Dental Assisting Lab (DESL)

This laboratory course provides the student with an opportunity to use models, skulls and typodont teeth to identify head, neck and dental anatomical structures. The student will be able to identify, describe, locate, and understand the function and form of the hard and soft tissues of the head, neck and teeth. Using models, the student will be able to identify the components of the circulatory, nervous, and lymphatic system including connective tissue and muscles.

This course provides the student with laboratory experience in exposing, processing, mounting, and critiquing diagnostically acceptable intraoral and extraoral radiographs.

This core course is designed for the practical application of dental clinical procedures and professionalism. Introductory skills are developed through practice in the dental clinical setting. Topics include: infection control techniques, equipment maintenance, disinfection, sterilization, patient/operator/assistant positioning, instrument transfer, oral evacuation, obtaining medical/dental histories, intra/extra oral exams, dental charting, coronal polishing, and fluoride application.

This course is a continuation of principles and tools learned in DES 1840. Students apply knowledge to clinical and case settings; critical thinking is developed specific to preventive patient care/educational plans. Topics and areas for skill development include: risk assessment, early disease detection, interceptive and preventive strategies, computerized entry of patient data, preventive care plans, application of medicaments, use of advanced assessment technology, instrument sharpening, and intraoral photography.

This course enables students to transfer theory into technique by providing hands-on experience with dental equipment and materials covered in the Dental Materials lecture course.