ILLINOIS VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

       Course Syllabus

        Division: Health Professions

          Course:  DLA 1203 - Chairside Assisting I

Date:                                       Fall, 2007

Semester Hours:                   4.0

Lecture hours per week:       2 hrs/wk

Lab hours per week: 4 hrs/wk

Seminar hours per week:     0

Other hours:                           0

Prerequisite:                          Admission to the Dental Assisting Program

Semester Offered:                F

Instructor(s):                           Pattie McGuire

I.        CATALOG DESCRIPTION:

This course provides information on the history, ethics and legal concerns of dentistry.  Dental psychology and patient communication skills are emphasized.  Principles of four-handed sit-down dentistry are presented and practiced which includes instrument and equipment identification and maintenance.  Basic chairside assisting procedures are presented and practiced.  Dental terminology and materials are integrated throughout this course.  Current OSHA and CDC guidelines for infection control and handling of hazardous materials are practiced.

II.       EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES AND RELATED COMPETENCIES:

            Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

            1.         Demonstrate a basic understanding of the dental health team and each                                  members professional, legal and ethical responsibilities.

                        1.1       Identify the members of the dental health team.

                        1.2       Describe the role of each member of the dental health team.

                        1.3       Describe the background of the dentist and the dental auxiliaries.

                        1.4       Identify and describe each of the dental specialities.

                        1.5       Describe advanced functions.

                        1.6       Identify acronyms common to the dental profession.

                        1.7       Explain the concept of team dentistry.

II.       EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES AND RELATED COMPETENCIES:        (con’t)                       

                        1.8       Describe a brief history of dental assisting and describe the role of                                          the modern dental assistant.

                        1.9       Identify credentialing processes for dental assistants.

                        1.10    Discuss changes that have impacted the dental profession in                                        recent decades.

                        1.11    Explain potential job sources for dental assistants.

                        1.12    Explain the importance of ethics and law to dentistry.     

                        1.13    Differentiate between the various types of law that affect the                                                      practice of dentistry.

                        1.14    Explain various types of consent.

                        1.15    Describe the code of ethics of professional dental organizations.

                        1.16    Explain the importance of a state dental practice act.

                        1.17    Identify the function of a state board of dentistry.  

                        1.18    Describe professional etiquette.

            2.         Demonstrate and apply the concepts of four-handed dentistry.

                        2.1       Describe the benefits of four-handed dentistry.

                        2.2       Describe six-handed dentistry.

                        2.3       Explain the concept of advanced functions in relation to four-                                                     handed dentistry.

                        2.4       Identify the classifications of motions and the principles of motion                                             economy.

                        2.5       Describe the function and styles of preset trays.

                        2.6       Describe the basic floor plan of a dental office.

                        2.7       Explain the function of each room in the dental office.

                        2.8       Describe the arrangement of a dental treatment room.

                        2.9       Describe the basic features of dental equipment used in four-                                       handed dentistry.

                        2.10    Describe office care and maintenance procedures.

                        2.11    Explain the concept of “see ability” in dentistry.    

                        2.12    Identify the zones of activity at chairside.

                        2.13    Describe and demonstrate the preparation of a treatment room                                                before seating a patient.

                        2.14    Explain and demonstrate the process of seating a dental patient,                                             positioning the assistant, and positioning dental equipment for                                      treatment in any area of the oral cavity.

                        2.15    Describe and demonstrate the procedure for dismissing a patient.

                        2.16    Identify special needs of patients during the seating and dismissal                                           procedures.

                        2.17    Explain and describe the aseptic techniques used during the setup,                                         treatment, and dismissal of the patient.

                        2.18    Explain the importance of instrument exchange in four-handed                                      dentistry.

                        2.19    Describe and demonstrate the various instrument grasps.

II.       EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES AND RELATED COMPETENCIES:        (con’t)                       

                        2.20    Identify the basic types of instrument exchanges used at chairside.

                        2.21    Explain and demonstrate the step-by-step procedure for common                                            instrument exchange procedures.

                        2.22    Explain various safety precautions that should be implemented                                                 during instrument exchange.

                        2.23    Describe and demonstrate the use of basic hand and rotary                                                      instruments.

                        2.24    Explain the function of a high-velocity and saliva ejector evacuation                                          system.

                        2.25    Differentiate between the use of an HVE system and a saliva                                        ejector.

                        2.26    Describe and demonstrate the placement of an evacuator tip for                                              any given operative site.

                        2.27    Describe and demonstrate the procedure used in a complete                                       mouth rinse.

                        2.28    Describe and demonstrate the use of the a/w syringe in maintaining                            a clear operating field.

                        2.29    Describe and demonstrate the routine care of an evacuation                                                     system.

                        2.30    Explain the purpose and types of isolation techniques used in                                       dentistry.

                        2.31    Describe and demonstrate the step-by-step procedure used in                                                 rubber dam isolation.

