List the clinical equipment most commonly found in a dental office.
Identify common symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders.
Discuss the importance of the patients medical-health history and its relevance to dental treatment.
List the four vital signs commonly taken in the dental office.
Describe operator/dental assistant positioning during treatment.
Describe the methods of disease transmission in the dental office.
Explain the difference between disinfection and sterilization.
Discuss the steps in processing dental instruments.
Describe the methods to reduce bacterial contamination in dental unit waterlines.
List the examination, restorative and accessory instruments and their uses.
Describe the use of local anesthetic, nitrous oxide, intravenous sedation, and general anesthesia and their uses in dentistry.
Identify OSHA categories of risk for occupational exposure.
Identify chemical products used for intermediate level and low level surface disinfection, and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Describe the three most common methods of heat sterilization and the advantages/disadvantages of each.
Describe the low-speed handpiece and its use in dentistry.
Describe the high-speed handpiece and its use in dentistry.
Course Description Introduction to the study of dental assisting procedures and preparation of the student for clinical assisting. Included topics: ergonomics, patient records, vital signs, delivery of dental care, disease transmission, infection control, principals and techniques of disinfection and sterilization, dental unit water lines, regulatory and advisory agencies, instrumentation, and pain management. Credits: 2