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Beechnut Dental Staff |
Dental Assisting Course Outline
The following subjects are covered in depth from both a didactic and practical clinical experience. The morning lecture is followed by an afternoon of clinical, “hands-on” training in the operation of all the equipment, instrumentation and materials used in our state-of-the-art practicing dental office. All students receive in excess of 8 hours of instruction in radiology.
- I. Dental Theory and Terminology
- A. Dental and oral anatomy, tooth numbering system
- B. Instrument nomenclature and identification for all aspects of General Dentistry
- C. Dental Terminology
- D. Equipment operation, chair positioning, assistant equipment usage
- II. Receptionist – Front Desk Office Management
- A. Phone techniques and appointment book control
- B. Billing and accounting systems
- C. Billing: accounts receivable and accounts payable, collections
- D. Filing insurance forms and pre-treatment estimates
- E. Computer system practice
- III.Four-Handed Dental Assisting
- A. Instrument transfer techniques, chair-side assisting and suctioning
- B. Chair-side doctor-patient-assistant positioning
- C. Tub and tray systems
- D. Use of instruments and materials in assisting for:
- 1. Operative Dentistry
- 2. Oral Surgery
- 3. Crown and Bridge
- 4. Endodontics
- 5. Periodontics
- 6. Pedodontics
- 7. Orthodontics
- E. Handpiece care and maintenance
- 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 safety and precautions
- V. Impressions and Model Trimming
- A. Impression materials and practice in their use; alginates, rubber base, etc.
- B. Wax bites, counter impressions
- C. Model pouring and trimming
- VI. Sterilization Techniques
- A. Sterilization theory and terminology, autoclave operation
- B. Instrument and equipment sterilization \ disinfection
- C. Treatment room disinfection and asepsis techniques
- VII. 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.