Catalog Course Search Details

 Department:    DEN

 Course #:    112

 Credits:    7

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    9

 CIP:    510601

 EPC:    305

 REV:    2024

 Course Description  

Provides the knowledge and skills needed to operate and maintain typical equipment found in a dental operatory. Learn the design, function, and maintenance of hand-pieces, dental instruments and the dental unit water/vacuum line. Also focuses on the theory and delivery of basic dental assisting skills, such as dental ergonomics, principles of team positioning, instrument transfer and oral evacuation.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: DEN 110 and DEN 114 with a "C" or higher.

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 33

Lab: 88

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0

Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Vocational Preparatory Required for certificate  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to maintain and use standard dental operatory equipment.
2. Demonstrate the ability to assemble operative tray set-ups correctly and quickly, using aseptic techniques.
3. Given a selection of typical dental hand pieces, explain the function of each and demonstrate the proper maintenance unique to each component.
4. Demonstrate the understanding of universal precautions and their application in the dental clinic.
5. Given basic dental instruments, identify and state the function of each.
6. Demonstrate the ability to maintain a sterile chain throughout set-up, seating the patient, procedure, and maintaining operatory.
7. Given a dental chair, operator�s chair, and a dental assistant chair, adjust each chair appropriately.
8. Given an amalgam tray set-up, demonstrate appropriate and safe manipulation and transfer of dental instruments and hand pieces.
9. Given a patient and various simulated intra-oral conditions, demonstrate appropriate oral evacuation techniques.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

Course Contents

1. Unit A: Equipment and Operatory.
2. Unit B: Dental Handpieces.
3. Unit C: Dental Ergonomics.
4. Unit D: Moisture Control.
5. Unit E: Dental Instruments.