Dental Assisting: A Comprehensive Approach

Donna Phinney was a Certified Dental Assistant and program director for the Dental Assisting Program at Spokane Community College. She devoted her 20-year career to the dental field as a dental assistant and office manager and later to consulting and teaching. Ms. Phinney was a fellow of the American Dental Assistants Association, where she served as a consultant and an appointed commissioner, as well as an active member of the Washington State Dental Assisting Association. She earned her BA from Eastern Washington University and MEd from Whitworth College. Judy Halstead, CDA, is the former Dental Assisting Program Director for a private college and a high school skills center. Now retired, she also worked as a dental assistant and an enthusiastic industry representative for more than 30 years. As a president of the Washington Dental Assistant Association, Ms. Halstead often delivered lectures and workshops at local, state and regional dental conferences as well as served as an industry consultant. She earned a BA from Eastern Washington University and is a Certified Dental Assistant with an Expanded Functions certificate.

1. Introduction to the Dental Profession.
2. Psychology, Communication, and Multicultural Interaction.
3. Ethics, Jurisprudence, and Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
4. Oral Health and Preventative Techniques.
5. Nutrition.
6. General Anatomy and Physiology.
7. Head and Neck Anatomy.
8. Embryology and Histology.
9. Tooth Morphology.
10. Microbiology.
11. Infection Control.
12. Management of Hazardous Materials (Occupations Health and Safety Administration Standards (OSHA)).
13. Preparation for Patient Care.
14. Dental Charting.
15. Pharmacology.
16. Emergency Management.
17. Introduction to the Dental Office and Basic Chairside Assisting.
18. Basic Chairside Instruments, Tray Systems, and Instrument Transfer.
19. Isolation and Moisture Control, Including Dental Dam.
20. Anesthetic and Sedation.
21. Introduction to Dental Radiography and Equipment.
22. Produce and Evaluate Dental Radiographs.
23. Extraoral and Digital Radiography.
24. Endodontics.
25. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
26. Dental Implants.
27. Oral Pathology.
28. Orthodontics.
29. Pediatric Dentistry.
30. Dental Sealants.
31. Periodontics.
32. Coronal Polish.
33. Fixed Prosthodontics and Gingival Retraction.
34. Computerized Impression and Restorative Systems.
35. Cosmetic Dentistry and Whitening.
36. Removable Prosthodontics.
37. Dental Cements, Bases, and Liners.
38. Restorative Materials and Dental Dam.
39. Laboratory Materials and Techniques.
40. Dental Office Management.
41. Employment Strategies.