Our program covers not only in-depth clinicals like terminology, operation of all equipment, instrumentation and materials commonly used, but also practice management, patient experience, and team building. All students receive in excess of 8 hours of instruction in radiology.

Introduction to Dentistry and the Dental Assistant

This lesson introduces you to dentistry, dental assisting, and being a part of the dental team. Objectives:

• Identify early developments and major contributors to dentistry from early times through the Renaissance period.
• Identify members of the dental health team.
• List the various tasks that may be performed by the auxiliary personnel.
• Explain the personal qualifications required of a dental assistant.
• Describe the different areas of a dental office and the role of the dental assistant in each of these areas. 

Dental Terminology and Anatomy

In this lesson, you’ll learn about the oral cavity, parts of the teeth, and the types of teeth.

• Define, pronounce, and use dental terminology correctly.

• Know the anatomy of the mouth and identify various parts of the mouth, neck, and throat.

• Describe the structure of the tooth.

• Name the types of teeth, their functions, surfaces, and classification as either anterior or posterior teeth.

Preventive Dentistry and Nutrition

In this lesson, you’ll learn about preventive dentistry and the role of good nutrition in maintaining dental health.

• State the primary goal of preventive dentistry.

• Discuss dental plaque and calculus and their role in causing dental disease.

• Explain the use of fluorides.

• Explain how to instruct a patient in home-care techniques.

• Explain the role of nutrition in preventive dentistry.

Cavity Classification and Charting

This lesson presents some dental assistant basics.

• Identify the types of questions asked on the medical and dental history forms.

• List medical conditions and their importance in dental treatment.
• Explain what vital signs are, how to take them, and how to record the results.
• Use and interpret the different charting symbols.
• Identify permanent (adult) and deciduous (baby) teeth using three different systems.
• Explain Black’s system of cavity classification.

X-rays

In this lesson, you’ll learn the differnt types of X-rays and how to properly take X-rays.

• Describe the different types of X-rays and the areas they represent
• Learn about X-ray equipment and the different types
• Learnt the right way to take X-rays
• Understand proper alignment of X-ray machinery
• Learn how to work with intraoral and panoramic machines
• Become comfortable with digital X-ray technology

Dental Operatory: Patients, Instrumentation, Moisture Control

In this lesson, you’ll learn about the different instruments and pieces of equipment typically found in a dental operatory.

• Identify and understand the use of the major pieces of equipment found in a dental operatory.
• Explain the correct seated position of the operator and assistant at chairside.
• Demonstrate how to pass instruments in the position of use.
• Recognize at least 10 hand instruments and explain their functions.
• Describe the major functions of rotary instruments, both high and low speeds.
• Explain the moisture control procedures and their purpose.