Dental Assistant
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Course Introduction

 

Core Standards of the Course

STRAND 1
Students will examine the field of dentistry.

Standard 1
Describe the following dental health team members (including educational requirements, professional organizations, responsibilities, and licensure):

1. Dentist
   
2. Dental Hygienist
   
3. Dental Assistant
   
4. Administrative Assistant
   
5. Dental Laboratory Technician
   

Standard 2
Describe the following areas of specialization in dentistry:

1. Dental Public Health
   
2. Endodontics
   
3. Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology
   
4. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
   
5. Oral Pathology
   
6. Orthodontics
   
7. Pediatric Dentistry
   
8. Periodontics
   
9. Prosthodontics
   

STRAND 2
Students will be able to perform the skills and responsibilities expected of a dental assistant in a coronal polish and application of fluoride.

Standard 1
Explain the difference between an oral prophylaxis and coronal polishing.

1. Oral prophylaxis-the complete removal of calculus, debris, stain, and plaque from the teeth.
   
2. Coronal polish/rubber cup polish-a technique used to remove plaque and stains from the crown of the tooth.
   

Standard 2
Explain safety precautions to be followed during coronal polish.

1. Operator and patient positioning
   
2. Polishing/bristle cups
   
3. Polishing paste
   
4. Proper handpiece grasp/fulcrum
   
5. Proper handpiece operation
   
6. Polishing strokes
   

Standard 3
Outline the methods of fluoride therapy.

1. Systemic
   
2. Topical
   

Standard 4
Explain the set up and use of instruments for dental sealants.

1. Protective eyewear for patient and operator
   
2. Basic set up
   
3. Cotton rolls or dental dam
   
4. Etchant
   
5. Sealant material
   
6. Applicator brush
   
7. HVE
   
8. Curing light and shielding
   
9. Low speed handpiece
   
10. Articulating paper and holder
    
11. Dental floss
    

STRAND 3
Students will demonstrate radiological protection and infection control as they expose, evaluate, and mount dental images.

Standard 1
Explain to a patient the benefits of dental imaging.

1. Detect decay between the teeth in its early stages.
   
2. Detect bone loss around the teeth.
   
3. Detect periapical abscess.
   
4. Detect impacted teeth.
   
5. Evaluate patient growth and development.
   
6. Document existing oral conditions.
   
7. Obtain information during dental procedures.
   

Standard 2
Identify types and techniques of intraoral and extraoral radiographs/images and the purpose of each.

1. Intraoral
   
2. Bitewing x-rays-shows crowns of both upper and lower teeth; for decay detection.
   
3. Periapical x-rays-used to show crown, root tip, and surrounding area to diagnose abscesses.
   
4. Occlusal x-rays-used to examine large areas of the jaws to identify impactions or pathological conditions.
   
5. Extraoral
   
6. Panoramic x-rays-shows entire upper and lower jaw; used to locate impacted teeth, tooth eruption patterns, and lesions in the jaw.
   
7. Cephalometric x-rays-shows the bones and soft tissues of the facial profile; used in orthodontics.
   

Standard 3
Identify the components of the dental x-ray machine and their use including handheld devices.

1. Tubehead
   
2. Extension arm
   
3. Control panel
   

Standard 4
Discuss methods of radiation protection for the patient during x-ray exposure.

1. Take only those radiographs prescribed by the dentist.
   
2. Use equipment that is properly maintained.
   
3. Use the fastest speed of dental film or digital imaging to limit exposure time.
   
4. Use proper film exposure techniques including use of film-holding devices.
   
5. Use lead aprons and thyroid collars for all patients.
   

Standard 5
Discuss methods of radiation protection for the operator during x-ray exposure.

1. Never stand directly in front of the x-ray tubehead.
   
2. Always stand at least 6 feet from the x-ray unit, or behind a wall, during exposure.
   
3. Use radiation monitoring to protect the operator.
   

Standard 6
Discuss infection control during x-ray procedures.

Standard 7
Evaluate x-rays for image quality.

