Syllabus for International Dental Assistants UNIT1 Prepare and maintain the dental surgery, instruments, and equipment for clinical dental procedures This section concerns the preparation and maintenance of instruments, equipment and the dental surgery for clinical dental procedures and the control of infection and cross-infection. It includes general cleaning, preparing the appropriate materials for clinical procedures, handling waste and spillage, routine maintenance, stock control, and sterilisation. The Dental Assistant will need to know about different methods of cleaning, infection control, and sterilisation, when and why they should be used, and the potential consequences of inaction on even one occasion. There are 7 learning outcomes in this unit. The learner will be able to: 1.1 Explain the principles and methods of sterilisation and disinfection Know the difference between cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation Know how infection is transmitted and methods to prevent cross infection Know the use of barriers and zoning Be able to identify single use and disposable items. 1.2 Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment at all times during cleaning and sterilisation procedures and maintain personal hygiene Demonstrate good hand washing and gloving technique Be able to explain all the PPE and the function and reason for each 1.3 Use correctly and safely cleaning equipment and materials that are appropriate to the items or surface area to be cleaned, and the level of cleanliness required Know the different cleaning and disinfecting agents that are available Know which surfaces have to be cleaned and how often Know which items can be sterilised, disinfected or cleaned and used with barriers 1.4 Carry out appropriate sterilisation procedures in the correct sequence and duration including pre-cleaning of instruments, preparation of instrument trays, operation of autoclave and removal of instruments at correct stage in cycle How to deal with instruments immediately after use How to transport contaminated instruments Know the process of cleaning, ultrasonics and inspection before autoclaving Know the operation of the autoclave and how to check it is functioning correctly 1.5 Package and store sterilised items correctly, using the most appropriate form of packaging medium and maintaining the integrity of the packaging Know different ways of packaging and storing instruments Know how to handle and transport packaged items 1.6 Dispose of sharps and waste, promptly and in a safe manner. Know the danger of sharps injuries and the action to be taken Know the reasons for special containers and the risks if not used Know the correct disposal of contaminated material and instruments 1.7 Maintain dental equipment. Know the procedure for the maintenance and cleaning of the aspirator Know the maintenance and cleaning of the dental unit Know the maintenance of dental motors and handpieces
UNIT 2 Patient Care and Management. This section covers dealing with the patient journey through treatment and how the Dental Assistant cares for and supports the patient. There are 6 learning outcomes in this unit. The learner will be able to: 2.1 Describe and demonstrate effective ways of providing chairside support to: patients and other members of the oral health care team. Know what protective equipment to provide for a patient about to receive dental treatment. Know how to access and monitor patients during treatment. Prepare all notes, radiographs, records, study models for each patient before treatment Know how to safely transfer instruments and materials to the operator 2.2 Describe the special care needs which different patients may have and how these needs can be met effectively. Know the special needs of the elderly patient Know the special needs of the young child Know the special needs of handicapped patients Know the special needs of the anxious patient 2.3 Describe and demonstrate effective methods of communicating instructions to patients. Know how to effectively communicate with patients Know when written instructions or information is useful 2.4 Discuss the reception of patients into the dental clinic and the overall care of the patient. Know what information you require of a patient attending for the first time Medical history Dental history Personal information Family contacts Know the information you will give to a patient attending for the first time Know the reasons for having a recall system 2.5 Explain how dental appointments can be organised effectively. Be familiar with the information to be recorded in an appointment system Know the information that should be given to the patient about their next appointment Know the reasons for giving the correct amount of time for each appointment 2.6 Describe the signs and symptoms of common medical emergencies that may occur in a dental clinic and explain the actions to be taken. Know the common medical conditions that may result in a medical emergency and how to deal with them Be competent at basic life support Demonstrate knowledge of first aid.
