Program Title:

Master Dental Assisting Specialist

Duration:

Approximately 12 weeks (flexible pacing; each module could be 1-2 weeks depending on student availability)

Format:

100% online (asynchronous lectures, readings, activities, and live or recorded Q&A sessions)

Target Audience:

Aspiring dental assistants, dental office support staff, and anyone interested in beginning a career in dental care and patient support.

Program Outcomes:

Upon completion, learners will be able to:

• Understand and implement industry best practices in dental assisting.

• Effectively support dental procedures while ensuring high-quality patient care.

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot essential dental equipment and instruments.

• Perform dental radiography and adhere to strict infection control protocols.

• Apply knowledge of dental materials and clinical procedures to real-world scenarios.

• Exhibit strong communication, administrative, and teamwork skills.

• Navigate legal, ethical, and regulatory guidelines within the dental care environment.

Course Structure

The program is divided into 12 modules. Each module includes:

• Video Lectures: Short, engaging lessons delivered by experienced dental professionals.

• Readings & Reference Materials: Curated articles, technical manuals, e-books, and official documentation.

• Case Studies & Real-World Scenarios: Practical examples and simulated exercises to illustrate key concepts.

• Interactive Activities & Quizzes: Hands-on labs and assessments to reinforce learning.

• Assignments: Practical tasks that simulate real-world dental assisting challenges.

• Discussion Forums: For peer interaction, Q&A, and knowledge sharing.

Detailed Module Breakdown

Module 1: Introduction to Dental Assisting

Objective: Understand the fundamentals of dental assisting and the modern dental practice environment.
Topics Covered: Overview of dental assisting, roles within a dental team, clinical terminology, and the importance of patient care.
Activities: Introductory quiz and discussion forum.

Module 2: Dental Office Protocols & Procedures

Objective: Learn the framework for efficient dental office operations.
Topics Covered: Scheduling, patient flow, record-keeping, and sterilization processes.
Activities: Case study analysis and simulated office procedure exercise.

Module 3: Infection Control & Safety

Objective: Master the principles of infection control and safety in dental settings.
Topics Covered: Sterilization techniques, OSHA guidelines, personal protective equipment (PPE), and safety protocols.
Activities: Hands-on lab with simulated sterilization and safety drills.

Module 4: Dental Equipment & Instrumentation

Objective: Gain practical knowledge in operating and maintaining dental equipment.
Topics Covered: Dental chairs, handpieces, suction devices, and proper instrument handling.
Activities: Instrument identification exercises and practical demonstrations.

Module 5: Dental Radiography & Imaging

Objective: Learn the principles and procedures for effective dental radiography.
Topics Covered: X-ray equipment operation, radiographic techniques, safety measures, and image interpretation.
Activities: Simulated radiography exercise and case study analysis.

Module 6: Dental Materials & Clinical Procedures

Objective: Understand the use of dental materials in clinical applications.
Topics Covered: Dental composites, impression materials, cements, and restorative procedures.
Activities: Practical exercises in material handling and application during simulated procedures.

Module 7: Chairside Assisting Techniques

Objective: Develop essential skills for providing effective chairside support during dental procedures.
Topics Covered: Patient preparation, instrument passing, suction management, and real-time support techniques.
Activities: Interactive simulation of chairside assistance and role-playing activities.

Module 8: Patient Communication & Care

Objective: Enhance patient interaction and communication skills.
Topics Covered: Patient education, managing dental anxiety, effective communication strategies, and empathetic care.
Activities: Role-playing scenarios and discussion forum exercises.

Module 9: Dental Practice Management & Teamwork

Objective: Understand the operational dynamics of a dental practice.
Topics Covered: Administrative tasks, teamwork, inventory management, and appointment scheduling.
Activities: Practical assignment on optimizing dental office workflow and teamwork exercises.

Module 10: Legal, Ethical & Regulatory Issues

Objective: Navigate the legal and ethical landscape in dental assisting.
Topics Covered: Patient confidentiality (HIPAA), informed consent, regulatory standards, and ethical considerations.
Activities: Discussion forum and compliance case study.

Module 11: Emerging Technologies in Dentistry

Objective: Stay current with technological advancements in dental care.
Topics Covered: Digital dentistry, CAD/CAM systems, laser dentistry, and innovations in dental materials and procedures.
Activities: Research assignment and group presentation on emerging trends.

Module 12: Capstone Project

Objective: Apply learned concepts to develop a comprehensive dental assisting strategy.
Activities: Create and present a detailed patient care or practice support plan for a simulated dental office, integrating all key components from the course.

Certificate

Industry Recognized Certificate of Complition

Teacher

Daniel Davis