Studies the various fields of specialized dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association Commission. Introduces applied psychology through role playing as related to the clinical application in the specialties.
Prerequisite: Second term standing in the Dental Assisting program. Student Learning Outcomes:
Identify the various dental specialties. (Cognitive: Knowledge)
Identify the general principles and armamentarium associated with each dental specialty. (Cognitive: Knowledge)
Examine the various roles of auxiliary personnel as they relate to each dental specialty. (Affective: Valuing)
Demonstrate legally delegable dental assisting skills as they relate to the dental specialties. (Psychomotor: Demonstrate)
Demonstrate patient management skills through the use of psychological concepts and communications skills. (Psychomotor: Demonstrate)
Content Outline
Forensic Dentistry
Definition
General principles
Dental assistant’s role
Pediatric Dentistry
Definition
Epidemiology of dental disease in children
General principles
Importance of primary teeth
Eruption
Occlusion
Psychological considerations of different age groups
Procedures
Examination
Premedication
Diagnosis
Terminology
Pulp therapy
Restorative dentistry
Fractured teeth
Appliances (fixed and removable)
Preventative-pit and fissure sealants
Post-operative instructions
Coronal Polish
Periodontics
Definition
Review of periodontal disease
Method of diagnosis and treatment
Armamentarium
Dental assistant’s role
Prevention
Electrosurgery unit
Post-operative instructions
Removal of periodontal pack
Oral Surgery
Definition/Purpose
General principles
Armamentarium
Dental assistant’s role
Procedures
Extractions
Root tip recovery
Apicoectomy
Impactions
Cysts
Patient recovery
Post-operative instructions
Suture removal
Indications for removal
Assessment of suture area
Tissue condition
Stages of healing
Armamentarium
Patient preparation
Removal technique
Evaluation of removal
Post-operative instructions
Endodontics
Definition
General principles
Procedures
Diagnosis
Root canal therapy
Pulp capping
Pulpotomy
Periapical surgery
Post-operative instructions
Drying of canals
Prosthodontics
Fixed prosthodontics
Definition
General principles
Chairside procedures
Armamentarium
Laboratory procedures
Dental assistant’s role
Removable prosthodontics
Definition
General principles
Chairside procedures
Armamentarium
Laboratory procedures
Dental assistant’s role
Psychological considerations of the patient
Orthodontics
Definition
Goals
Malocclusion
Etiology
Genetic
Systemic
Local, oral, and mechanical factors
Classification
Angle’s
Cross bites
Open and closed bites
Diagnostic aids
History and dental records
Roentgenographic survey
Models
Photographs
Treatment
Appliances
Armamentarium
Diet and oral hygiene
Dental assistant’s role
Placement and removal separators, bands and elastomeric ties