Course Outline
The following subjects are covered in depth from both a didactic and a practical clinical experience. The morning lecture is followed by an afternoon of clinical, “hands on” training in our state-of-the-art practicing dental office. During their course of study, the students learn the operation of all equipment, instrumentation and materials commonly used in a general dental practice. Our students have been trained in many of the “expanded duties” as well.
All students receive an excess of radiology hours mandated by the State of Georgia.
All students will have 40 total instruction hours.
Details of the student’s extensive clinical training are outlined below:
I. Dental Theory and Terminology
- Dental and Oral Anatomy, Tooth Identification and Numbering System
- Instrument Nomenclature and Identification for all Aspects of General Dentistry
- Dental Terminology
- Equipment Operation, Chair Positioning, Assistant Equipment Usage
- Treatment Options Available, Depending on Oral Conditions
II. Receptionist - Front Desk Office Management
- Phone Techniques and Appointment Book Control
- Billing: Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable
- Filing Insurance Forms and Pre-Treatment Estimates
- Insurance Terminology
III. Four Handed Dental Assisting
- The Taking and Recording of Vital Signs
- Hand Washing Techniques and Practices
- First Aid Training and Emergency Care
- Instruction in HIV/AIDS Awareness/Prevention
- Safety Techniques While Working in the Laboratory or with Patients
- Instrument Transfer Techniques, Chair-side Assisting and Patient Suctioning
- Body Mechanics for the Patient and Assistant
- Tub and Tray Systems of Instruments and Materials
- Familiarity and Use of Instruments and Materials in Assisting for:
- Operative Dentistry – amalgam and composite fillings
- Oral Surgery – instruments, procedures and post-op protocol
- Crown and Bridge – impression taking, temporary fabrication, cord packing, hemostatic agents, introduction into various crown types
- Endodontics – instruments, medicaments and materials; how and why they are used
- Periodontics – disease origin and usual treatment methods
- Pedodontics – commonality and differences in treating children vs. adult patients
IV. Radiology
- X-ray Theory and Technique, use of Rinn© Holders and Other Methods
- Intraoral, Bitewing, Panoramic, and Endodontic Exposure Methods
- Developing X-Rays Using the Automatic Processor
- Darkroom Care and Maintenance
- X-Ray Identification, Interpretation, Safety and Precautions
V. Impressions and Model Trimming
- Impression Materials and Practice in Their Uses
- Wax Bites, Ccounter Impressions,
- Model Pouring and Trimming
VI. Cements and Liners
- Introduction to Various Cements and Liners Used in Dentistry
- Practice Mixing Cements and Liners
VII. Sterilization Techniques
- Sterilization Theory and Terminology, Autoclave Operation
- Instrument and Equipment Sterilization / Disinfection
- Treatment Room Disinfection and Asepsis Techniques
- Handpiece Care and Maintenance
VIII. Job Interview and Placement Assistance
- Proper Image, Dress, Resume, and How to Prepare for the Job Interview Itself
- Difficult Questions You May Face – How to Answer Them
- Do’s and Don’ts During the Interview: What to Expect
IX. Clinical Externship Program
- 40 Hours spent in a Working Dental Office
- Perform All Tasks Learned In Class