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. Details of the subjects covered are outlined below.
| I |
Dental Theory and Terminology |
A. |
Dental and oral anatomy, tooth identification and numbering system |
B. |
Instrument nomenclature and identification for all aspects of General Dentistry |
C. |
Dental terminology |
D. |
Equipment operation, chair positio9ning, assistant equipment usage |
E. |
Treatment options available, depending on oral conditions |
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| II |
Receptionist-Front Desk Office Management |
A. |
Phone techniques and appointment book control |
B. |
Patient charting and scheduling |
C. |
Insurance terminology scheduling |
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| III |
Four- Handed Dental Assisting |
A. |
Instrument transfer techniques, chair-side assisting and patient suctioning |
B. |
Chair-side doctor-patient-assistant positioning |
C. |
Tub and tray systems of instruments and materials |
D. |
Familiarity and use of instruments and materials in assisting for: |
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1. Operative Dentistry-amalgam and composite restorations |
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2. Oral Surgery-instruments, procedures and post-op-protocol |
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3. Crown and Bridge-polyvinyl “gun type” impression taking, temporary fabrication, cord packing, hemostatic agents, introduction into various crown types |
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4. Endodontics-instruments, medicaments and materials: how and why they are used |
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5. Periodontics-disease origion and usual treatment methods |
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6. Pedodontics-commonalty and differences in treating children vs. adult patients |
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| IV |
Radiology |
A. |
X-ray theory and technique, use of Rinn holders and other methods |
B. |
Intraoral, bitewing, panoramic, and endodontic exposure methods |
C. |
Developing x-rays using the automatic processor |
D. |
Darkroom care and maintenance |
E. |
X-ray identification, interpretation, safety and precautions |
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Impressions and Model Trimming |
A. |
Impression materials and practice in their uses: alginates, poly vinyl siloxane, etc. |
B. |
Wax bites, counter impressions |
C. |
Model pouring and trimming |
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| VI |
Cements and liners |
A. |
Introduction to various cements and liners used in dentistry |
B. |
Practice mixing cements and liners |
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| VII |
Sterilization Techniques |
A. |
Sterilization theory and terminology, autoclave operation |
B. |
Instrument and equipment sterilization/disinfection |
C. |
Treatment room disinfection and asepsis techniques |
D. |
Handpiece care and maintenance |
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| VIII |
Job Interview and Placement Assistance |
A. |
Proper image, dress, resume, and how to prepare for the job interview itself |
B. |
Difficult questions you may face-how to answer them |
C. |
Do’s and don’ts during the interview, what to expect |
