Assist with Routine Patient Exam

Dental Assisting

Materials Included

Text
Video
Anatomy
Simulation
Quiz

This course explains the dental assistant’s role during a patient exam, including an understanding of basic charting needs, advanced preparation by obtaining and reviewing the patient’s records, having knowledge of the upcoming procedure and ensuring all supplies and equipment are ready for use.

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The way in which dental care is provided is one of the most important responsibilities of a dental assistant. A significant aspect of providing quality dental care is preparing in advance for the patient. For a dental office to provide the best patient care, each member of the dental team will follow a specific routine. This course will provide knowledge in the dental assistant’s role, including advanced preparation by obtaining and reviewing the patient’s records, having knowledge of the upcoming procedure and ensuring all supplies and equipment are ready for use. The dental assistant also plays a significant role in assisting the dentist during the patient exam, as well as recording and charting the patient’s conditions.

Introduction

Step 1 - Preparation

Step 1.1 - Equipment preparation

Step 1.2 - Dental assistant preparation

Step 1.3 - Patient preparation

Step 1.4 - Radiographs

Step 1.5 - Electronic dental records

Step 1.6 - Paper dental records

Step 2 - Assist with Patient Exam

Step 2.1 - Instrument transfer to the dentist

Step 3 - Dental Charting

Step 3.1 - Charting

Step 3.2 - Periodontal Numbers

Step 4 - Pediatric Exam

Step 4.1 - Pediatric Dentistry

Step 4.2 - Pediatric Patient Preparation

Step 4.3 - Pediatric Exam and Charting Procedures

Step 4.4 - Treating a Fearful Pediatric Patient

Step 5 - Complete the procedure

Step 5.1 - Dismiss the patient and complete documentation

Step 5.2 - Discard materials

Step 5.3 - Disinfect equipment and treatment area

Describe pre-procedure considerations for a routine patient exam.
Describe and demonstrate the preparation for a routine patient exam.
Describe and demonstrate proper tray setup.
Describe and demonstrate the correct procedures for collecting a patient's medical and dental history.
Describe and demonstrate the proper charting of a patient's records.
Explain the basic principles of four-handed dentistry.
Describe and demonstrate the correct procedures for periodontal charting.
Identify and demonstrate the use of radiographs.
Describe the correct post-procedure considerations.
Define and demonstrate the correct recording and reporting procedures.
Define and correctly use related medical terminology.
Describe clinical safety according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines.
Understand the impact of the state Dental Practice Act.
Explain the Patient Privacy Rule (HIPAA), Patient Safety Act, and Patients' Bill of Rights.

The SIMTICS modules are all easy to use and web-based. This means they are available at any time as long as the learner has an internet connection. No special hardware or other equipment is required, other than a computer mouse for use in the simulations. Each of the SIMTICS modules covers one specific procedure or topic in detail. Each module contains:

an online simulation (available in Learn and Test modes)
descriptive text, which explains exactly how to perform that particular procedure including key terms and hyperlinks to references
2D images and a 3D model of applied anatomy for that particular topic
a step by step video demonstration by an expert
a quiz
a personal logbook that keeps track of all the modules the learner has studied and how long