Courses

Explanation of homework assignments in the textbook and demonstration of the simulation software and other videos. Office tour and orientation/operation of all equipment. View patient education videos to get an idea as to the scope of modern dental treatments available. Students are
oriented to the school and receive our video platform on-boarding. General introduction to
terminology and equipment, including vocabulary and definitions, equipment set up and list,
maintenance and safety review.

Tooth identification by name, number and letter; Review Oral Anatomy, including structures and
tooth surfaces. Introduction to tooth nomenclature, dental anatomy and “landmark teeth.”
Review divisions of specialties in dentistry; Review professionalism, dress and personal appearance; HIPAA regulations as related to patient confidentiality. Discussions covering the non-
technical sides of Dental Assisting, including professionalism, the dental team, law and ethics.

Students are taught how to use the various Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required in dentalpractice. And how to wash hands properly, learn how to use the ultrasonic and autoclave correctly; Disinfection control and procedures and placing barriers in the treatment rooms, plaster rooms, sterilizer rooms and in the dental practice. Cover mechanisms of disinfection, sterilization, OSHA,MSDS sheets. The goals of infection control are discussed together with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements and standards.

Demonstrate set-up and teardown of treatment rooms, equipment and instruments etc., preliminary introduction to 4-handed dentistry theory and practice. Operation and positioning options of
various dental chairs, lights, handpiece set-up and handpiece bur-changing, three-way syringes,
etc.

Lecture Class: 3 Hours | Lab Class: 5 Hours | Total 8 Class Hours

[Prerequisite: NA]

Students will learn the form and structures of the human natural teeth in the dental arch. Topics also include the method of identifying teeth by reviewing using the Universal Numbering System for permanent and primary teeth.

Students will learn the basic anatomy and physiology of the human skull. They will learn in more detail about the human dentition, tissues surrounding the teeth and head, as well as the anatomy of the neck. Topics include the cranium and bones of the face, the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) and muscles of mastication. Students will learn about the tissues supporting the human teeth including the alveolar process, the periodontal ligament and the gingiva (gums) which are collectively known as the periodontium.

The students are taught and asked to prepare a dental chart using appropriate symbols and abbreviations using hand charts and in Curve Patient Management Software. Students will learn how to document the present dental conditions of the patient and the dental services to be rendered. This serves as a legal record of the patient. The student will demonstrate proficiency in patient positioning and dental lighting.

Lecture Class: 5 Hours | Lab

Four handed dentistry, including but not limited to operatory set up, instrument transfer, isolation techniques (how to use cotton rolls, dry angles and rubber dams), suctioning (use of high-volume suctions and low volume suction including how to keep the patient comfortable during a dental procedure, how to hold the high-volume suction so that it efficiently removes liquid and saliva without suctioning the patient’s cheeks, tongue or other oral structures).

Local Anesthesia – the anatomical locations for each injection type (including mandibular blocks, infiltration, long buccal, gow gates, palatal), different anesthetics used and percentage of epinephrine and why each may be selected for a particular procedure; How to place anesthetic carpule into syringe and place needle onto syringe. Anesthetic syringes and local anesthesia; transfer to the dentist, needle-stick prevention and proper sharps waste disposal.

Techniques on patient management and communication, from entering the office to finishing with appropriate transfer to the front desk personnel. How to greet patients in the reception area and escort patients to operatory and place bib. Patient positioning in the dental chair for different anatomical locations in the oral cavity, (including patient position for: maxillary tooth or teeth in the right and left quadrants, mandibular tooth or teeth in the right and left quadrants) and the proper positioning of dentist and dental assisting in each for mentioned quadrant. Practice using the TRANSFER ZONE exclusively. Practice in the use of cotton rolls to isolate various areas, if a Dental Dam is not being used, dental handpieces, and bur types explained and demonstrated. Handpiece maintenance will be reviewed again as an adjunct to DA 101, including oiling, how to use the Assisting equipment, chuck evaluation and how to sterilize handpieces for safety and cleanliness. Sterilization Review.

Dental Dam application and uses, suctioning and retraction techniques, instrument transfer and demonstration, techniques to ensure visibility for the doctor (patient positioning, mirror cleaning techniques and maintaining lighting), tub and tray setups for various procedures, handpiece sterilization and maintenance. Appropriate protective attire for both dental professionals and patients. Dental sealants. Advanced Six-Handed dentistry techniques (using videos).

Lecture Class: 3 Hours | Lab Class: 5 Hours | Total 8 Class Hours

Students will learn the basic principles of X-Rays and operating an X-Ray Machine. Topics also included: types of film, exposures, film processing errors, how an x-ray is created, radiation and safety measures, the lead apron and when and how to use them, the differences between digital x-rays and film x-rays and dark room procedures.

