Course Outline
Our twelve-course program is designed to help you become a dental auxiliary who is morally and ethically responsible, clinically proficient, and excited about facilitating comprehensive, high-quality care. We use theory, new technology, and evaluation in conjunction with one-on-one training to ensure you have the knowledge, skills, and attitude to be a successful dental professional.
Introduction:
Get acquainted with the materials used in a professional dental office and their uses and purposes. You will also learn about the importance of infection control, how to prevent cross-contamination, the correct applications and functions of all materials, and how to maintain basic equipment and supplies. Learn all about the types, forms, groupings, and functions of teeth, and how to chart them clearly and correctly and describe the life cycle of teeth and the stages of oral health. You will become very familiar with the design and purpose of a professional dental office and the basic concepts of chairside assisting.
Objectives:
- Introduction to the Dental Profession
- Tooth Morphology
- Infection Control
- Management of Hazardous Materials
- Dental Charting
- Introduction to the Dental Office and Basic Chairside Assisting
Prevention & Nutrition:
Learn how the oral cavity develops from embryo through adulthood and the microbiology involved in the tissues and structures surrounding the teeth. Discover how to motivate each age group through education and demonstration of proper oral hygiene and nutrition habits. Learn the grasp positions and transfer of instruments before, during, and after a procedure, and how to maintain the area and equipment during a procedure.
Objectives:
- Oral Health and Preventive Techniques
- Nutrition
- Embryology and Histology
- Microbiology
- Instrument Transfer and Maintaining the Operating Field
Basic Dental Science:
Learn to apply dental assisting techniques in the clinical setting and utilize the four-handed dentistry techniques. Discover how to identify intermediate and advanced chairside functions and how to prepare for specific procedures. Understand when and why to use each anesthetic and sedation options. Learn the proper mixing techniques, properties, compositions, uses, and manipulation of types of cement, composites, and amalgam restorations.
Objectives:
- General Chairside Instruments & Tray Systems
- Anesthesia and Sedation
- Dental Cement, Bases, Liners, and Bonding Agents
- Laboratory Materials and Techniques
Continuation of Week 3 Materials:
Further understanding of how to classify and identify the properties of dental materials and demonstrate the steps of preparation, as well as how to recognize dental standards and who is responsible for those standards.
Dental Radiography:
We will study and define radiation physics, health, and safety theories with an emphasis on fundamentals. Discover the history of dental X-ray techniques and processing, and how to record and interpret information using manual and computerized systems.
Objectives:
- Introduction to Dental Radiography
- Production and Evaluation of Dental Radiographs
- Extraoral and Digital Radiography
Anatomy & Physiology:
Discover the normal function of internal and external structures of the teeth and oral cavity. Continued study of general anatomy and physiology, histology, tooth morphology, and embryology. Understand the composition and classification of head and neck tissues and how to chart this information.
Objectives:
- General Anatomy and Physiology
- Head and Neck Anatomy
Patient Care:
Learn the necessary steps to prepare a patient for treatment, including how to identify the special needs of certain patients, how to seat them correctly, and conclude the treatment professionally. You will also learn how to recognize signs and symptoms of a medical emergency and how to assist effectively. Understand safe administration and classification of drugs used in dentistry and how to explain and identify common adverse reactions.
Objectives:
- Preparation for Patient Care
- Pharmacology
- Emergency Management
Dental Specialties:
Learn what makes each branch of dentistry unique and how to apply dental assisting skills within each specialty. Understand how procedures, terminology, and methods are magnified by each specialty and what you need to know to excel in each branch.
Objectives:
- Endodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Oral Pathology
- Pediatrics
- Periodontics
- Fixed Prosthodontics & Gingival Retraction
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Removable Prosthodontics
Dental Specialties Continued:
There are so many different specialties to discover within the field of dentistry! Further investigation will enable you to discover if you have a particular affinity to a specific specialty.
Psychology, Cultural, Legal:
Content will include oral communication, psychology, patient relations, problem-solving skills, stress management, and employment ethics. You will learn the emphasis on the diversities of civil and criminal law, the definition of “due care,” and review examples of malpractice and torts.
Objectives:
- Psychology, Communication, and Multicultural Interaction
- Ethics, Jurisprudence and the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act
Dental Office Management:
Learn time management skills needed to keep an office running smoothly, how to anticipate patient needs and concerns before they arise, and how to keep them feeling calm and relaxed during treatment. Communicating effectively, assisting the dentist, and understanding what patients need will also be covered. Observation and organization, learning new procedures, becoming familiar with the dentist’s routines and making sure equipment and materials are stored in the right place.
Objectives:
- Dental Office Management
- Employment Strategies
Final & Practice Examinations:
Reviewing all course material and how you will be assessed will clarify your learning and help you evaluate where you need to focus extra effort. We will review expected learning outcomes, how assessment tools evaluate those outcomes, and how to use the data to improve your education.
Applications for DANB – Administered Exams Recognized or Required in Missouri
Upon successful completion of relevant coursework, each student will receive a certificate of completion from SDAA. Students will also be granted a letter of recommendation that speaks to their preparedness to join the dental workforce. Should the assistant desire to further their credentials they can choose to complete the MBDA and CDA exams, following pre-requisites for these exams. Applications for each of the required exams can be found below.
Questions?
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