Course Outline

Piedmont Dental Assistants, Inc.

Course Outline

The following subjects are covered in depth from both a didactic and practical clinical experience. Hands on training with all the equipment, instrumentations and materials used in our state of the art practicing dental office. All students receive in excess of 8 hours of instruction in radiology.

  1. Dental Theory and Terminology
    1. Dental and oral anatomy, tooth-numbering system
    2. Instrument nomenclature and identification for all aspects of General Dentistry
    3. Dental Terminology
    4. Equipment operation, chair positioning, assistant equipment usage.
  1. Four-handed Dental Assisting
    1. Instrument transfer techniques, chair-side assisting and suctioning.
    2. Chair-side doctor-patient-assistant positioning.
    3. Tub and tray systems
    4. Use of instruments and materials in assisting for:
      1. Operative Dentistry
      2. Oral Surgery
      3. Crown and Bridge
      4. Endodontics
      5. Periodontics
      6. Pedodontics
      7. Orthodontics
    5. Hand piece care and maintenance
  1. Radiology
    1. X-ray theory and technique, use of Rinn Holders and other methods.
    2. Intraoral, bitewing, panoramic, and endodontic exposure methods
    3. Developing x-rays using the automatic processor
    4. X-ray safety and precautions.
  1. Impressions and Model Trimming
    1. Impression materials and practice in their use: alginates, rubber base, etc.
    2. Wax bites, counter impressions
    3. Model pouring and trimming
  1. Sterilization Techniques
    1. Sterilization theory and terminology, autoclave operation
    2. Instrument and equipment sterilization/disinfection
    3. Treatment room disinfection and asepsis techniques
  1. Job Interview Techniques