Dental Support (DES)

The permanent and deciduous dentitions are discussed including morphology, function, occlusion, eruption, and numbering systems. The skeletal anatomy of the head along with salivary glands, muscles, blood supply, nerves, and lymphatic system of the head and neck are identified and described. The tongue including function, nerve innervation, blood supply, and papilla are discussed.

This course provides the student with the fundamental knowledge of the nature, physics, and biological effects of radiation to maximize understanding of proper control and safety precautions to be used in exposing film or digital dental radiographs. The student will also have experience with processing, mounting, and evaluating diagnostically acceptable dental radiographs.

This course introduces the student to the skills needed for the daily operation of the dental business office. The course includes communication and telephone techniques, appointment control, inventory control, ordering, recall systems, accounts receivable and payable, dental insurance, and use and evaluation of a dental office software program.

This course explores theory and practice in basic emergency procedures to manage medical emergencies occurring in the dental setting.

Topics in this introductory dental course include infection control techniques, the proper use of personal protective equipment, equipment maintenance and disinfection, methods of sterilization, patient/operator positioning, medical dental history, intra/extra oral examination, dental charting, four-handed dentistry, coronal polishing, topical fluoride application, and cleaning removable appliances.

Students are introduced to the philosophy and principles of preventive dentistry. The dental auxiliary's role in patient care utilizing proper methods for biofilm control in the treatment and prevention of periodontal disease and dental caries is emphasized. Levels of prevention, dental biofilm development, biofilm diseases, the gingiva and periodontal infections, calculus, stains, caries assessment and development, indices, tooth brushing, auxiliary biofilm control techniques, fluorides, smoking cessation, and patient education are also discussed.

This course provides theoretical knowledge of the composition, preparation, and application of materials commonly used in dentistry.