Dental Assisting

Dental terminology, anatomy and physiology, mechanisms for transmitting disease and controlling/decreasing resistance to infection; oral embryology, histology, pathology, morphology. Preliminary oral examination; charting conditions - hard/soft tissues; taking/recording vital signs, cavity detector, etc. Sterilization/disinfection, infection control procedures and infectious disease process. Lab fee is required.

The study of the materials and their safe handling that are employed in dentistry for the fabrication of dental appliances and tooth restorations and the manipulation of these materials. Introduction to intra-oral tasks delegated to the qualified registered dental
assistant, which are related to operative dentistry such as liners, cementation & facebow transfer. Lab fee is required.

Instruction in the role and functions of chairside assistant, such as preparing the operatory, placement of topical agents, oral evacuation, instrument identification and grasps/transfers, hand and rotary instrument identification and maintenance, placement and removal of rubber dam and matrix retainers, placement of sedative restorations, fabrication of acrylic temporary crowns, and restoration, prosthodontics and endodontics armamentarium, tray set ups and procedures. Lab fee is required.

Experiences are provided to review the student's knowledge of microbiology, disease transmission, and altering resistance to infection. Preventive dentistry, nutrition and application of the skills necessary for a preventive therapist are provided. Oral pathological conditions, the use of drugs, and dental therapeutics related to dental office emergencies are discussed. California RDA Law and Ethics.

Basic principles of radiography, history, protection, and safety guidelines. Physics and biological effects of radiation, for the patient's and operator's protection and comfort. Types of receptors, exposure and autoprocessing techniques on manikins. Composition and preparation of solutions. The relationship of dental anatomy and facial structures to the exposure and mounting of relationship of dental anatomy and facial structures to the exposure and mounting of films. Lab Fee is required.

Advanced techniques of dental radiography, anatomical landmarks, dental anatomy pertaining to dental radiography, exposure and processing faults. Emphasis is on evaluation of the quality of the films both intra and extra oral. Experiences in exposing full mouth radiographs for diagnosis by dentists. Processing and maintaining automatic processors. Knowledge of panoramic & digital techniques and other related radiographic equipment. Lab Fee is required.

Instruction in the non-clinical functions which dental auxiliaries are required to perform with emphasis on financial arrangements, collection techniques, insurance processing and maintenance of office records, account receivable transactions, office mail, inventory, purchasing, accounts payable, payroll, disbursements, tax records, marketing and group practice. Use of computer to perform basic dental office management.

The dental health team, ethics/jurisprudence HIPAA, history of dentistry, home care instruction including whitening, applied psychology, communication skills; verbal and written (telephone/fax/computer) communication, the special patient, appointment control, recall systems and the administrative assistant, use of Dentrix software for office functions. Lab Fee is required.

Instruction in the specialties of dentistry including advance endodontics, periodontics, orthodontics, oral surgery, removable prosthodontics, and pediatric dentistry as well as the armamentarium required for each. Development of preclinical skills in the expanded functions required of the Registered Dental Assistant. Students are required to meet standards of competency for all required tasks including coronal polishing and ultrasonic removal of cement from ortho bands. Lab fee is required.

Clinical experiences and evaluations on delivery of direct patient care, critical thinking exercises, reports, projects. Instruction and practice in 4-handed procedures on general & specialty dentistry & intra-oral tasks assigned to the RDA. Development of professional attitude in dental assisting. Evaluation on pit & fissure sealant placement. Preparation for employment & career placement opportunities. Lab fee required. One unit of credit is earned for 54 hours of unpaid or paid work.

This course is designed and approved to meet the Dental Board of California's regulation for Coronal Polish. This course includes lecture and clinical hours. Students will be taught and use techniques for removal from the clinical crown the following: pellicle, plaque, and extrinsic stain. The students will be required to provide their own patients and follow program's sterilization and infection control policies.