1. Contrast
   
2. Density
   
3. Image detail
   

Standard 8
Identify common exposure and technique error.

1. Blurred images-movement during the exposure
   
2. Cone cutting-x-ray beam did not cover the entire film
   
3. Elongation-vertical angulation too flat
   
4. Foreshortening-vertical angulation too steep
   
5. Missing apical structures-film did not cover entire tooth
   
6. Occlusal plane tilted-film not in proper position
   
7. Overexposure-excessive exposure
   
8. Overlapping-central ray not directed through interproximal space
   
9. Underexposure-insufficient exposure
   

Standard 9
Identify radiographic landmarks for mounting intraoral films.

1. Enamel
   
2. Dentin
   
3. Pulp
   
4. Maxillary sinus
   
5. Maxillary tuberosity
   
6. Retromolar area
   

STRAND 4
Students will examine pain control in the dental office setting.

Standard 1
Explain the set-up and protocol of a local anesthetic injection.

1. Proper handling of the anesthetic syringe
   
2. Proper handling of the anesthetic cartridge
   
3. Proper handling of the disposable needle
   
4. Application of a topical anesthetic
   

Standard 2
Compare local anesthetic agents with or without vasoconstrictors.

Standard 3
Identify the complications and precautions for dental anesthesia.

1. Injection into a blood vessel-aspiration
   
2. Toxic reaction-check patient's dental/medical history for previous reactions
   
3. Temporary numbness-caution patient not to bite tongue, lips, and cheeks
   
4. Paresthesia (temporary or permanent)-use only sterile solution and proper injection technique
   

Standard 4
Explain the use and procedure of nitrous oxide in dental treatment.

1. Inhalation sedation
   
2. Procedure
   
3. Dentist supervision
   
4. 100% oxygen to begin/end
   
5. Do not leave patient unattended - continual monitoring
   
6. Do not use with a pregnant patient
   
7. Not for recreational purposes
   

Standard 5
Describe the equipment used in nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia.

1. Cylinders
   
2. Blue - Nitrous
   
3. Green - Oxygen
   
4. Control valve
   
5. Flow meter
   
6. Reservoir bag
   
7. Gas hoses
   
8. Mask
   
9. Scavenger system
   

STRAND 5
Students will identify components of operative procedures and assist in patient treatment.

Standard 1
Identify reasons for dental treatment.

1. Treat caries, fractures, abrasions, erosion, defects in tooth structure
   
2. Replace failed restorations
   
3. Restore a tooth to normal function and appearance
   
4. Improve appearance of teeth due to discoloration, developmental abnormalities, abnormal spacing, or trauma
   

Standard 2
Outline responsibilities of the dental assistant in operative dental procedures.

1. Prepare treatment room.
   
2. Know proper sequence of procedures in order to anticipate the dentist's needs during patient treatment.
   
3. Mix materials.
   
4. Prepare retainers.
   
5. Assist in the following:
   
   • Administration of local anesthesia
   • Moisture control
   • Maintaining patient comfort
6. Apply appropriate exposure control protocols.
   
7. Perform only those expanded functions allowed by the State Dental Practice Act.
   

Standard 3
Identify handpieces and burs, their common uses in operative dentistry, and maintenance.

1. Low-speed
   
2. High-speed
   
3. Fiber optic light
   
4. Air abrasion
   
5. Laser handpiece
   
6. Burs: round, inverted cone, straight fissure plain and crosscut, pear, end cutting
   
7. Diamonds
   
8. Trimming and finishing burs
   
9. Polishing disks and wheels
   
10. Stones
    
11. Rubber points
    

Standard 4
Outline treatment options for vital bleaching.

1. In-office treatment
   
2. At-home treatment
   
3. Over-the-counter treatment
   

Standard 5
Explain the set up and use of instruments for a composite procedure.