Students will learn basic x-ray techniques. They will also learn how to take full mouth series of x- rays. Students will be required to take x-rays, develop and mount radiographs. Students will also learn about Bitewing x-rays: how to position the patient, how to position the film, using digital film for each group of teeth needed for Bitewing x-rays, how to position film so that all contacts are open, how to position film so that the BWX is symmetrical and what to do when patient has a very small mouth, gag reflex or other complications. Practice bisecting technique using Rinn holders, paralleling technique without holders (as needed), proper mounting of individual, Bitewing and complete series, tooth dentification landmarks, upper versus lower, right versus left. FMX (full mouth x-ray) – what it is, how to take them and how to mount x-rays. FMX sorting exercises on interactive platform and simulation software, expose and process all types of intra-oral and extra-oral radiographs on fellow students.

Periapical x-ray – how to position the patient, how to position the film or digital film to capture the apex of desired tooth, including different positioning required for maxillary dentition and mandibular dentition and what to do when patient has a very small mouth, gag reflex or other complications, such as large tori.

Panorex – how to position the patient for a panoramic x-ray including chin position, remembering to remove all jewelry, hair pins or piercings, general information about Panorex machines and how and why they are vital to dental health.

Cephalometric x-ray – how to position the patient to get symmetrical head x-ray, capturing soft tissue and hard tissue, remembering to remove all jewelry, hair pins or piercings, general information about why orthodontists use this x-ray.

Lecture Class: 4 Hours | Lab Class: 4 Hours | Total 8 Class Hours

Theory, chemistry, selection and techniques of the preparation, placement and finishing of these restorations will be discussed, along with proper mixing, isolation, bonding, curing and adjustments needed after placement. Curing light types, curing light safety, hygiene and proper cooling of the target area.

Fillings – different types of fillings including amalgam, composite and glass ionomer filling materials; how to assist the dentist during a filling; Preparation with the different types of equipment (including high speed handpiece, slow speed handpiece, air abrasion and water laser); Review of instruments used in filling preparation and filling restoration, how to mix glass ionomer or liner, how to triturate glass ionomer or amalgam, how to load and unload composite gun, how to use curing light and how to assist while dentist adjusts patient bite; The dental assistant will learn how to discharge a patient properly, including offering mouth rinse, post-operative instructions and hand off to front administrator. The dental assistant will learn what needs to be included in the tub or tray for dental fillings, what each item is used for and why it is needed.

Alginate impression of lower arch only, review different types of alginate, review how to flavor, review how to use colorized version, review ratio of powder to water, review how to mix, review how to load tray, review how to place tray in patients mouth, review how long to wait for alginate to set up, review how to remove set up alginate from patients mouth (lower arch only on this day). Radiograph review.

Lecture Class: 4 Hours | Lab Class: 4 Hours | Total 8 Class Hours

The dental assistant will learn about the many types of cements, including permanent cement (e.g. Zinc phosphate cement, Rely X, Dralon and Varioling) and temporary cements (e.g.Tempbond with and without eugenol); How to mix IRM, how to mix glass ionomer cements, how to mix resin cements; How to mix cements with proper ratios of component parts, how long to mix each type of cement, what consistency each should have when ready to use and when cured; How to mix or hand the dentist liners such as – using dycal, copalite and vitrebond liner.

Alginate – different types of alginates, how to flavor, colorized version, ratio of powder to water, how to mix, how to load tray, how to place tray in patients’ mouth, how long to wait for alginate to set up, how to remove set up alginate from patients’ mouth (upper arch only on this day).

Model pouring and trimming – How to mix yellow stone, what ratio of stone to water, how to measure each, how to mix, how to use vibrator, how to get proper pour with minimum bubbles, how long for stone to set, how to remove set up stone from alginate, how to turn on trimmer, how to use running water while trimming stone, how to trim stone properly and to what shape (orthodontic geometric, or model trim for doctors use).

Lecture Class: 4 Hours | Lab Class: 4 Hours | Total 8 Class Hours

Lecture Class: 4 Hours | Lab Class: 3 Hours | Mid-Term: 1 Hours | Total 8 Class Hours

Presentation and discussion of the various oral and periodontal surgical instruments and techniques. Discuss and demonstrate the use of the various instruments, throat packs, surgical suction uses and techniques, sterility and instrument scrubbing techniques, intro to dental lasers, limitations and safety of dental lasers. Lower alginate impression techniques. Nitrous oxide: an introduction.

Oral surgery – learn instruments, including different types of forceps, elevators, root picks, tissue retractors, surgical suction, suturing instruments (scissors and hemostats) scalpels, rongiers, oral surgery handpiece and oral surgery burs, review oral surgery procedures, (e.g. general extractions, 3rd molar extractions, implant placement, bone graft, biopsy) and how to assist for each procedure, how to keep a sterile field and learn what cross contamination is and how to avoid it. Periodontal Surgery – learn instruments, including different types of scalers and currettes, review periodontal surgery procedures (e.g. Implant placement, bone graft, biopsy, tissue regeneration) and how to assist for each procedure, how to keep a sterile field and learn what cross contamination is and how to avoid it.

