principles of microbiology, disease transmission, the universal numbering system, dental clinical charting with geometric and anatomical representations, periodontal charting, local anesthetic, vital signs and emergency prevention are discussed in depth. An introduction to body systems; respiratory and circulatory as they impact dental care delivery are presented.

Principles of preventive dentistry to include: nutritional physiology, essentials and counseling effect of nutrition on dental health; epidemiology, etiology and prevention of dental disease; design and management of a plaque control program and additional preventive measures, i.e., fluoride and sealant utilization. One (1) hour of class time per week is required.

The anatomy and physiology of the head and neck are included. Embryology, histology, tooth morphology, occlusion, and periodontal tissues are studied with special emphasis on tooth forms. Developmental and structural defects involving the oral cavity and teeth. Three (3) hours lecture are required per week.

The intraoral paralleling technique with its variables; production, characteristics and biologic effects of radiation; function, components and operation of the X-ray unit; radiation protection and monitoring; components and care of X-ray film; chemistry and techniques associated with X-ray film and the developing solutions. Review of anatomical landmarks, X-ray placement, identification and correction of radiographic errors; recording pertinent data; specialized procedures and techniques for pediatric dentistry.

A survey of dental careers to include the legal, ethical, moral and professional responsibilities of dental personnel in the practice of dentistry. Personal requirements, professional conduct, interpersonal relationships, methods of acquiring and training certification of the dental assistant, recognition of dental forms, an introduction to dental and medical terminology, cultural considerations in patient care and interprofessional practice. Two (2) hour of class time per week.