1. Instruments
   
   • Basic setup
   • Hand cutting instruments (spoon excavator)
   • Composite placement instruments
2. Accessories
   
   • Local anesthetic setup
   • HVE tip
   • Saliva ejector
   • Three-way syringe tip
   • High and low speed handpieces with assortment of burs
   • Matrix setup including wedge: Mylar, Sectional, Tofflemire.
   • Assortment of dental liners
   • Bases
   • Sealers and bonding agents
   • Composite materials
   • Curing light
   • Finishing burs
   • Dental floss
   • Articulating paper and holder
   • Cotton rolls
   • 2x2 gauze
   • Abrasive strips
   • Polishing kit and paste

Standard 6
Explain the steps for composite procedures.

1. Prepare
   
2. Etch
   
3. Rinse
   
4. Bond
   
5. Cure
   
6. Fill
   
7. Cure
   
8. Finish
   
9. Record in the patient chart
   

STRAND 1
Students will perform skills and assist with indirect prosthodontic procedures.

Standard 1
Identify and explain the types of prosthetic appliances.

1. Fixed
   
   • Crowns
   • Bridges
   • Veneers
   • Inlays/Onlays
   • Implants
2. Removeable
   
   • Partial denture
   • Full denture

Standard 2
Explain the set up and use of instruments for crown and bridge procedures.

1. Crown and Bridge prep tray
   
   • Instruments
   • Basic setup
   • Hand cutting instruments (spoon excavator)
   • Cord packing instrument
   • Crown and bridge scissors
   • Cement spatula
   • Accessories
   • Local anesthetic setup
   • HVE tip
   • Saliva ejector
   • Three-way syringe tip
   • High and low speed handpieces with assortment of burs
   • Retraction cord
   • Dental floss
   • Articulating paper and holder
   • Cotton rolls
   • 2x2 gauze
   • Final impression material and tray
   • Temporary crown material
   • Temporary cement
2. Crown and Bridge seat tray
   
   • Instruments
   • Basic setup
   • Hand cutting instruments (spoon excavator)
   • Cement spatula
   • Scaler
   • Accessories
   • Local anesthetic setup
   • HVE tip
   • Saliva ejector
   • Three-way syringe tip
   • High and low speed handpieces with assortment of burs
   • Dental floss
   • Articulating paper and holder
   • Cotton rolls
   • 2x2 gauze
   • Permanent cement/bonding
   • Bite stick

Standard 3
Complete laboratory authorization forms.

Standard 4
Explain how to mix cements.

1. Permanent
   
   • Polycarboxylate
   • Glass ionomer
   • Zinc phosphate
2. Temporary
   
   • Zinc oxide eugenol
3. Liner
   
   • Calcium hydroxide

Standard 5
Explain the set up and use of instruments for the delivery of removable prosthodontics (partials and dentures).

1. Basic set up
   
2. Denture
   
3. Hand mirror
   
4. Articulating paper and holder
   
5. Handpieces
   
6. Pressure indicating paste
   
7. Finishing burs
   
8. Acrylic burs
   
9. Pliers
   

STRAND 2
Students will demonstrate basic knowledge of and assist with common surgical procedures.

Standard 1
Explain the set up and use of instruments in a simple extraction set up.

1. Local anesthetic
   
2. Basic setup
   
3. Periosteal elevator
   
4. Elevator (dentist choice)
   
5. Forceps (dentist choice - tooth dependent)
   
6. Surgical curettes
   
7. Sterile gauze
   
8. Surgical aspirator tip
   

Standard 2
Explain the set up and use of instruments in a surgical extraction set up.

1. Local anesthetic
   
2. Basic setup
   
3. Periosteal elevator
   
4. Elevators (dentist choice)
   
5. Forceps (dentist choice - tooth dependent)
   
6. Surgical curettes
   
7. Root tip picks
   
8. Bone files
   
9. Mallet and chisel
   
10. Rongeur
    
11. Sterile gauze
    
12. Surgical aspirator tip
    
13. Scalpel
    
14. Suture
    
15. Needle holders or hemostat
    
16. Suture scissors
    
17. Cheek/tissue retractor
    
18. Handpiece and surgical bur
    
19. Bite block
    

Standard 3
Discuss post-operative instructions following extractions to a patient.

