If our exceptional course outline and friendly environment speak to you, call us at (845) 623-0826 or contact us online. We’d love to chat with you more about our course and the job opportunities it offers. We know you’re ready to leave your dead-end job for a career that matters, so take the plunge and start your career as a dental assistant.
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
- 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
- Patient charting and scheduling
- Insurance terminology scheduling
III Four- Handed Dental Assisting
- Instrument transfer techniques, chair-side assisting and patient suctioning
- Chair-side doctor-patient-assistant positioning
- Tub and tray systems of instruments and materials
IV Familiarity and use of instruments and materials in assisting for:
- Operative Dentistry-amalgam and composite restorations
- Oral Surgery-instruments, procedures and post-op-protocol
- Crown and Bridge-polyvinyl “gun type” 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-commonalty and differences in treating children vs. adult patients
V 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
- X-ray identification, interpretation, safety and precautions
VI Impressions and Model Trimming
- Impression materials and practice in their uses: alginates, poly vinyl siloxane, etc.
- Wax bites, counter impressions
- Model pouring and trimming
VII Cements and liners
- Introduction to various cements and liners used in dentistry
- Practice mixing cements and liners
VIII Sterilization Techniques
- Sterilization theory and terminology, autoclave operation
- Instrument and equipment sterilization/disinfection
- Treatment room disinfection and asepsis techniques
- Handpiece care and maintenance
- Covid preventative practices
IX 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