Dental Assisting 51.0600.00 (2022/23)

DEMONSTRATE DENTAL OFFICE BUSINESS PROCEDURES

USE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TOOLS COMMONLY FOUND IN DENTAL SETTINGS 

DEMONSTRATE DISEASE PREVENTION, INFECTION CONTROL, AND WASTE MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES

IDENTIFY STRUCTURES AND FUNCTIONS OF ORAL, HEAD, AND NECK ANATOMY AND RELATED DENTAL PATHOLOGIES

MAINTAIN AND UTILIZE DENTAL INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT 

IDENTIFY FUNCTIONS OF PHARMACOLOGY AND ANESTHESIA RELATED TO DENTISTRY

MANIPULATE DENTAL MATERIALS

DEMONSTRATE DENTAL RADIOGRAPHIC PROCEDURES

DEMONSTRATE CHAIRSIDE PROCEDURES FOR DENTISTRY

RECORD PATIENT ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT DATA

DEMONSTRATE TECHNIQUES OF PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY

RECOGNIZE AND RESPOND TO EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

EXAMINE THE LEGAL AND ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF DENTAL PROFESSIONALS

KEEP CURRENT WITH SERVICES AND INDUSTRY TRENDS

Explain the importance of patient scheduling according to procedure time requirement  

Describe the function of a recall system  

Prepare and maintain patient clinical records

Prepare and maintain patient financial records

Prepare and maintain inventory control and purchasing  

Recognize common terminology associated with third party payments  

Describe public relations responsibilities of the dental team  

Use front office business equipment (i.e., phone, computer, scanner, etc.)

Maintain the dental office environment   

Receive and dismiss patients and visitors

Identify psychological considerations influencing behaviors of dental patients

Summarize dental practice business finances (i.e., accounts receivable, collections, overhead expenses, etc.)

Demonstrate basic computer hardware and software skills

Identify technological tools to expedite workflow (i.e., word processing, databases, reports, spreadsheets, multimedia presentations, electronic calendar, contacts, email, internet applications, virtual platforms, etc.)

Interpret information from electronic patient documents (e.g., referrals, lab tracking slips, prescriptions, and diagnostic data) and direct to appropriate entity for processing/treatment

Employ dental management software to access, create, manage, integrate, and store dental practice information to increase workplace efficiency

Differentiate between pathogenic and nonpathogenic microorganisms  

Classify pathogens and their modes of disease transmission

Describe infectious diseases and their relationship to patient safety and occupational risk

Examine the need for immunizations for dental healthcare workers as a protection against infectious diseases

Perform hand hygiene protocols

Select and use personal protective equipment as needed (i.e., gloves, mask levels, face shields, eyewear, etc.)

Demonstrate aseptic and nonaseptic techniques used in dentistry (i.e., sterile/nonsterile, clean/dirty, treatment and surgical rooms, reception area, dental lab, etc.)

Select methods of aerosol management based on procedure (i.e., air/water combination, rubber dam, low-volume and high-volume evacuation systems, etc.)

Perform instrument processing and sterilization

Apply methods of surface cleaning and disinfection

Comply with state and federal regulations for infection control and disease prevention

Comply with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29CFR-1910.1030) 

Adhere to the OSHA Hazard Communications Standard (29CFR-1910.1200) 

Distinguish among agencies with guidelines for infection control (i.e., OSHA, CDC, OSAP, NIOSH, ADA, etc.)

Describe structures and functions of head and neck anatomy including bones, muscles, sinuses, salivary glands, nerve, lymphatic system, and blood vessels

Describe embryonic development of head, oral cavity, and teeth

Identify dental anatomy, tooth morphology, tooth surfaces, and periodontium

Select oral structures and landmarks

Differentiate among dental numbering systems

Recognize and describe oral pathological conditions and their development (e.g., gingivitis, caries, periodontal disease, classifications of occlusion, and hard and soft tissue abnormalities)

Operate and maintain operatory, lab, and sterilization equipment (i.e., autoclave, ultrasonic, lathe, model trimmer, etc.)

Identify types and functions of dental instruments used in a general dental practice (i.e., restorative, surgical, prosthodontic, hygiene, periodontal, endodontic, etc.)

Maintain dental instruments and handpieces emphasizing their value to the practice/treatment

Operate and maintain waterlines and evacuation systems

Identify drug agencies and regulations (e.g., EPA, FDA, and DEA) 

Record dispensed or prescribed drugs in the patient’s clinical record

Recognize drug references to identify drug actions, side effects, indications, and contraindications 

Identify common drugs used in dentistry by their classifications (i.e., antibiotics, pain management, OTC, therapeutics, local anesthetics, etc.) 

