Dental Hygienist Courses at Penn Foster Career School
Program Name:
Dental Assistant
| Instruction Set 1 |
Learning Strategies
The advantages of learning at home, types of study materials, types of examinations, accessing and using the features of our website, determining what kind of learner you are, establishing a study schedule, using study tips, preparing for and taking examinations.
Introduction to Dentistry and the Dental Assistant
Overview of the dental field and dental history; the dental team and their duties and responsibilities; the role of the dental assistant. |
| Instruction Set 2 |
Dental Terminology and Anatomy
Dental terminology; anatomy of the mouth and various parts of the mouth, neck, and throat; the structure of the tooth; types of teeth and their surfaces; charting.
Preventive Dentistry and Nutrition
Preventive dentistry and the role of good nutrition; dental plaque and its role in dental disease; nutrition and the use of vitamins. |
| Instruction Set 3 |
Cavity Classification and Charting
Healthy history form; the oral examinations; standardized system of charting dental conditions, tooth identification, and cavity classification; interpreting charting.
Dental Law and Ethics
Dental applications of ethics and the law; ethical issues in dentistry; HIPAA and its purpose; privacy, confidentiality, and security.
Learning Aids: Diagrams I; Red/blue pencil |
| Instruction Set 4 |
Dental Operatory: Patients, Instrumentation, Moisture Control
Introduction to the dental operatory; functions of rotary instruments; dental burs, stones, points, and discs; moisture control procedures.
Disease Transmission, Pathology, and Dental Emergencies
Disease transmission and microbiology; the most common dental emergencies and how to respond.
Infection Control
Proper infection control procedures; personnel attire and protective barriers; sterilization and disinfection procedures.
Learning Aids:
• Glasses
• Mouth mirror
• Bur samples
• Evacuator tips samples
• Air/water syringe tip samples
• Cotton roll samples
• Rubber dam material sample
• Napkin and bib clip
• Hu-Friedy Procedural Setup Guide
• Diagrams II
• Diagrams III
• Sample cleaning packets
• Gloves
• Mask sample |
| Instruction Set 5 |
Osha Regulations How Osha Guidelines Influence Infection Control And What Guidelines Are Relevant To The Dental Office; Proper Handling Of Waste From The Dental Office. Radiology 1 Radiology; Radiation Safety And Equipment; Responsibilities Of The Dental Staff; Protection Devices. Radiology 2 Bisecting Technique; Properties Of Diagnostic-quality X-rays; Preventing Technical Faults In Radiographs. Learning Aid: Diagram Iv |
| Instruction Set 5 |
Osha Regulations How Osha Guidelines Influence Infection Control And What Guidelines Are Relevant To The Dental Office; Proper Handling Of Waste From The Dental Office. Radiology 1 Radiology; Radiation Safety And Equipment; Responsibilities Of The Dental Staff; Protection Devices. Radiology 2 Bisecting Technique; Properties Of Diagnostic-quality X-rays; Preventing Technical Faults In Radiographs. Learning Aid: Diagram Iv |
| Instruction Set 6 |
Pharmacology and Anesthesiology
Basic pharmacology and its relationship to the dental profession; general, local, and topical anesthesia.
Dental Materials 1
Dental materials and how they're used in restorations; principles of cavity preparation.
Dental Materials 2
Continues with dental materials; different impression materials; dental stone and plaster.
Learning Aids:
• Diagrams V
• Dental Mixes |
| Instruction Set 7 |
Dental Specialties 1: Endodontics/Periodontics
Stages of endodontic and periodontic treatment; root canal therapy; periodontal examination; dental implants.
Dental Specialties 2: Pediatrics/Orthodontics
Describes the pediatric dental specialty; emergency treatments.
Dental Specialties 3: Prosthodontics/Oral Surgery
Introduces the specialties of prosthodontics and oral surgery; procedures in prosthodontics; explains bridges, crowns, laboratory preparation, infection control; dentures. |
| Instruction Set 8 |
Communicating in the Dental Office
Discusses different types of communication; verbal and nonverbal communication techniques.
Business Administration for the Dental Assistant
Scheduling and appointment control; records management; dental charting and terminology; preventive recall; accounts receivable; bookkeeping; dental insurance; collections and payment plans.
Textbook: Business Administration for Dental Assistant |
| Instruction Set 9 |
Becoming a Professional
The professional dental assistant image; requirements for dental assisting; proper procedure for getting a job.
Practice Management Software
Students learn to use Practice-Web software, which includes appointment scheduling, clinical and perio charting, patient and insurance billing, and insurance plans.
Learning Aid: Practice Web Software
Online Supplements:
Work Experience Option
Getting a job; forms and materials needed to elect a work experience option; how and where jobs may be found; how to contact a dental office to arrange an interview.
Learning Contract and Student Evaluation
Forms will be filled out and returned to Penn Foster Career School by the dental office where the work experience is being taken; upon completion of the work experience program, the student will then receive a Certificate of Completion for the work experience option. |
| Graduation Set |
Dental Assistant Exam Review Textbook |
Program description: Learn the skills you need to become a Dental Assistant — at home, at your own pace with Penn Foster Career School.
As a Dental Assistant, you need to know how to manage office operations, understand dental terminology and procedures, schedule appointments, update patient records, and more. The Penn Foster Career School Dental Assistant Program can help you learn these skills quickly and conveniently. Your courses include:
* Dental Terminology and Anatomy
* Law and Ethics
* Infection Control
* Radiology
* Records Management
* Dental Insurance
* ... and others.
And you'll learn it all at home - no classroom needed!
