Dental Support Technician

Hours: 165 / Access Length: 12 Months / Delivery: Online, Self-Paced

Course Overview:

This comprehensive course equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in dental assisting. You'll dive into essential topics, including dental terminology, patient care, dental procedures, radiography, pharmacology, and infection control. Each chapter builds on practical skills, from managing patient records to understanding orthodontic treatments, and mastering techniques for dental impressions and restorations. You will also explore specialized areas such as pediatric dentistry, cosmetic procedures, and periodontal care. You'll learn to navigate the dental office environment, manage patient interactions, and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards. By the end of this course, you'll be well-prepared to contribute effectively to a dental team and provide high-quality patient care.

This course prepares the student to take the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) Dental Support Technician Certification (DSTC) certification exam.

Students will:

• Use dental and medical terminology fluently.
• Perform radiographic procedures and interpret dental radiographs.
• Assist in restorative, surgical, and endodontic dental procedures.
• Accurately maintain and update patient records.
• Deliver compassionate and efficient patient care.
• Identify common medications used in dentistry and their effects.
• Implement infection control protocols effectively.
• Prepare and handle dental materials for various procedures.
• Assist with orthodontic procedures and manage patient care.
• Create a professional career portfolio and prepare for job interviews.

Course Outline:

Lesson 1: Introduction to the Dental Profession

In this lesson, you'll understand the importance of fluency in dental/medical terminology, analyze the structure of dental terms, and apply rules for making words plural. You'll also recognize acronyms, eponyms, and homonyms, and practice pronouncing dental terms accurately.

Lesson 2: Psychology, Communication, and Multicultural Interaction

In this lesson, you'll compare learning theories, apply Maslow’s hierarchy to dental office communication, and describe defense mechanisms that inhibit communication. You'll also address dental phobias, understand conflict resolution strategies, develop cultural competency, identify factors affecting communication, and explore techniques for effective cross-cultural communication.

Lesson 3: Ethics, Jurisprudence, and the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act

In this lesson, you'll explore ethical principles, determine approaches to ethical dilemmas, and summarize the Professional Code of Conduct. You'll also learn about the Dental Practice Act, jurisprudence in dental assisting, law violations in dental settings, regulatory agencies, HIPAA laws and practices, and the responsibilities of the dental team regarding HIPAA compliance.

Lesson 4: General Anatomy and Physiology

In this lesson, you'll cover body systems, planes, directions, and cavities, and understand cell structure and function. You'll explore the skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, digestive, respiratory, lymphatic, immune, integumentary, and urinary systems. Additionally, you'll learn about dental concerns related to the reproductive system.

Lesson 5: Head and Neck Anatomy

In this lesson, you'll identify cranial bones, facial landmarks, and dental landmarks. You'll understand TMJ function and issues, muscle functions, tongue structure, salivary glands, nervous system divisions, cranial nerve innervation, blood pathways, key arteries, veins, and lymph nodes, and the importance of head and neck exams in dentistry.

Lesson 6: Landmarks of the Face and Oral Cavity

In this lesson, you'll identify landmarks in each region of the face and oral cavity, understand the boundaries and structures of each oral cavity division, and learn about the soft tissues surrounding the dentition.

Lesson 7: Embryology and Histology

In this lesson, you'll explore the developmental stages from fertilization to birth, the development of the human face, and structures of the oral cavity. You'll identify the mechanism behind cleft palate formation, stages of tooth development, structural properties of enamel, dentin, and cementum, and components of the periodontium.

Lesson 8: Dental Anatomy

In this lesson, you'll describe types of teeth and their functions, identify dental arches, quadrants, and sextants, and locate tooth surfaces. You'll also learn about line angles, point angles, tooth morphology, and anatomical features. Additionally, you'll compare maxillary and mandibular teeth, and use the Universal Numbering System.

Lesson 9: Oral Pathology

In this lesson, you'll define oral pathology and understand the dental assistant's role. You'll explore methods to identify lesions, phases of inflammation, and the dental caries process. You'll also differentiate between various dental conditions, anomalies, and lesions, and learn about oral cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment related to radiation therapy.

Lesson 10: Microbiology

In this lesson, you'll understand the importance of microbiology for dental assistants, learn about early pioneers in microbiology, and comprehend the disease process. You'll also identify different groups of microorganisms, distinguish between various diseases, recognize the effects of normal flora, understand the body's disease resistance, explore types of immunity and vaccines, and grasp the role of epidemiology in disease control.

Lesson 11: Infection Control

In this lesson, you'll learn the steps to achieve asepsis, perform hand hygiene, and understand personal protective equipment (PPE). You'll differentiate between sanitization and disinfection, manage contaminated instruments, and explore sterilization methods. You'll also understand infection control guidelines, standard precautions, Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, and Hazard Communication Standards.

