Course Description
This course will provide the learner with the skills, knowledge, and values required to assist with basic restorative and specialty procedures, to take and process dental radiographs, and to obtain study model impressions. This will include an emphasis on the clinical application and adaptation of dental assisting theory to a variety of specialty areas, different situations, and different operator preferences.
Course Content
- Assist for Restorative Procedures
- Prepare the operatory
- Transfer instruments
- Prepare, mix and transfer materials
- Assist for restorative procedures
- Assist for Endodontic Procedures
- Prepare the operatory
- Transfer instruments
- Prepare, mix and transfer materials
- Assist for endodontic procedures
- Take pulp vitality tests
- Assist for Prosthodontic Procedures
- Prepare the operatory
- Transfer instruments
- Prepare, mix and transfer materials
- Remove retraction cord
- Assist for prosthodontic procedures
- Prepare for Specialty Procedures
- Identify oral surgery / orthodontic instruments
- Describe oral surgery / orthodontic procedures
- Remove sutures
- Obtain Study Model Impressions
- Prepare patient
- Select and prepare impression tray
- Obtain study model impression
- Construct Custom Mouth Guards, Splints and Custom Trays
- Assemble armamentarium and prepare master cast
- Utilize vacuum forming equipment
- Trim and polish finished product
- Construct tray
- Take and Process Dental Radiographs
- Place and expose radiographs on a mannequin and on a patient
- Process and mount radiographs
- Practice radiation hygiene
- Obtain Vital Signs
- Assess patients’ medical history
- Determine blood pressure, pulse, temperature and respiration
- Compare findings to normal readings
- Isolate the Operating Field
- Apply and remove rubber dam
- Place cotton rolls and driangles
- Assess the Oral Cavity
- Observe gingival tissues
- Determine occlusion
- Identify tooth deposits
- Compare findings to normal expectations
- Demonstrate Rubber Cup Polishing
- Utilize dental handpiece
- Adapt rubber cup using polishing stroke
- Establish systematic sequence
- Integrate Dental Reception Skills
- Manage patient records
- Demonstrate appointment scheduling
- Process dental claims
- Complete financial procedures
- Demonstrate Principles of Infection Control
- Prepare self
- Prepare disinfection/sterilization solutions
- Prevent cross-contamination
- Prepare instruments for recirculation
- Operate sterilizers
- Store instruments in aseptic manner
- Demonstrate Professional Standards
- Demonstrate responsibility/accountability, using problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Participate as a team member, utilizing effective communication skills and a positive attitude
- Comply with program policies
- Corporates realistic time management skills into practice
- Employ self-evaluation techniques.
Learning Activities
- Demonstration
- Clinical activities
- Practicum
- Audio-visual materials
- Computer assisted instruction
Means of Assessment
Course evaluation is based on course objectives, and is consistent with Douglas College Evaluation Policies. An evaluation schedule is presented to the students at the beginning of the course.
A minimum mark of 75% is required to be successful in the course.
Outlines of evaluation may be subject to change.
Learning Outcomes
The learning outcomes are based on the Curriculum Guide 2001 Education of Certified Dental Assistants in British Columbia developed for the Ministry of Advanced Education, Training and Technology and the Centre for Curriculum, Transfer and Technology, February 2001.
Upon successful completion of CHDA 1217 the student will be able to:
- assist for restorative procedures.
- assist for endodontic procedures.
- assist for prosthodontic procedures.
- assist for specialty procedures.
- obtain study model impressions.
- construct custom mouth guards, splints and custom trays.
- expose and process dental radiographs.
- obtain vital signs.
- isolate the operating field.
- assess the oral cavity.
- demonstrate rubber cup polishing.
- integrate dental reception skills.
- demonstrate the principles of infection control.
- demonstrate professional standards.
Textbook Materials
A list of required and optional textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of each semester.