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):
Standard 2
Describe the following areas of specialization in dentistry:
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.
Standard 2
Explain safety precautions to be followed during coronal polish.
Standard 3
Outline the methods of fluoride therapy.
Standard 4
Explain the set up and use of instruments for dental sealants.
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.
Standard 2
Identify types and techniques of intraoral and extraoral radiographs/images and the purpose of each.
Standard 3
Identify the components of the dental x-ray machine and their use including handheld devices.
Standard 4
Discuss methods of radiation protection for the patient during x-ray exposure.
Standard 5
Discuss methods of radiation protection for the operator during x-ray exposure.
Standard 6
Discuss infection control during x-ray procedures.
Standard 7
Evaluate x-rays for image quality.
Standard 8
Identify common exposure and technique error.
Standard 9
Identify radiographic landmarks for mounting intraoral films.
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.
Standard 2
Compare local anesthetic agents with or without vasoconstrictors.
Standard 3
Identify the complications and precautions for dental anesthesia.
Standard 4
Explain the use and procedure of nitrous oxide in dental treatment.
Standard 5
Describe the equipment used in nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia.
STRAND 5
Students will identify components of operative procedures and assist in patient treatment.
Standard 1
Identify reasons for dental treatment.
Standard 2
Outline responsibilities of the dental assistant in operative dental procedures.
Standard 3
Identify handpieces and burs, their common uses in operative dentistry, and maintenance.
Standard 4
Outline treatment options for vital bleaching.
Standard 5
Explain the set up and use of instruments for a composite procedure.
Standard 6
Explain the steps for composite procedures.
STRAND 1
Students will perform skills and assist with indirect prosthodontic procedures.
Standard 1
Identify and explain the types of prosthetic appliances.
Standard 2
Explain the set up and use of instruments for crown and bridge procedures.
Standard 3
Complete laboratory authorization forms.
Standard 4
Explain how to mix cements.
Standard 5
Explain the set up and use of instruments for the delivery of removable prosthodontics (partials and dentures).
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.
Standard 2
Explain the set up and use of instruments in a surgical extraction set up.
Standard 3
Discuss post-operative instructions following extractions to a patient.
Standard 4
Explain the set up and use of instruments used in suture removal.
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.
Standard 2
Discuss steps in the endodontic exam including the methods of pulp testing.
Standard 3
Explain the steps of a root canal procedure.
Standard 4
Explain the set up and use of instruments for a dental dam.
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.
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.
Standard 2
List the three types of impressions taken in a dental office.
Standard 3
Explain the set up and use of preliminary impressions.
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.
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:
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.