Lesson 12: Management of Hazardous Materials

In this lesson, you'll understand the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, identify safety equipment, and learn work site safety requirements. You'll explore employee training for hazardous chemicals, the purpose of OSHA’s Hazardous Communication Standard, and changes to align with the Globally Harmonized System. You'll also learn about safety data sheets, HCS pictograms, fire extinguishers, and evacuation plans.

Lesson 13: The Special Needs and Medically Compromised Patient

In this lesson, you'll differentiate between developmental and acquired disabilities, understand special needs and the ADA, and explore special care for patients with disabilities. You'll learn wheelchair transfer techniques, manage patients with sensory and intellectual disabilities, and understand dental care for aging and medically compromised patients.

Lesson 14: Pharmacology

In this lesson, you'll understand the importance of pharmacology for dental assistants, drug laws, and new drug development. You'll explore drug names, references, dosages, administration routes, prescription information, and regulations. Additionally, you'll recognize substance use disorders, adverse drug reactions, commonly used drugs in dentistry, local anesthetics, and medications impacting dental care.

Lesson 15: Medical Emergencies

In this lesson, you'll understand how to prevent medical emergencies through accurate patient history, staff and office preparation. You'll recognize anxious patients, compare medical conditions, manage emergencies like asthma, diabetes, and cardiac events, and handle seizures, strokes, and allergic reactions. You'll also learn the dental assistant's role in medical emergencies.

Lesson 16: Oral Health and Preventive Techniques

In this lesson, you'll learn how biofilm affects the tooth, gingiva, and periodontium, and strategies for a good prevention plan. You'll explore oral hygiene tips for different age groups, toothbrush selection, brushing and flossing techniques, fluoride use, oral hygiene aids, and the mission of dental public health.

Lesson 17: Nutrition

In this lesson, you'll explore the role of nutrition in oral health, learn about the six classes of nutrients, food groups, and dietary recommendations. You'll also interpret food labels, understand MyPlate, and examine the impact of nutrition on dental diseases, special dietary needs, cultural considerations, eating disorders, and the dental assistant’s role.

Lesson 18: The Dental Office

In this lesson, you'll understand the design and purpose of each area in a dental office, follow safety rules for operating dental equipment, and the steps to sanitize and disinfect equipment. You'll also learn the daily routine for opening and closing the office, preparing the treatment room, greeting, seating, and dismissing patients, and assisting those needing special accommodations.

Lesson 19: Dental Instruments and Tray Systems

In this lesson, you'll learn the names, functions, and parts of hand instruments, and understand expendable materials and their uses. You'll identify handpiece types, power sources, and rotary instrument parts. Additionally, you'll explore cutting burs, abrasive instruments, tray setups, and the importance of standardized procedures.

Lesson 20: Ergonomics and Instrument Transfer

In this lesson, you'll recognize risk factors for work-related injuries and recommended ergonomics in dentistry. You'll learn proper positioning for the operator, assistant, and patient during four-handed dentistry, employ motion economy, and understand team positions, postures, fulcrum use, and instrument transfer zones. You'll also explore instrument grasps, transfer techniques, and the importance of teamwork.

Lesson 21: Moisture Control

In this lesson, you'll understand the importance of effective moisture control, select appropriate aspiration and isolation techniques, and properly position and place saliva ejectors, HVEs, and air/water syringes. You'll also prepare tray setups and dental dam materials, place absorbent materials, and recognize when pharmacological methods are recommended for moisture control.

Lesson 22: New Patient Examination

In this lesson, you'll differentiate between limited/emergency and comprehensive examinations, identify necessary armamentarium, and understand the dental assistant's role during exams. You'll learn to take vitals, describe dental radiographs, perform soft tissue examinations, record occlusion and oral habits, utilize dental charts, interpret charting symbols, and understand the significance of dental diagnoses, treatment planning, and financial planning.

Lesson 23: Anesthesia and Sedation

In this lesson, you'll explore pain control, local and topical anesthetics, and non-injectable local anesthetics. You'll learn about vasoconstrictors, dental oral anesthetic techniques, needle insertion sites, and supplemental techniques. You'll also cover anesthetic complications, safety measures, the Needlestick Safety Act, sedation types, nitrous oxide effects, and assisting with nitrous oxide administration.

Lesson 24: Oral Prophylaxis and Recare Appointment

In this lesson, you'll learn the six dental hygiene standards of care, steps of the assessment phase, and data collected during periodontal charting. You'll understand dental hygiene diagnoses, treatment types, instrumentation functions, and contraindications. You'll also cover sensitivity treatment, the dental assistant's role, postoperative instructions, and the importance of evaluation visits and documentation.

