INTRODUCTION TO DENTAL ASSISTANT OUTLINE

You get everything you need to complete your training including step-by-step illustrated lessons that prepare you for this rewarding in demand career. This gives you a preview of what you will learn.

Click on the instruction links below for complete course content.

Instruction Pack 1
Instruction Pack 2
Instruction Pack 3
Instruction Pack 4
Instruction Pack 5

Dental Assistant Instruction Pack I  Back to Top

Welcome to the World of Dentistry
Jump into your new career with this overview of the exciting
opportunities for dental assistants and a day in the life of a
dentist’s office.

The Role of the Dental Assistant
Here you’ll discover your role in a dentist’s office and learn about the
duties and responsibilities you’ll fulfill as a dental assistant.

Preventive Dentistry and Nutrition
Preventive medicine is the best medicine. Discover how
fluoride and sealants protect teeth. Teach patients how to
protect themselves with good eating habits and correct
brushing and flossing techniques.

Welcoming the Dental Patient
Here you’ll learn how to greet the patient and gather
information to create the patient record. You’ll also learn how
to check a patient’s vital signs.

Dental Equipment
Master the dental assistant’s tools of the trade, such as the
dental unit, amalgamator and air-water syringe.

Dental Instruments
Bone chisels. Burs. Suction equipment. You’ll be glad you’re
not on the receiving end of the hand and rotary instruments
described in this lesson!

Dental Materials
This lesson examines the dental materials used for
impressions, poured models, restorations and more!

The Dental Examination
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the dental examination.
Organize operating zones with the clock concept and properly
position the patient, dentist and yourself.

Also included in Pack I:
• Beautiful Full-Color Study Binder
• You Can Do It! CD
• Virtual Lab CD 1, including the Virtual Flashcard Tutorial
• Procedure Guide 1
• Nutrition and Wellness Basics Supplement
• HIPAA Basics Supplement: Understanding the
Federal Regulations
• Computers Buyer’s and User’s Guide
• Ergonomics: Creating a Healthy Home and Work Environment
• Dental Equipment, Instruments and Materials Guide I
• Dental Disclosing Tablets
• Toothbrush Timer
• USCI Stickie Notes and Flash Pen


Dental Assistant Instruction Pack II  Back to Top

Front Office Procedures
This lesson shows you how to handle common office
responsibilities—from receiving patients and scheduling
appointments to maintaining medical records and protecting
patient confidentiality.

Disease Transmission
Fight infection with this primer on how to prevent disease
transmission in the dental office. Review the CDC and OSHA
rules and regulations that help regulate infection control.

Safety in the Dental Office
Learn how to maintain an aseptic dental environment with
this guide on using protective equipment, sanitizing surfaces,
sterilizing instruments and more!

Introduction to Oral Anatomy
Keep building your foundation with this exploration of the
major muscles, blood supply, lymph nodes and nerve supply
of the head and neck.

Dental Anatomy and Terminology
Say ahh! This lesson dives into the oral cavity and examines the
anatomy, terminology, and types of teeth, arches and soft tissues.

Charting and Classification
Complete the dental examination with this tutorial on
documenting dental conditions. Learn how to record
treatment information and develop treatment plans.

Chairside Assisting
Welcome to the operatory area! Discover how to prepare for a
procedure and work alongside the dentist, as well as educate
your patients both before and after their operations.

Dental Pain Management
Alleviate your patients’ pain with topical, local and general
anesthetics. Learn about dental pharmacology and procedures
dental assistants can perform to deliver pain medications.

Also included in Pack II:
• Virtual Lab CD 2, including the Virtual Flashcard Tutorial
• Procedure Guide 2, including Pack 2 Flashcard Terms
• Professional Development Supplement Part 1 - Creating a Professional Image
• Develop a Professional Medical Phone Personality Supplement
• Mouth Mirror
• Large Display Thermometer


Dental Assistant Instruction Pack III  Back to Top

Pediatric Dentistry
Here you’ll learn about stages of childhood, needs of disabled
patients, and common pediatric procedures so you’ll be able
to assist the dentist with kids.

Orthodontics
This lesson will set you straight on orthodontics. Learn
the causes and treatments for malocclusions and other
orthodontic problems, as well as the procedures involving
dental assistants.

Oral Pathology
This lesson covers diseases and disorders of the mouth,
including inflammation, lesions, tooth decay and teeth
grinding. Also learn how certain diseases—like cancer and
HIV/AIDS—and their treatments can affect the mouth.

Medical Emergencies
Be prepared with this lesson on how to assess and respond
to medical emergencies like airway obstructions, allergic
reactions, diabetic shock and more.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Here you’ll learn how to prepare patients for surgery,
obtain consent, and set up the operatory area for oral and
maxillofacial surgery.

Also included in Pack III:
• Study Binder
• Virtual Lab CD 3, including the Virtual Flashcard Tutorial
• Procedure Guide 3, Including Pack 3 Flashcard Terms
• Dental Equipment, Instruments and Materials Guide 2
• Professional Development Supplement Part 2 - Managing Stress, Time and Money
• USCI Travel Toothbrush with Holder
• Mini Dental Floss Keychain


Dental Assistant Instruction Pack IV   Back to Top

Dental Insurance
This lesson provides you with hands-on practice completing
insurance claims. Determine patient eligibility and benefits for
various dental insurance plans.

Radiology Part I
In this lesson, you’ll learn about the properties of x-rays and
radiation safety equipment and the dental assistant’s role in
keeping the patient and herself safe.

Radiology Part II
Discover how to create, process, mount and examine dental
x-rays using both traditional and digital methods.

Impressions
First impressions are doubly important for dental assistants,
who are often responsible for mixing, preparing and taking
impressions—or molds—of patients’ teeth. This lesson teaches
you how.

Restorative Dental Procedures
Here you’ll learn how to prepare composite resins, cavity
liners and cementation materials, as well as assist in various
restorative dental procedures.


Also included in Pack IV:
• Virtual Lab CD 4, including the Virtual Flashcard Tutorial
• Procedure Guide 4, including Pack 4 Flashcard Terms
• Medisoft Patient Accounting Demo CD
• Getting Started with NDC Medisoft Manual
• Coder’s Comprehensive Glossary
• Guide to Electronic Coding
• Professional Development Supplement Part 3 - Career Advancement
• USCI Toothpaste Squeeze-it
• Snap-on Toothbrush Sanitizer

Dental Assistant Instruction Pack V  Back to Top

Prosthodontics
Discover how to prepare and deliver crowns, bridges and
other cast restorations; make and seat temporary crowns;
place and remove gingival retraction cords; and more!

Periodontics
Learn to identify the types of diseases that affect the bone
and soft tissue of the mouth. This lesson also explains how to
assist the dentist on periodontal procedures.

Endodontics
Get to the root of root canals with this overview of the
diagnoses and treatments of diseased dental pulp.

The Dental Assistant’s Guide to Law and Ethics
Explore ethical guidelines that will help you gain the
reputation of an honest and trustworthy dental professional.
You’ll glimpse some situations you might face that will
require you to make judgment calls.

Comprehensive Practicum
Put your skills to work in this real-world practicum that
mirrors the Registered Dental Assistant exam. Show off what
you’ve learned about dental science, clinical procedures, office
skills and radiography!

Also included in Pack V:
• Virtual Lab CD 5, including the Virtual Flashcard Tutorial
• Procedure Guide 5, including Pack 5 Flashcard Terms
• Dental Assistant Jobs Finder
• Anatomy of the Teeth Chart

SPECIAL BONUS: As a paid-in-full graduate, you’ll receive a valuable graduation gift...

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