Sterilization Procedures – how to scrub instruments, how to soak instruments, how to bag and sterilize instruments, including safety measures for each step. What instruments are autoclaved Revised on 5/30/2024 16 and what instruments are placed in cold sterile. Review of how to maintain handpieces and how to sterilize.

Coronal Polishing Introduction – what it is and what are the laws and regulations that guide dental assistants. Nitrous Oxide – the machinery, how it works, the advantage of using N2O and State law governing who dispenses N2O.

Lecture Class: 4 Hours | Lab Class: 4 Hours | Total 8 Class Hours

A description of crowns and why they are needed. The topics covered: the materials crowns are made out of, how to set up operatory for crown procedure, (instruments used and materials needed including: impression materials, bite registration material, temporary restoration material), how to assist during the preparation of a crown, where to place suction, how to keep dentists mirror clean, how to mix build up material and learn what a buildup is, how to pack cord, how to mix impression material and place in tray for doctor to take impression and what impression material the doctor uses around the crown preparation, how to make temporary restoration using luxatemp and tempbond (cover other materials available for temporaries, e.g. Aluminum crown forms). The students will learn the different types of fixed prosthodontics restorations. Removable Prosthodontics (RPD) replaces missing teeth. The students will learn the component parts of both the partial and complete RPD’s and the various steps necessary to take during replacement appointment with patient.

Students will learn the proper technique for expelling impression materials. They are taught how to fabricate and adjust temporaries, the steps involved in the fabrication and installation of complete (full) and partial dentures. Students are required to practice putting tray set-ups together for each stage of removable and Prosthodontic fabrication and delivery. Students will learn the procedure performed if the pulp of a primary or newly erupted permanent tooth has been exposed. Students are taught to setup trays for the pulpotomy and stainless crown placement procedure. A clinical video of crown preparation is shown during this session. Review of Shade Guides and how to use them.

Lecture Class: 4 Hours | Lab Class: 4 Hours | Total 8 Class Hours

Endodontic theory and various techniques. Review the uses of Dental Dams, manual and mechanical instrumentation, Radiography pertinent to endo, irrigants, medicaments, Apex locators, temporary and final restorations. An introduction to orthodontics – fixed appliances (braces), removable appliances, clear aligners (see web sites for explanations).

Endodontic Procedures – What a root canal is and why it is needed. How to test a symptomatic tooth – with cold spray, tooth slooth and pulp tester. Demonstrate actual working length radiographs and discuss, show ZX apex locator, demonstrate cavit and/or endotemp. How to set up operatory for RCT procedure, (instruments used (e.g. Burs, handpiece, condenser, endodontic

Orthodontic procedures – describe different types of braces and retainers. How to retie using colored elastics and ligature ties. Classification of bite Class I, Class II and Class III. Demonstrate orthodontic models and review impression techniques for same.

Revisit resume and communication skills. Job interviewing skills – discuss the importance of being on time, dressed professionally and ready to perform. A mock interview will be held with each student to practice the interview process. Review and revisit radiography and practice prn. 14

Lecture Class: 4 Hours | Lab Class: 4 Hours | Total 8 Class Hours

Office management – telephone techniques, review 2 major dental management software (Curve), describe roll of front office administrator and how it applies to the dental assistant, including making appointments, billing, checking patients in and out. Practice proper phone answering techniques on each other, role-play making appointments, asking for money and making payment arrangements. Students will learn the importance of first impressions on a new patient, welcoming a new patient.

Review of Dental insurance terms. Insurance codes and filing dental insurance. Job Interviewing Skills – discuss the importance of being on time, dressed professionally and ready to perform. A mock interview will be held with each student to practice the interview process. Review and practice for the final exam; this includes questions and answers and practice any procedures student wants to review.

Review of Charting and Treatment Planning. All OSHA regulations will be discussed as it pertains to the dental assistant.

This course will introduce the fundamental science and steps for the dental team to apply for the prevention, recognition, diagnosis, intervention and treatment of medical emergencies in the dental practice setting. Students will engage in discussion and drills to acquire skills necessary for the management of such emergencies. Students are taught how to administer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and will engage in discussion and drills to acquire skills necessary for the management of such emergencies. In addition, students will be required on to obtain CPR/BLS Training and Certification from the American Red Cross on-site at the school.

Students will also learn the basics of antibiotics and antimicrobial agents used in the dental office from DA 107. Students will have the opportunity to learn about preventive dentistry and the role of the dental assistant. They will learn that preventive dental care requires effective patient education, correct assessment and use of fluorides, a plaque control program and nutritional considerations. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about types of toothbrushes and brushing techniques along with procedures for assisting patients with dental floss, mouth rinses, oral irrigation devices and proper cleaning of dentures.