Lesson 25: Coronal Polishing and Topical Fluoride Application

In this lesson, you'll learn the rationale and contraindications for coronal polishing, types of stains, and appropriate polishing methods. You'll understand selective polishing, proper ergonomics, and attachment and abrasive choices. You'll explore air-powder polishing techniques, topical fluoride indications, and applications, as well as the use and application of silver diamine fluoride.

Lesson 26: Dental Sealants

In this lesson, you'll learn the importance of dental sealants in preventive care, their indications and contraindications, and the types of sealant materials. You'll understand safety concerns, the steps for placing sealants, and how to determine the causes of sealant failure.

Lesson 27: Introduction to Dental Radiography, Radiographic Equipment, and Radiation Safety

In this lesson, you'll learn the purpose of dental radiographs, the discovery of x-rays, and the characteristics of electromagnetic radiation. You'll understand ionization, x-ray interactions, and components of x-ray machines. You'll explore radiograph production, machine settings, radiation types, diagnostic image qualities, ALARA principles, radiation measurement, effects, exposure limits, and intraoral and extraoral imaging purposes.

Lesson 28: Dental Radiology Infection Control, Exposure, Processing and Evaluation of Dental Radiographs, and Mounting of Dental Radiographs

In this lesson, you'll learn infection control for dental radiography, compare bisecting and paralleling techniques, and understand image receptor placement. You'll explore angulation, image errors, occlusal imaging, special needs protocols, radiographic record maintenance, processing techniques, film processing errors, and the steps for mounting and duplicating films.

Lesson 29: Extraoral Radiography, Digital Radiography, and Radiographic Interpretation

In this lesson, you'll understand the purpose of extraoral radiographs and panoramic radiography, including machine operation and exposure steps. You'll compare digital and traditional radiography, learn about three-dimensional imaging, and identify anatomical structures, dental pathologies, and anomalies on radiographs. Additionally, you'll explore quality management, legal aspects, HIPAA compliance, and the dental assistant's responsibilities.

Lesson 30: Dental Emergency Procedures and Dental Cements

In this lesson, you'll learn emergency treatment for soft tissue oral trauma and oral lesions, and understand periodontal tissue injuries. You'll differentiate tooth fracture classifications, recognize the progression of dental caries, and explore cavity preparation. Additionally, you'll understand the use, composition, properties, and mixing of dental cements, and the steps for placing temporary cement restorations.

Lesson 31: Amalgam Procedures and Materials

In this lesson, you'll understand dental material properties and regulatory agencies. You'll explore cavity preparation for dental amalgam, matrix band systems, and the advantages and disadvantages of amalgam restorations. Additionally, you'll learn about mercury hygiene, steps for completing, finishing, and polishing amalgam restorations, and the clinical importance of amalgam properties.

Lesson 32: Composite Procedures and Materials

In this lesson, you'll differentiate among types of composite resins, understand etching and bonding purposes, and explore matrix systems for composite restorations. You'll learn the composite restoration procedure and recall the types of direct esthetic dental restorations.

Lesson 33: Dental Laboratory Materials

In this lesson, you'll distinguish between alginates and substitutes, and understand factors affecting alginate working and setting times. You'll learn about preparing, taking, and storing impressions, explore elastomeric materials, and compare gypsum types. Additionally, you'll understand diagnostic casts, use of dental articulators and facebows, fabrication of custom trays and temporary restorations, and properties of provisional materials.

Lesson 34: Pediatric Dentistry

In this lesson, you'll understand the need for pediatric dentistry and the pediatric environment. You'll explore differences in pediatric dental caries, pediatric oral exams, and preventive programs. You'll learn behavior management techniques, special pediatric procedures, pulpotomy and pulpectomy, the need for orthodontic treatment, and common traumatic injuries and their treatment.

Lesson 35: Orthodontics

In this lesson, you'll understand the roles and responsibilities of the orthodontic team and the purpose of an orthodontic new patient exam. You'll explore the four planes of space, etiological factors of malocclusion, diagnostic records, treatment planning, and consultation steps. Additionally, you'll learn about orthodontic treatments for children, adolescents, and adults, types of orthodontic retention, and the sequence of comprehensive treatment appointments.

Lesson 36: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

In this lesson, you'll learn the duties of the surgery team, the importance of consultation appointments, and various surgical settings. You'll explore preoperative instructions, pain and anxiety control methods, and oral surgery procedures. Additionally, you'll understand surgical asepsis steps, postoperative instructions, suture removal, and potential postoperative complications.

