Dental Assistants are at risk of exposure to disease causing agents through contact with blood and saliva. Students will learn how infection can occur, identify methods of disease transmission and apply the principles of disinfection and sterilization to prevent cross contamination in the dental setting.
The role of the dental assistant is to use x-radiation to produce images that are essential in the dentist’s ability to see conditions that are not visible in the oral cavity. Students will learn radiographic equipment, mount radiographs, digital imaging software, and apply radiation protection. Students will produce diagnostic quality digital images on a mannequin.
There is a wide range of dental procedures in which impressions create a reproduction of the teeth and surrounding oral tissues. Students will study the properties of alginate impression materials and discuss wax wafer bite registrations. Students will take preliminary alginate impressions on a mannequin.
Human relations play an important role when working and communicating with colleagues and patients. Students will learn communication methods used within the dental health team, during emergencies, in the workplace and society. Students will study the importance of professional conduct and practice in accordance with both ethical and legal standards. Students will develop and deliver oral health presentations to varied target groups.
One of the most important roles of the dental assistant is to maintain a clean operating field by controlling moisture during dental procedures. Students will learn a variety of moisture control methods and their incorporation into the dental procedure. Students will apply dental dam isolations on a mannequin.
The patient record is the most important document maintained for each patient in a dental practice. Students will learn different features of patient records and preparation of each in compliance with regulations in the field. Students will use accurate terminology and procedures to generate and maintain patient records. Students will learn the dental assisting process of care in providing quality treatment for patients.
Effective nutritional habits are beneficial in preventing dental decay and promoting overall good health. Students will learn dietary sources of the major nutrients and discuss nutritional needs throughout life. Students will study dental risks associated with nutritional choices.
In the on-site dental clinic, students will integrate the knowledge and skills attained in Term 1 to the clinical setting. Students will provide patient treatment as prescribed by a dentist. Students will assist with a variety of procedures, maintain an infection prevention program, perform intra-oral skills, apply administrative skills, manage emergencies and communicate effectively with patients and colleagues.
With the mentorship of the dental team, students will work under the direct supervision of the dentist in a general dental practice. Students will build on clinical skills learned in Term 2 to assist chairside, perform intra-oral skills, and apply infection prevention and safety practices. Students have the opportunity to develop, practice and improve their skills in order to secure employment as a dental assistant.
The dentist and dental assistant work together to efficiently perform restorative procedures using four- handed dentistry. Students will learn maintenance and safe practice of equipment used in the dental clinic. Students will learn the concepts of team dentistry and instrument transfers. Students will learn equipment used in emergencies and measure vital signs.
A basic comprehension of the anatomy and physiology of the human body is essential in understanding how one continuously influences the other and their relationship to the oral cavity. Students will review body systems with an emphasis on the head and neck. Students will study prenatal and postnatal development as well as the development of the face, palate, teeth and related structures of the oral cavity. Students will learn common diseases of the body and oral cavity, medications used to treat these conditions and the dental implications.
It is essential that the dental assistant know how to identify the teeth and understand their functions. Students will learn the anatomical features of the teeth, tooth morphology, eruption of deciduous and permanent dentitions, exfoliation of deciduous teeth and tooth numbering systems.
Dental radiography is important to patient care for the diagnosis of dental disease and treatment planning. Students will learn the principles of radiation physics, biology, chemistry and safety. Students will study the theory supporting exposing and processing dental radiographs and digital imaging procedures.
The role of the dental assistant in the preparation and application of dental materials is an essential component of restorative procedures. Students will learn maintenance and safe practice of equipment used in the dental laboratory. Students will learn the properties and clinical uses of dental materials. Students will fabricate mouth guards and whitening trays from a mannequin.
The goal of preventive dentistry is to help people of all ages attain optimal oral health throughout their lives. Students will learn the concept of preventive dentistry with a focus on oral health and diseases caused by dental biofilm. Students will learn oral health care products used to prevent and control oral disease.
A preventive maintenance program with regular checkups is fundamental to maintain the health of the oral cavity. Students will learn how to polish teeth and remove soft deposits and stain, apply fluoride and pit and fissure sealants on a mannequin. Students will study the application of materials that decrease tooth sensitivity and whiten teeth.
Advanced restorative procedures in general dentistry are performed in cases where basic restorations become more involved. Students progress to advanced dental assisting skills for a root canal, crown, gingivectomy and oral surgery. Students will learn maintenance and safe practice of equipment used in these procedures.
Advanced restorative procedures require a more extensive category of materials for treatment. Students will learn the properties and clinical uses of comprehensive dental materials. Students will learn maintenance and safe practice of equipment used with these materials. Students will learn techniques to pour diagnostic casts, fabricate study models and custom trays.
General dentists may refer patients with difficult cases to dental specialists. Students will learn procedures performed in specialized dentistry such as endodontics, oral surgery, orthodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics and pedodontics.
For a dental practice to be successful, effective management is necessary to achieve organizational goals. Students will develop the skills to manage a dental practice using manual and electronic maintenance of patient records, appointments, financial records and insurance forms. Students will practice inventory control and manage supplies. Students will be introduced to employability skills, discuss the application of professional standards in the industry and plan for employment.