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 in excess of 8 hours of instruction in radiology.
All students will have 40 hours spent
Details of the student’s extensive clinical training are outlined below:
I. Dental Theory and Terminology
10 HOURS
- 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
10 HOURS
- 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
20 HOURS
- 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
35 HOURS
- 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
5 HOURS
- Impression Materials and Practice in Their Uses
- Wax Bites, Ccounter Impressions,
- Model Pouring and Trimming
VI. Cements and Liners
5 HOURS
- Introduction to Various Cements and Liners Used in Dentistry
- Practice Mixing Cements and Liners
VII. Sterilization Techniques
10 HOURS
- 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