UNIT 3 Assessing Patients' Dental Needs and Treating Planning The Dental Assistant will need to prepare the equipment, instruments and materials which will be needed for an examination of a patient. The Dental assistant will also need to provide close support during the assessment of the mouth through recording and charting the information which is obtained from an examination of the teeth and gingivae, and in interpreting or anticipating the need for further equipment, instruments and materials. Effective communication with patients and other members of the oral health care team, and promoting their health and safety are essential components of this section. 1.1 Describe the reasons for recording personal details of patients and demonstrate effective methods of doing this. Knowledge of the information required to be recorded in the patient notes and the reason for having that information Knowledge of paper and electronic records. Knowledge of the reasons and methods of storing patient information securely 1.2 Demonstrate effective methods of recording medical, dental and relevant social details of patients, including the use of FDI, soft tissue charts and other international charts. Describe teeth using the FDI and quadrant type charting systems Know the basic anatomy of the tooth and gingivae Know the main structures within the mouth Tongue Salivary glands 1.3 Describe the importance of discussing, explaining and recording different treatment options with the patient. Know the reason why the operator clearly explains to patients, the results of the examination of their mouth Know the reasons for recording all the findings of the examination in the patient s record Know the reasons for giving patients different treatment choices 1.4 Explain the reasons for referrals to other health care operators and describe how referral procedures work Knowledge of the different types of other oral health care operators Knowledge of the reasons for referral to other operators Knowledge of other operators in your local area and the method used of referring patients to them.
UNIT 4 Local Anaesthesia for Dental Procedures The Dental Assistant should be familiar with the use of topical and local anaesthesia, their actions and the preparation of syringes. 1.1 Describe the different types of local anaesthetic agent and the contents of a local anaesthetic cartridge. Understand when the use of topical anaesthetic may be useful Identify different sizes of Local anaesthetic cartridges. Identify the different agents used as Local anaesthetic. 1.2 Describe the methods of administering local anaesthetic agents Know the different type of syringe systems available Know the different types and sizes of needles and when each may be used Understand and demonstrate the use of needle safety equipment Know the different ways of giving Local anaesthesia and when each may be used 1.3 Be aware of the hazards associated with local anaesthesia Know what advice to give to patients about the effects of local anaesthesia Know the advice to give to a patient after treatment with local anaesthesia. Be able to explain to a patient any problems that may happen as a result of local anaesthesia Know the medical conditions which may change the type of local anaesthesia given Know how to deal safely with a used local anaesthetic syringe and needle 1.4 Treat problems associated with local anaesthesia Know what problems may occur when giving local anaesthesia Know what problems may occur after giving local anaesthesia Be able to identify from patients description the type of problem UNIT 5 Provide chairside support during the preparation and filling of teeth This section covers the role of the Dental Assistant in providing chairside support during the preparation and restoration of cavities. The Dental Assistant will need to prepare and mix a wide range of materials which, if not carried out correctly, can seriously affect the success of the treatment. The Dental Assistant will need to know about the purposes of the different materials, their use, their relationship to other materials, methods and amounts for mixing, the effects of temperature and so on. 1.1 Identify the instruments and equipment used in the procedure, and describe their use and the order of use during the procedure Know the different handpieces, burs Know aspirator and saliva ejectors
UNIT 6 Know the methods of isolation of teeth Know the hand instruments used by operator and assistant Know the matrix systems and finishing systems 1.2 Describe the stages in the preparation and restoration of a cavity Knowledge of the process of access, removal of caries, and final shape Knowledge of the importance and methods of cleaning the cavity Knowledge of the reasons for the placement of any linings or bonding systems Knowledge of the reason for placing matrices Knowledge of the placement of filling materials Knowledge of the reasons for finishing the filling 1.3 Identify and prepare correctly the materials used during the restoration of teeth, including preventive treatments, temporary fillings and sedative dressings. Know the different types of filling materials and how each must be prepared Know the properties of each type of filling material and when they may be used Know the procedure for using preventive treatments such as fissure sealants and fluoride applications Know why a temporary filling or sedative dressing may be placed and how they are prepared 1.4 Explain the pre and post operative care of patients. Know when topical or local anaesthetic may be required Know what advice and information to give to a patient before treatment Know what advice to give the patient on care of their new filling or preventive treatment Extraction of deciduous and permanent teeth This section covers the close support during the extraction of erupted teeth, the extraction of buried and unerupted teeth, and the removal of roots. The Dental Assistant will need to ensure that the patient is properly prepared for the procedure and monitor them at all stages of the treatment, reporting any problems or concerns to the operator. The Dental Assistant will also need to anticipate the operator s requirements to ensure that there is no unnecessary delay during the procedure. Managing the control of cross-infection is also very important. 