31-508-302Dental Chairside
Course Information
Description
Prepares dental assistant students to chart oral cavity structures, dental pathology, and restorations and to assist a dentist with basic dental procedures including examinations, pain control, amalgam restoration, and cosmetic restoration. Students will also develop the ability to educate patients about preventive dentistry, brushing and flossing techniques, and dental procedures, using lay terminology. Throughout the course, students will apply decoding strategies to the correct use and interpretation of dental terminology.
Total Credits
5
Course Competencies
  1. Decode dental terminology
    Assessment Strategies
    by classifying dental terminology by prefix, root and suffix
    Criteria
    identify the meaning of the prefix
    identify the meaning of the root
    identify the meaning of the suffix
    determine the meaning of the whole word

  2. Operate dental equipment
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing an operating dental equipment skill demonstration
    by completing maintenance of dental equipment skill demonstration
    in a clinical setting
    Criteria
    operate the dental equipment
    maintain dental equipment
    employ safety precautions
    wear personal protective equipment

  3. Apply the principles of chairside dentistry
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing a skill demonstration of chairside dentistry using a role-play patient or manikin
    in a clinical setting
    Criteria
    select the correct armamentarium
    obtain written patient consent
    position yourself correctly as the assistant
    position yourself correctly as the operator
    seat and position according to area of treatment, and dismiss patient or manikin
    communicate professionally with the patient
    employ safety precautions
    utilize infection control protocol
    wear personal protective equipment

  4. Transfer dental instruments for various dental procedures
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing an instrument transfer skill demonstration using a manikin
    in a clinical setting
    Criteria
    select the correct armamentarium
    position yourself and manikin correctly
    perform all steps in the right order
    anticipate procedural steps
    demonstrate approach, delivery and retrieval of instruments
    employ safety precautions
    utilize infection control protocol
    wear personal protective equipment

  5. Maintain clear operating field
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing a skill demonstration on a role-play peer
    in a clinical setting
    Criteria
    select the correct armamentarium
    position yourself and patient correctly
    anticipate procedural steps
    perform all steps in the right order
    retract the tongue, cheeks and lips using finger, mouth mirror and HVE tip
    suction fluids and debris using HVE and saliva ejector
    isolate oral cavity
    employ safety precautions
    utilize infection control protocol
    wear personal protective equipment

  6. Manage handpieces and rotary instruments
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing a skill demonstration on assembly and maintenance
    in a clinical setting, using the equipment provided
    Criteria
    select the correct armamentarium
    select the correct handpiece by name and use
    assemble handpieces
    select, insert, and remove appropriate attachment
    maintain handpieces and attachments
    perform all steps in the right order
    employ safety precautions
    use infection control protocol
    wear personal protective equipment

  7. Adapt dental assisting techniques when assisting with dental examinations
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing a skill demonstration in which you assist with a dental examination using a manikin or role-play patient
    in a clinical setting
    Criteria
    select the correct armamentarium
    position yourself and patient correctly
    anticipate procedural steps
    perform all steps in the right order
    communicate professionally with the patient
    employ safety precautions
    utilize infection control protocol
    wear personal protective equipment
    patient's records show accurate, up-to-date documentation of treatment and services

  8. Record reported examination findings of the oral cavity structures
    Assessment Strategies
    by charting the condition of the external and internal structures of the oral cavity
    by charting from dictation or by reading
    by interpreting the previously charted conditions
    in a clinical or classroom setting
    Criteria
    select the correct armamentarium
    accurately record the condition of the external and internal structures of the oral cavity

  9. Record dental pathology in a chart
    Assessment Strategies
    in charting dental pathology by completing a chart
    by completing a periodontal chart
    by charting from dictation or by reading
    by interpreting the previously charted conditions
    in a clinical or classroom setting
    Criteria
    select the correct armamentarium
    accurately chart dental pathology
    chart according to G.V. Black's Classification of Cavities
    chart periodontal conditions
    chart Angle's classification of malocclusion and associated factors
    reference images for charting existing conditions