                        2.32    Describe techniques in rubber dam isolation used to accommodate                                        the less ordinary oral situations.

                        2.33    Identify the armamentarium used in different isolation procedures.       

            3.         Demonstrate a basic understanding of the use and types of hand and                          rotary instruments used in dentistry.

                        3.1       Identify the parts of a dental instrument.

                        3.2       Classify dental instruments according to use.

                        3.3       Identify and explain the function of basic dental instruments.

                        3.4       Identify and describe basic hand cutting instruments.

                        3.5       Identify and describe supplementary instruments and                                                                  armamentarium common to most dental procedures.

                        3.6       Explain the necessity for instrument sharpness and proper                                                         instrument care.

                        3.7       Describe the function of rotary devices used in dentistry today.

                        3.8       Explain the use of a water coolant system in conjunction with                                         dental handpieces.

                        3.9       Differentiate between various types of handpieces.

                        3.10    Identify the various shapes, sizes, types, and functions of common                                           rotary devices.

                        3.11    Describe the assembly and maintenance of handpieces.

II.       EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES AND RELATED COMPETENCIES:        (con’t)           

            4.         Demonstrate a basic understanding of the psychological factors which                                    affect patient behavior and ways of helping a patient overcome his fears                                 and anxieties about dentistry.

                        4.1       Explain human relations in dentistry.

                        4.2       Describe Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

                        4.3       Explain the concept of dentistry as a service profession.

                        4.4       Identify motivational factors which affect patient behavior.

                        4.5       Describe how the need for acceptance and respect are affected by                                         illness or a stress situation.

                        4.6       Identify desirable characteristics in building relationships.

                        4.7       Describe the relationship between communication and productivity.

                        4.8       Identify barriers to communication.

                        4.9       Recognize nonverbal cues.

                        4.10    Describe how to improve verbal images.

                        4.11    Define patient rights.

                        4.12    Explain staff management.

                        4.13    Describe professional etiquette.

            5.         Demonstrate a basic understanding of the process of oral diagnosis and                                treatment planning including the types of data that must be collected and                                 recorded in the clinical record.

                        5.1       Describe the process of oral diagnosis.

                        5.2       Describe the importance of a complete and updated personal and                                           medical history.

                        5.3       Describe the use of consent forms, radiographs, laboratory studies,                            study models, and photographs in clinical evaluation.

                        5.4       List the data necessary for a complete dental clinical examination.

                        5.5       Describe the process for an extraoral and intraoral examination.

                        5.6       Identify and record common abbreviations and symbols used in                                                charting a dental examination.

                        5.7       Explain the development of a treatment plan.

                        5.8       Describe the process of case presentation.

III.      COURSE CONTENT:

            I.          Introduction to Dental Assisting

                        A.        History of Dentistry

                                    1.         Dentistry and the Specialities

                                    2.         Dental Assisting

                        B.        Dental Health Team

                                    1.         Purpose

                                    2.         General and Speciality Dentist

                                    3.         Dental Assistant

                                    4.         Dental Hygienist

                                    5.         Dental Laboratory Technician

                                    6.         Miscellaneous Members

III.      COURSE CONTENT: (con’t)

                        C.        Professional and Educational Responsibilities of the Dental                                                      Assistant

