Unlike other modules in the Dental Assistant program at Ross Medical Education Center, module 3 consists of just a single course for the Dental Assistant student. The course is entitled Chairside Dental Assisting and provides 90 class hours on a variety of topics related to the Dental Assistant. An exciting and informative module, this entire course focuses heavily on clinical skills and the information necessary for clinical procedures.
This course introduces students to chairside dental assisting duties and techniques practiced in general dentistry with an emphasis on sit-down, four-handed dentistry. In addition, some properties and manipulation of common dental materials including amalgam (silver fillings), composites (tooth colored fillings), glass ionomers (fluoride releasing fillings), and dental sealants (protection against decay) are presented.
Basic concepts of psychology and communication are discussed with an emphasis on helping dental patients overcome anxieties related to dental treatment. Special consideration for disabled and abused patients is presented. In this module, it is common for students to role play with the instructor various scenarios in the dental operatory. By using critical thinking skills, students determine ways to assist patients with dental fears and those with disabilities or special needs.
During this module, pediatric dentistry as a specialty is presented to students. They are introduced to the differences in childhood stages of development and behavior management techniques. In addition, students are exposed to various dental procedures related to children, such as coronal polishing, fluoride treatments, sealants, mouth guards and interceptive orthodontics. Dental trauma and child abuse/neglect are also discussed.
In order to demonstrate proficiency for this course, students must be able to perform a variety of tasks. Some of the required duties are operatory set up and disinfection, patient seating and dismissing, assisting the dentist in amalgam and composite procedures, chairside charting, and oral evacuation. These are all important aspects of a future career as a Dental Assistant.