1. Control of swelling
   
2. Causes and treatment of dry-socket
   
3. Control of post-surgical bleeding
   
4. Diet
   

Standard 4
Explain the set up and use of instruments used in suture removal.

1. Basic setup
   
2. Suture scissors
   
3. Sterile gauze
   

STRAND 3
Students will demonstrate basic knowledge of and assist with procedures related to endodontics.

Standard 1
Explain the set up and use of instruments and accessories used in endodontic treatment.

1. Basic setup
   
2. Local anesthetic setup
   
3. Dental dam setup
   
4. Handpieces with burs
   
5. Irrigating syringe
   
6. Broaches and files
   
7. Rubber stops
   
8. Paper points
   
9. Gutta-percha
   
10. Sealer
    
11. Lentulo spiral
    
12. Endodontic spoon excavator
    
13. Endodontic explorer
    
14. Endodontic spreaders and pluggers
    
15. Glick
    
16. Mm ruler
    
17. HVE tip
    
18. Three-way syringe tip
    
19. Irrigating solutions
    

Standard 2
Discuss steps in the endodontic exam including the methods of pulp testing.

1. Subjective
   
   • Pain
   • Swelling
   • Sensitivity
2. Objective
   
   • Medical and Dental history
   • Radiographs
3. Pulp testing
   
   • Thermal
   • Electric
   • Percussion
   • Palpation

Standard 3
Explain the steps of a root canal procedure.

1. Anesthetic
   
2. Isolation
   
3. Access pulp
   
4. Debridement
   
5. Obturation
   
6. Post treatment instructions
   
7. Add to patient chart
   

Standard 4
Explain the set up and use of instruments for a dental dam.

1. Dental dam material
   
2. Dental dam hole punch
   
3. Dental dam frame
   
4. Dental dam clamps
   
5. Dental dam forceps
   
6. Crown and bridge scissors
   
7. Floss
   
8. Beaver-tail burnisher
   

STRAND 4
Student will demonstrate basic knowledge related to orthodontics.

Standard 1
Identify primary and permanent teeth using the Palmer numbering system.

Standard 2
List the benefits of orthodontic treatment.

1. Eliminate dental disease
   
2. Improve function
   
3. Decrease psycho-social issues
   

Standard 3
Explain proper care, oral hygiene and dietary instructions as it relates to orthodontic appliances.

STRAND 5
Students will utilize materials and demonstrate skills related to in-office laboratory procedures.

Standard 1
Explain the set up and use of equipment found in the laboratory.

1. Model trimmer
   
2. Vacuum former
   
3. Impression vibrator
   
4. Dental lathe
   
5. Lab handpiece
   

Standard 2
List the three types of impressions taken in a dental office.

1. Preliminary
   
2. Final
   
3. Bite registration
   

Standard 3
Explain the set up and use of preliminary impressions.

1. Alginate impression
   
   • Alginate powder
   • Measuring scoop
   • Water and measuring cup
   • Rubber bowl
   • Mixing spatula
   • Upper and lower trays
   • Moist paper towels
2. Alginate impression pour up
   
   • Rubber bowl
   • Mixing spatula
   • Upper and lower impressions
   • Gypsum product
   • Water
   • Impression vibrator

STRAND 1
Students will demonstrate their job seeking skills.

Standard 1
Determine personal career goals and employment opportunities.

Standard 2
Outline techniques for successful jobs.

1. Interviewing
   
2. Methods of negotiating salaries and benefits.
   
3. Proper termination procedures
   

STRAND 2
Students must complete a minimum of 90 hours of clinical experience in a dental office.

Standard 1
Complete the Dental Assisting Clinical Application:

1. Provide documentation of completion of skills competencies and fees and books paid
   
2. Provide Hepatitis B vaccination or declination form
   

Standard 2
Complete a clinical work schedule calendar.

Standard 3
Provide weekly documentation of hours in attendance at clinical site and skills performed.

Standard 4
Upon completion of clinical hours, have clinical site complete evaluation, and return to the instructor.

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