Lesson 37: Endodontics

In this lesson, you'll learn about the anatomy of pulpal tissues, the progression of pulpal disease, and conditions involving periradicular and pulpal tissues. You'll explore diagnostic procedures for pulpal disease, differences between nonsurgical and surgical endodontic procedures, and steps in root canal therapy. Additionally, you'll understand the appearance and use of intracanal instruments, postoperative instructions, and surgical endodontic procedures.

Lesson 38: Periodontics

In this lesson, you'll understand the roles of the periodontal team, causes and classifications of periodontal disease, and components of periodontal examinations. You'll cover instrument sharpening, periodontal treatments, adjunctive therapies, healing processes, postoperative care, periodontal dressings, maintenance, and the dental assistant's involvement in periodontal procedures.

Lesson 39: Dental Implants

In this lesson, you'll identify the advantages, disadvantages, and success rates of dental implants based on location. You'll learn about implant parts, considerations, and contraindications, as well as patient selection factors and preparation. You'll compare implant types and techniques, immediate load implants, postoperative care, implant-retained prostheses, and the dental assistant's role in implant procedures.

Lesson 40: Fixed Prosthodontics

In this lesson, you'll learn the objectives of fixed prosthodontics and differentiate among restoration types. You'll explore patient considerations, preparation appointment components, and the steps in the first and second appointments. You'll also understand gingival retraction, impression taking, lab fabrication processes, communication tools, oral hygiene care, informed consent, and charting symbols.

Lesson 41: Computerized Impression and Restorative Systems

In this lesson, you'll understand CAD/CAM restorative systems, including their advantages and disadvantages. You'll learn about the dental assistant's role during CAD/CAM procedures, patient considerations, and the steps involved in a CAD/CAM procedure.

Lesson 42: Removable Prosthodontics

In this lesson, you'll explore removable prosthodontic treatment, types of partial and full dentures, and Kennedy classifications. You'll learn about RPD components, indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, and appointment sequences. You'll also cover the dental assistant's role, denture components, postdelivery care, xerostomia, denture adhesives, relining, rebasing, repair, cleaners, and common charting abbreviations.

Lesson 43: Cosmetic Dentistry and Teeth Whitening

In this lesson, you'll learn about the duties and credentialing of the cosmetic dental team, procedures in cosmetic dentistry, and teeth whitening processes. You'll review indications and contraindications for whitening candidates, office and home whitening procedures, esthetic prostheses, and the roles of occlusion and soft tissue contouring in cosmetic dentistry.

Lesson 44: Dental Practice Management

In this lesson, you'll learn to craft a professional welcome letter, explore innovative marketing ideas, and understand the essential components of a reception area. You'll cover staff responsibilities, master phone etiquette, and manage patient care plans. Additionally, you'll navigate appointment scheduling, recare systems, office technology, inventory management, office finances, dental insurance, and teledentistry.

Lesson 45: Career Planning

In this lesson, you'll research state credentialing requirements, develop career objectives, and create a career portfolio. You'll learn to compose cover letters and resumes, request recommendation letters, begin a job search, prepare for interviews, and understand job orientation and professional development.

All necessary course materials are included.

Certification(s):

This course prepares the student to take the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) Dental Support Technician Certification (DSTC) certification exam.

System Requirements:

Internet Connectivity Requirements:

• Cable, Fiber, DSL, or LEO Satellite (i.e. Starlink) internet with speeds of at least 10mb/sec download and 5mb/sec upload are recommended for the best experience.

NOTE: While cellular hotspots may allow access to our courses, users may experience connectivity issues by trying to access our learning management system.  This is due to the potential high download and upload latency of cellular connections.   Therefore, it is not recommended that students use a cellular hotspot as their primary way of accessing their courses.

Hardware Requirements:

• CPU: 1 GHz or higher
• RAM: 4 GB or higher
• Resolution: 1280 x 720 or higher.  1920x1080 resolution is recommended for the best experience.
• Speakers / Headphones
• Microphone for Webinar or Live Online sessions.

Operating System Requirements:

• Windows 7 or higher.
• Mac OSX 10 or higher.
• Latest Chrome OS
• Latest Linux Distributions
  

NOTE: While we understand that our courses can be viewed on Android and iPhone devices, we do not recommend the use of these devices for our courses. The size of these devices do not provide a good learning environment for students taking online or live online based courses.

Web Browser Requirements:

• Latest Google Chrome is recommended for the best experience.
• Latest Mozilla FireFox
• Latest Microsoft Edge
• Latest Apple Safari

Basic Software Requirements (These are recommendations of software to use):

• Office suite software (Microsoft Office, OpenOffice, or LibreOffice)
• PDF reader program (Adobe Reader, FoxIt)
• Courses may require other software that is described in the above course outline.