Students will learn the various steps and instruments used in sealing, prophylaxis and coronal polishing. Students review the techniques in passing periodontal instruments and assembling the ultrasonic scaler correctly. Additionally, they will be taught the process of removing stained and soft deposits from the clinical crown of a tooth.

Lecture 4 Class Hours; Lab 4 Class Hours; + 2 Class Hours and 4 Lab Hours to obtain CPR/BLS Training and Certification from the American Red Cross on-site at the school. | Total 14 Class Hours

Pediatric Dentistry – review additional procedures completed on pediatric patient including, fillings, stainless steel crowns, pulpotomy and what instruments are used and what materials are used to cement SSC and what material 15 is used in pulpotomy. Students are taught to setup trays for the pulpotomy and stainless crown placement procedure. A clinical video of a pediatric crown preparation is shown during this session.

Final written exam, x-ray practical and practical clinical exam; The didactic portion will consist of 50 to 100 multiple choice questions concerning all subjects covered in the 12-week lecture and laboratory component of the program.

The x-ray practical will include taking BWX, FMX, Periapical and a panorex. The student must meet a minimum standard of care to pass.

The clinical assisting practical will consist of mock assisting for dental procedures (Station 1 – evaluation of proper patient position, proper suction placement and proper instrument transfer), (Station 2 – Radiology) (Station 3 – taking impression, pouring up impression in yellow stone, trimming model), (Station 4 – making temporary crown) (Station 5 – Sterilization and Infection Control) (Station 6 – Charting and Curve).

Lecture 3 Class Hours; Lab 5 Class Hours; Total 8 Class Hours

Students will schedule 3 hours per week of clinical training/shadowing experience during the week and during normal practice hours. Students are introduced to the members of the dental team, current professional trends and the various operations within a dental practice, including receptionist duties, bookkeeping and chairside dental assisting. Students will have the opportunity to observe, shadow and participate in our dental practice operation.

The externship is designed to expose the trained students, once they have completed the initial lecture, laboratory, clinical and final examination components of the program, to the entire dental practice environment, to round out their training program and prepare them for employment in a dental practice. The student will be assigned to a 2-week rotation in the dental practice. Travel will be required to externship sites. This course requires a final evaluation and timecards (provided) and further prepares students for employment as a dental assistant. The externship is typically scheduled during the office hours of the assigned practice but may involve early morning/evening hours as well, based on the needs of the clinic.

These hours will be made up either at the Externship site or Cosmopolitan Dental, where the school is hosted.

(Prerequisite: Dental Assisting Program Week 1 through Week 12, Student must compete and pass CPR/BLS American Red Cross Certifications)

All students are required to complete a 40-hour externship at the end of the program to graduate and receive a Dental Assisting Diploma. Externships are designed to be instructional in nature by providing students with hands-on experience. This experiential training is a cooperative effort

All students on externship are supervised by qualified faculty and/or qualified on-site personnel. Adequate student supervision is provided at all times. Adequate student supervision may vary from a 1:1 ratio to a ratio that may be slightly higher. These ratios are generally determined by the externship site supervisor.

Students may not be a substitute for, or replace, paid staff members. In most cases, students receiving education at externship sites may not be permitted to be paid for their time on-site. Students are expected to obey the rules and regulations of the externship site and program. The site has the right to remove any student who demonstrates disregard for program and/or site policies and procedures.

The externship schedule will be:

• Eight hours per day, five days per week for two weeks during weekday office hours* for a total of 50 hours. *The externship is typically scheduled during the office hours of the assigned practice but may involve early morning/evening hours as well, based on the needs of the clinic.
• The maximum number of students at any one site is 8.
• Evaluation of externs with verbal critique by the work site supervisor will occur daily. Written evaluation will be accomplished at the midpoint (after week one) and another at the end of the externship. Ratings on the written evaluations will be averaged for the final report. Evaluation forms are included.
• The externship coordinator will visit the externship sites at least once per week.
• The externship coordinator will be in daily telephone contact with the externship site supervisor.
• Externs are required to attend a meeting on the last day of their externship. During this meeting they will discuss their externship observations/experiences and will turn in their externship report.
• Although not required, students are encouraged to keep a daily journal of their externship experiences and observations on the free Prezu Online Journal.
• Students are required to write a final report that will be turned in on the day of their externship meeting. Students may not miss more than 10 hours which are required to be made up in order to graduate. Students must complete the following prior to commencing the externship.
• CPR/BLS American Red Cross Certification.
• Documentation of a health screening. The requirements for health screening may differ by site and may include various immunizations, titers and a general release from a physician or nurse practitioner.