Course Outline

Expanded Functions Dental Assisting/Radiology Combo

Program Objectives and Outcomes

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The Space Coast Dental Academy program will run ten (10) consecutive weeks at 8 hours per day, totaling eighty (80) classroom/clinical hours of instruction. The following subjects are covered in depth from both didactic and practical clinical experiences. Class will begin with a lecture coinciding with the week’s lecture, followed by clinical hands-on training in our modern dental facility. Throughout the 10-week class, students will learn about the operation and upkeep of dental equipment, instrumentation, and dental materials. All students receive more than 25 hours of instruction in Radiology and are therefore Certified by the Board of Dentistry in the State of Florida. Outside of the requirements set forth by the Board and State of Florida, Students of our program are also trained in the essential Expanded Duties deemed most important by Dentist. Details of the students’ extensive clinical training are outlined below.

 

Upon Completion of our program, Graduates will be able to perform the following essential skills as Dental Auxiliaries:

• Demonstrate the skills necessary to provide a safe environment for patients and staff, including knowledge of OSHA requirements and in-depth knowledge of infection control protocols.

• Demonstrate mastery of basic dental theory including concepts of dental anatomy, dental disease, and restorative dentistry.

• Perform chairside duties competently and proficiently including working knowledge of dental materials.

• Demonstrate knowledge of radiation safety and proficiency in clinical radiographic skills.

• Demonstrate the ability to perform dental laboratory duties.

• Possess the knowledge and skills needed to promote preventive dental care and to provide patient education regarding dental care.

• Demonstrate basic office skills that are applicable to the business side of dentistry including computer hardware and software skills.

• Possess a professional and collaborative work ethic that recognizes the legal and ethical responsibility of those employed in the dental field including HIPAA and patient privacy knowledge.

• Possess effective communication skills, both written and oral, when dealing with dental patients and the dental healthcare team.

Excess of 25 hours of instruction in radiology, resulting in completion of certification according to the requirement set forth by the State of Florida.

 

Students will have performed the following essential clinical skills:

1. Take a Full mouth series (FMX- 18 films) and a Panoramic X-ray

2. HVE suctioning

3. Instrument passing to dentist

4. Set up and breakdown of room using sterilization and disinfection protocol

5. Rubber dam placement

6. Upper and lower alginate impressions, model pouring and trimming

7. Place sealants on teeth

8. Acrylic temporary crown fabrication

9. Acid etching and bonding application

10. Nitrous Oxide administration and monitor

11. Pack gingival retraction cord

12. Fabrication of upper and lower bleach trays

13. Coronal polishing

 

All Students receive training in the following areas:

 

Dental Theory and Terminology

a. Dental and oral anatomy, tooth identification and numbering system

b. Instrument nomenclature for all aspects of general dentistry

c. Dental terminology

d. Equipment operation, chair positioning, assistant equipment uses.

e. Treatment options available, depending on oral conditions.

 

Four-Handed Dental Assisting

a. Instrument transfer techniques, chair side assisting and patient HVE suctioning

techniques

b. Chair-side doctor-patient-assistant positioning techniques

c. Tub and Tray systems of instruments and materials

d. Familiarity and use of instruments, materials, and procedures in assisting for:

1. Preparing treatment room, anesthetic syringe, patient operative dentistry-

composite restorations, materials, and instruments.

2. Oral surgery- instruments, procedures, and post op protocols

3. Crown and bridge- polyvinyl “gun type” impression taking, temporary acrylic

crown fabrication, cord packing, hemostatic agents.

4. Endodontics-instruments, medicaments, and materials: how and why they are

used.

5. Periodontics-disease origin and usual treatment methods.

 

Radiology

a. X-ray theory and technique, use of Rinn holders and other methods

b. Intraoral, bite wing, panoramic and endodontic exposure methods

c. Introduction to Digital Radiography

 

X-ray identification, interpretation, safety, and precautions, mounting of Full mouth

series.

Impressions and Model Trimming, Bleach trays

a. Impression materials and practice in their uses: alginates, polyvinyl siloxane, etc.

b. Bite registrations, counter impressions

c. Model pouring and trimming

d. Fabrication and delivery of bleach trays

 

Cements and Liners

a. introduction to various cements and liners used in dentistry

b. Practice mixing cement and liners

 

Nitrous Oxide Coaching

a. safety precautions

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