In this comprehensive course, students will explore the rich history of dental disease and dentistry, tracing its evolution from ancient times to the present day, and identifying the nine dental specialties. They will learn the diverse career skills required for dental assistants, understand the regulatory framework overseeing dental practice, and delve into the responsibilities concerning dental records, consent procedures, and subpoenas. The impact of HIPAA on dental practices will also be discussed. Additionally, the course will cover dental infection control, including pathogen transmission, disinfectants, sterilizers, and OSHA standards. Students will gain knowledge of basic dental sciences, focusing on the skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, lymphatic, and immune systems, along with oral cavity landmarks. Oral health and nutrition topics will cover plaque formation, fluoride use, essential nutrients, and the implications of eating disorders. The course will also include tooth morphology and dental charting, dental pharmacology and emergencies, dental radiology, patient care preparation, HIPAA fundamentals, and dental office management, providing a thorough foundation for aspiring dental assistants.
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This course offers a comprehensive overview of dental office and chairside assisting, covering the design and function of a dental office, daily routines, treatment room preparation, and patient management. Students will learn about instrument grasps, positions, transfers, moisture control, and isolation techniques. The course delves into dental restorative and laboratory materials, differentiating between cements, bases, liners, and bonding agents, and explaining their properties and uses. It includes hands-on practice in preparing materials, cavity preparation, and using various restorative materials and dental matrices. Skills in taking and removing impressions, using gypsum products, fabricating custom trays, and fitting temporary restorations are emphasized. Clinical dental procedures covered include pain and anxiety management, local anesthetic preparation, sealant application, coronal polishing, and the use of CAD/CAM technology. The course also addresses the steps for denture repair and reline procedures. Students will explore dental specialties such as endodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, dental implants, and orthodontics. They will learn about instruments, materials, and techniques used in these fields, as well as patient management and child behavior techniques. Additionally, the course covers cosmetic dentistry, pediatric dentistry procedures, and the identification and reporting of child abuse.