Catalog Course Search Details

 Department:    DEN

 Course #:    112

 Credits:    7

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    9

 CIP:    510601

 EPC:    305

 REV:    2018

 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 114.

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.

0. Application and Integration

Definition: Applying information from one or more disciplines and/or field experiences in new contexts (Outcome 0.1); developing integrated approaches or responses to personal, academic, professional, and social issues (Outcomes 0.2-0.5).

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
0.1 Apply theories and concepts studied in the classroom to field, clinical, shop, research, or laboratory settings.

1. Information Literacy

Definition: Recognizing when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
1.5 Effectively integrate and use information ethically and legally to accomplish a specific purpose.

2. Critical Thinking

Definition: The ability to think critically about the nature of knowledge within a discipline and about the ways in which that knowledge is constructed and validated and to be sensitive to the ways these processes often vary among disciplines.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
2.1 Identify and express concepts, terms, and facts related to a specific discipline.

3. Communication

Definition: Understanding and producing effective written, spoken, visual, and non-verbal communication.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
3.2 Recognize, produce and demonstrate appropriate interpersonal, group, and public speaking skills.

4. Community & Cultural Diversity

Definition: Recognizing the value of human communities and cultures from multiple perspectives through a critical understanding of their similarities and differences.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
4.4 Demonstrate effective communication across differences in human communities and cultures.

6. Individual Awareness & Responsibility

Definition: Understanding, managing, and taking responsibility for one’s learning and behavior in varied and changing environments.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
6.2 Demonstrate standards of professionalism in manner, appearance, and setting appropriate to the context, including the classroom, workplace, and community.

9. Scientific Literacy

Definition: Understanding scientific principles, and analyzing and applying scientific information in a variety of contexts.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
9.1 Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental scientific concepts.

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.