  10. Record restorations in a chart
    Assessment Strategies
    in charting dental restorations by completing a chart
    by charting from dictation or by reading
    by interpreting the previously charted conditions
    in a clinical or classroom setting
    Criteria
    select the correct armamentarium
    chart according to G.V. Black's Classification of Cavities
    accurately chart restorations
    accurately chart restorative problems
    reference images for charting existing conditions

  11. Record treatment plan in a chart
    Assessment Strategies
    in charting proposed treatment
    by charting from dictation or by reading
    in a clinical or classroom setting
    Criteria
    reference the correct patient chart
    accurately chart treatment recommendations
    present the treatment plan to the patient

  12. Document treatment and procedures that have been performed
    Assessment Strategies
    by preparing written dental records that document clinical treatment scenarios
    given the forms
    Criteria
    accurately reference teeth using given numbering system correctly
    accurately record dental services rendered
    use correct terminology and abbreviations
    documentation is well organized
    documentation evidences correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling
    documentation evidences correct alterations

  13. Assist with chairside pain control
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing a skill demonstration in which you assist with pain control procedures on a manikin
    in a clinical setting
    Criteria
    select the correct armamentarium
    position yourself and manikin correctly
    anticipate procedural steps
    perform all steps in the right order
    assemble and disassemble syringe and/or injection system
    assist with topical anesthetic
    safely transfer syringe
    communicate professionally with the patient
    employ safety precautions
    utilize infection control protocol
    wear personal protective equipment
    patient's records show accurate, up-to-date documentation of treatment and services

  14. Adapt dental assisting techniques when assisting with a direct restoration
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing a skill demonstration in which you assist with a direct restoration on a manikin
    in a clinical setting
    Criteria
    select the correct armamentarium
    position yourself and manikin correctly
    anticipate procedural steps
    perform all steps in the right order
    prepare matrix system
    transfer instruments
    maintain visibility and moisture control
    mix and transfer materials
    communicate professionally with the patient
    provide post operative instructions
    employ safety precautions
    utilize infection control protocol
    wear personal protective equipment
    patient's records show accurate, up-to-date documentation of treatment and services

  15. Place a matrix system
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing a skill demonstration in which you assemble and place a matrix system for a given tooth on a manikin
    in a clinical setting
    Criteria
    select the correct armamentarium
    position yourself and manikin correctly
    anticipate procedural steps
    perform all steps in the right order
    prepare matrix system
    transfer instruments
    maintain visibility
    communicate professionally with the patient
    employ safety precautions
    utilize infection control protocol
    wear personal protective equipment
    patient's records show accurate, up-to-date documentation of treatment and services

  16. Define preventive dentistry and its importance to the patient
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written or graphic assessment
    Criteria
    define preventive dentistry in terms a lay person can understand
    explain the benefits of preventive dentistry
    describe patient recommendations for disease prevention
    describe the role of dental professionals in preventive dentistry
    examine the caries process and its impact on overall health
    examine the periodontal process and its impact on overall health

  17. Demonstrate proper tooth brushing and interproximal cleaning techniques
    Assessment Strategies
    by demonstrating proper tooth brushing, interproximal cleaning and adjuncts to role-play patient(s) in a skill demonstration
    Criteria
    select the correct armamentarium
    perform plaque assessment
    use visual aids
    perform and explain all steps for each technique
    select, explain and use the correct adjunct for the scenario
    terminology the patient understands
    communicate professionally with the patient
    answer questions asked by patients
    present the content clearly and accurately
    instruction is well organized
    employ safety precautions
    utilize infection control protocol
    wear personal protective equipment
    patient's records show accurate, up-to-date documentation of patient education

  18. Interpret dental procedures to a patient, using lay terminology
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, or graphic assessment
    Criteria
    accurately explain a specific dental procedure
    use lay terminology that a patient can understand
    present information in a style and tone consistent with the audience's level of interest and level of knowledge or understanding
    answer questions accurately, thoroughly, and with respect
    patient's records show accurate, up-to-date documentation of service