                                    1.         Professional Organizations

                                    2.         Educational Achievements

                                    3.         Legal and Ethical Responsibility

                        D.        Ethics and Jurisprudence

                                    1.         Ethics

                                    2.         Jurisprudence

                                    3.         Professional Responsibility

                                    4.         State Dental Practice Act

            II.          Four-Handed Sit-Down Dentistry

                        A.        Principles of Four-Handed Dentistry

                                    1.         Work Simplification

                                    2.         Motion Economy

                                    3.         Working in a Seated Position

                        B.        Office Layout and Equipment

                                    1.         Modern Dental Office

                                    2.         Major Equipment for Four-Handed Dentistry

                                    3.         Auxiliary Equipment

                                    4.         Maintenance Procedures

                        C.        Maintaining the Operating Field

                                    1.         Oral Evacuation

                                    2.         Isolation Techniques

                                    3.         Use of Air/Water syringe

                        D.        Additional Tasks Associated with Four-Handed Dentistry

                                    1.         Use of Pre-set Trays

                                    2.         Instrument Handling and Transfer

                                    3.         Material Manipulation

            III.         Dental Instrumentation

                        A.        Classification of Instruments

                                    1.         Hand

                                    2.         Rotary

                        B.        Design of Hand Instruments

                                    1.         Parts of an Instrument

                                    2.         Types of Angles       

                        C.        Hand Instruments

                                    1.         Hand Cutting

                                    2.         Condensing

                                    3.         Amalgam Instruments

                                    4.         Miscellaneous Instruments

                        D.        Dental Handpieces

                                    1.         Conventional Speed

                                    2.         Ultra Speed

                                    3.         Burs

                                    4.         Other Rotary Instruments and Attachments

III.      COURSE CONTENT: (con’t)

IV.        Psychology in the Dental Office

                        A.        Psychological Implication of the Mouth and Teeth

                                    1.         Infancy and Childhood

                                    2.         Adulthood

                                    3.         Aging

                                    4.         Exactions

                                    5.         Dentures

                        B.        Understanding and Accepting Patient Behavior

                                    1.         Motivational Factors

                                    2.         Psychotic, Neurotic, and Normal Behavior

                                    3.         Pain

                                    4.         Fear and Anxiety

                                    5.         Stress

                        C.        Helping the Dental Patient

                                    1.         Trust Building

                                    2.         Responsive Listening

                                    3.         Talking with Patients

                                    4.         Roadblocks to Effective Communication

                                    5.         Special Patients and Situations

                        D.        Working Well Together as a Team

                                    1.         Stress and the Dental Team

                                    2.         Team Building

                                    3.         Problem Solving Skills

            V.        Oral Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

                        A.        Patient Records       

                                    1.         Medical/Dental History

                                    2.         Charting of Oral Conditions

                                    3.         Services Rendered

                        B.        Clinical Records

                                    1.         Oral Examination

                                    2.         Radiographs

                                    3.         Study Models

                        C.        Treatment Planning

IV.      INSTRUCTIONAL METHOD:

            Lecture

            Classroom Discussion

            Text Assignments

            Demonstration and Laboratory practice of skills

            Visual aids - videos, transparencies, charts & models

            Computers - tutorial software, research

            Exams & quizzes

V.      INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:

Text: Delmar’s Dental Assisting: A Comprehensive Approach, Second Ed., Phinney & Halstead, Delmar, 2004.

            Transparencies

            Computer Software - Dental Instrument Series

                                                  Interactive Dental Office

                                                  Crest Dental Resource Net

  Delmar’s Dental Assisting                                    

            Videos -         Dentistry Series

                                    Dental Health Series

                                    Dental Careers

                                    Four-handed Dentistry Series

            Demonstration models and mannequins

            Miscellaneous dental equipment, instruments, and supplies.

VI.      STUDENT REQUIREMENTS AND METHODS OF EVALUATION:

            Lecture:          Reading assigned materials, note taking and participation in                                                    classroom discussion is expected.

                                    Written examinations are used to evaluate student progress and                                              comprehension.  A comprehensive final exam will be given at the                                             end of the semester.  All grades from these exams will be averaged                                  equally to determine the students final lecture grade.

            Laboratory:    Students are required to wear white lab coats in the laboratory and                                          follow the posted rules.

                                    All skills must be successfully completed by the student to pass the lab and for continuation in the Dental Assisting Program.

                                    Tests and unannounced quizzes will be given to evaluate student                                              comprehension.

                                    Laboratory performance notes will be kept by the instructor for                                      each student.  These notes, along with the test and quiz grades will                              be used to determine the students’ final laboratory grade.

            Final Grade:   A grade of a ‘C’ is required in the lecture portion and in the                                                        laboratory portion of this course for graduation from the Dental                                      Assisting Program.        The students’ final grade will be calculated:

                                                            50% Lecture grade

                                                            50% Laboratory grade

The following grading scale will be used as a guide in determining

                                    the final grade for this course:

                                                            A=       90 - 100%

                                                            B=       80 - 89%

                                                            C=       70 - 79%

                                                            D=       60 - 69%

                                                            F=       0 - 59%

                                    For attendance and testing policies, see the Dental Assisting                                       Student Handbook.                                      

VII.     REFERENCES:

Textbook:

Delmar’s Dental Assisting: A Comprehensive Approach, Second Ed.,          Phinney & Halstead, Delmar, 2004.          

            References:

            The Dental Assistant, Seventh Edition, Anderson, Delmar, 2001.

Ehrlich & Torres. Essentials of Dental Assisting, Third Edition, Robinson/Bird, Saunders, 2001.

            Torres & Ehrlich.  Modern Dental Assisting, Seventh Edition, Bird/Robinson,                                    Saunders, 2002.

            Psychology in the Dental Office, Ann Ehrlich, Colwell, 1994.    

Legal and Ethical Considerations for Dental Hygienists and Assistants, Davison, Mosby, 2000.

Four-Handed Dentistry, A Handbook of Clinical Application and Ergonomic Concepts, Finkbeiner, Prentice Hall, 2001.

Handbook of Clinical Dental Assisting, Schuster/Wetterhus/Dryden, W.B Saunders Co., 1999.

Delmar’s Handbook of Essential Skills and Procedures for Chairside Dental Assisting, Phinney/Halstead, Delmar, 2002.

            Dental Charting: a standard approach, Jaroski-Graf, Delmar, 2000.

            Contemporary Dental Assisting, Novak, Mosby, 2001.