1.1 Identify the instruments and equipment used in the procedure, and describe their use and the order of use during the procedure Know the different extraction forceps and which teeth they are used for Know the different elevators, luxators and other hand instruments and when they may be required. Know the different types of aspirator tips and how to use them Be aware of the additional equipment required for surgical procedures 1.2 Identify the materials used during the procedure and demonstrate their use Know the haemostatic agents that may be used Know how to prepare bite packs and the reason for their use
1.3 Describe the post operative problems which may occur and explain how they are treated Know about post extraction bleeding and the action the nurse can take Know what the dentist may require to deal with post extraction bleeding Know why a dry socket may occur and the how the patient may describe it. Know about tissue or nerve damage and the explanation the operator may give 1.4 Explain the pre and post operative care of patients Know the advice and warnings to be given to patients of different ages and for different procedures either simple or complex. Know the advice to give to patients immediately after an extraction Know the advice to give to a patient who has a problem sometime later. UNIT 7 Provision of Dentures This section concerns the provision of chairside support during the preparation and fitting of dentures. These include metal, acrylic and immediate. You will need to prepare and mix a wide range of materials which, if not carried out correctly, can affect the success of treatment. Therefore you will need to know about the uses of the different materials, their relationship to other materials, methods and amounts for mixing, the factors which affect these materials. There are 5 learning outcomes in this unit. The learner will be able to: 1.1 Describe the different types of dentures and their uses Know when acrylic or chrome dentures may be more suitable 1.2 Identify the instruments and equipment used in the procedure, and describe their use and the order of use during the procedure Know the different types of impression trays Know what an articulator is used for Know the instruments required for jaw registration Know the instruments required to adjust a finished denture 1.3 Describe the surgery procedures and stages required to construct a denture Know the different stages for chrome and acrylic dentures Know what instructions are recorded for the laboratory. 1.4 Identify the materials used during the procedure and demonstrate their use Know of impression compound, wax and sticky wax 1.5 Explain the pre and post operative care of patients. Know the limitations of dentures Know the advice to give to patients about the problems that may occur after the fitting of a denture Know the advice to give to a patient about the care of their denture
UNIT 8 Production of dental images This section covers the process of producing dental images for diagnostic purposes. The Dental Assistant will need to prepare the equipment and materials for dental radiography, as well as protect themselves, oral health care team members and the public from the hazards associated with ionising radiation. The Dental Assistant should know about the various dental radiographic films and digital systems. There are 3 learning outcomes in this unit. The learner will be able to: 1.1 Describe the use of radiography in assessing oral health needs and the different types of films or sensors used Know the different views of intra and extra oral films Know what structures and teeth will be seen on each type of film Know what type of films will be required for different dental procedures Know how to prepare film holders 1.2 Be aware of the hazards associated with radiation in the dental surgery and the precautions taken to limit radiation hazards Know the long term hazards of radiation Know about fast film speeds Know exposure as low as possible Know about controlled zone around x-ray tube head 1.3 Demonstrate the processing, recording and maintenance of dental radiographs Know the procedure for manual processing of x-ray films Know the faults that can occur with processing films Know about the safe handling of processing chemicals. UNIT 9 Plaque related diseases This section covers the role of plaque in causing oral disease such as periodontal disease and dental caries, the progression of these diseases and how to reduce the effect of plaque on the teeth and supporting structures. 1.1 Outline the development of plaque Know where and how plaque forms Be aware of the bacteria involved in dental diseases
1.2 Describe the process of periodontal disease Be aware of the effects plaque can have on healthy gingivae Be aware of the progression of periodontal disease Be aware of the contributing factors in periodontal disease 1.3 Describe the process of dental caries Be aware of the role of plaque in dental caries Be aware of the role of diet/sugar consumption in dental caries Be aware of the progression of dental caries through a tooth 1.4 Outline methods for the prevention of plaque related diseases Be aware of the effective oral hygiene techniques to prevent oral diseases Be aware of the role and methods of administering fluoride systemic and topical Be aware of the effects of diet on oral health