DEN 171 Dental Assisting Practicum 2

Lecture Hours: 1
Lab Hours: 24
Credits: 9

Consists of observation and practice in a dental office setting. Develops communication rapport with the dental team and patients; performs specified basic, intermediate, and expanded function chairside procedures; completes reception and business office tasks; applies skills in laboratory procedures; and exposes and processes patient radiographic images as directed by the dentist. Prepares students for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certification Examination.

Prerequisite: Third term standing in the Dental Assisting program.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Develop communication rapport with the dental team and patients.
Perform specified basic, intermediate, and expanded function chairside procedures.
Complete reception and business office tasks.
Construct the necessary dental laboratory procedures as requested by the dentist.
Expose and process patient radiographic images as directed by the dentist.

Content Outline

Communication Skills and Human Relations
- Listening
- Following directions
- Silent communication (body language)
- Appropriate verbalization
- Patient management
  - Fear
  - Anxiety
  - Phobia
  - Patient comfort
Chairside Procedures
- Restorative
- Surgical
- Prosthodontics
- Endodontics
- Intermediate functions
- Expanded functions
- Other (as per evaluation form)
Reception Procedures
- Appointments
- Telephone
- Computer use
- Statements
- Recall
- Payroll
- Filing
Radiographs
- Safety
- Exposure
- Processing
- Mounting
- Identification and Filing
Laboratory Procedures
- Models
  - Pouring
  - Trimming
  - Mounting and articulation
- Custom Trays
- Temporary Crowns
- Acrylic Mouthguards
- Other (as per evaluation form)
General Chairside Examination Component
- Collection and recording of clinical data
- Chairside dental procedures
- Chairside dental materials (preparation, manipulation, application)
- Lab materials and procedures
- Patient education and oral health management
- Prevention and management of emergencies
- Office management procedures
Infection Control Examination Component
- Collection and recording of clinical data
- Patient and dental health care worker education
- Prevent cross-contamination and transmission
- Maintain aseptic conditions
- Select disinfection or sterilization
- Perform sterilization procedures
- Perform disinfection procedures
- Occupational safety
Radiation Health and Safety Component
- Expose and evaluate intraoral and extra-oral radiographs
- Processing procedures
- Mounting/labeling
- Radiation safety - patient and operator
- Storage and disposal
- Quality assurance