Identify delivery methods of topical anesthesia

Prepare syringes for the administration of local anesthetics [e.g., needle selection (block, infiltration, injection site) and use of vasoconstrictor]

Demonstrate safe handling of sharps [e.g., needles (contaminated and sterile) and anesthetic cartridges]

Monitor patients and identify precautions and legal guidelines in the use of nitrous oxide-oxygen conscious sedation

Mix and pour gypsum and trim models and casts (i.e., study models, bleaching tray casts, denture models, etc.)

Manipulate restorative materials and identify their uses and properties (i.e., amalgam, composite, etc.)

Manipulate dental cements and identify their uses and properties (i.e., permanent, temporary, interim restoratives, etc.)

Differentiate the properties and uses of impression materials, manipulate impression materials, and obtain an impression 

Identify properties and uses of acrylics and/or thermoplastics (i.e., used in the fabrication of bleach trays, retainers, night guards, custom impression trays, etc.) 

Identify properties and uses for provisional materials and describe methods for fabrication of provisionals and preformed crowns

Identify properties and uses and manipulate commonly used waxes (i.e., utility, baseplate, etc.)

Clean and polish removable dental appliances

Identify properties and uses of abrasive agents used to polish coronal surfaces of natural and restored teeth and appliances

Describe the history, physics, and biological effects of ionizing radiation

Apply ALARA Principles for operator and patient safety (e.g., shielding, distance, proper techniques, and limited exposure by following prescription)

Identify components of radiographic equipment (i.e., tube, control panel, etc.)

Examine radiation exposure factors, identifying errors and corrections [e.g., exposure time, milliamperage, voltage, receptor placement, Position Indication Device (PID) angulation, etc.]

Perform various intraoral radiographic imaging techniques (i.e., bitewing, periapical, occlusal, etc.)

Explain extraoral imaging techniques (i.e., panoramic, CBCT, cephalometric, etc.)

Identify radiographic anatomical landmarks and mount radiographic surveys (i.e., full mouth series, horizontal and vertical bitewings, pediatric exposures, etc.)

Interpret radiographic findings (i.e., pathologies, normal and abnormal anatomy, atypical landmarks, dental restorations, etc.)

Describe storage and disposal of film, processing solutions, and hazardous/regulated waste

Prepare and maintain aseptic working area for intraoral/extraoral procedures

Apply principles of four-handed dentistry (e.g., instrument transfer, dental team and patient position, evacuation and maintenance of operating field, and ergonomics)

Assist with general procedures (i.e., direct and indirect restorations, simple extractions, fabrication of temporary crowns, etc.)

Recognize the role of the dental assistant in specialty procedures (e.g., periodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, orthodontics, public health, prosthodontics, and pediatric dentistry)

Prepare armamentarium (tray setup and operatory equipment) to assist in general dental procedures

Select and manipulate dental materials for general procedures

Perform visual assessment of existing oral conditions

Perform patient management practices (i.e., communication, comfort, assurance, etc.) to meet individual patient needs (i.e., anxiety, fear, pediatric, gag reflex, etc.)

Record medical and dental histories

Record existing intraoral and extraoral conditions

Record conditions diagnosed by the dentist

Record treatment plan in patient’s clinical chart

Record treatment-related data in the patient’s clinical record (e.g., treatment provided, anesthetic administered, post-operative instruction, reactions to treatment, medications administered and/or prescribed, and referrals)

Instruct patients on oral homecare and oral disease prevention

Differentiate the properties and explain the rationale for use of dental sealants

Differentiate the properties and explain the rationale for use of systemic and topical fluorides

Apply anticariogenic treatment such as topical fluoride and dental sealants

Perform coronal polishing procedures

Identify principles of nutrition essential for optimal oral health and lifestyle

Obtain, monitor, and record vital signs

Recognize medical conditions that may impact dental treatment

Recognize common emergencies, emergency preventive measures, and emergency response strategies

Maintain certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) approved by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)

Describe ethical considerations/obligations between the dental team-patient relationship

Explain risk management (i.e., OSHA, maintaining standard of care, avoiding professional negligence, recordkeeping, etc.)

Discuss the Arizona State Dental Practice Act as it applies to the members of the dental team

Follow HIPAA laws related to the practice of dentistry

Discuss local and state laws and rules related to the practice of dental assisting in Arizona (e.g., rules specific to supervision levels and Article 7)

Identify sources for up-to-date information [i.e., journals, professional organizations (i.e., ADA, ADAA, etc.), professional websites, laws/statutes, rules, etc.]

Identify the importance of continuing education for the profession

Discuss the importance of participating and belonging to professional organizations (i.e., networking, mentoring, social communication, etc.)

Explore opportunities and career pathways in the profession of dentistry

Explore certifications and credentials that support careers in dentistry (i.e., certifications and credentials offered through Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners, Dental Assisting National Board, etc.) and how to maintain them