Mar 29, 2024  
Course/Program Inventory 
    
Course/Program Inventory

DTA 2010 - Dental Materials I



Clock Hours: 70

Delivery Mode
on-ground

Course Description:
The course is designed to introduce the dental assistant student to the field of dental materials.  It will provide a basis of understanding the properties and behavior of these materials.  The student will be taught the assistant’s role in handling, preparation, and manipulation of dental materials used for models, casts, dies, clinical and laboratory waxes, abrasives, and polishing agents.

Student Learning Outcomes:
UNIT #1 INTRODUCTION

  1. Describe the evolution and development of the science of dental materials.
  2. Appraise the significance of the American Dental Association Specification Program and its importance to the profession and the public.
  3. Describe the importance of a knowledge of dental materials as it contributes to the effectiveness of the dental assistant.
  4. Explain the purpose of the course in dental materials, and your understanding of how it will influence your responsibilities as an assistant.

 

UNIT #2 THE ORAL ENVIRONMENT

  1. Evaluate which factors present in the oral cavity, tend to alter the behavior of dental restorations.
  2. Examine the values of biting forces, temperature changes, and acidity fluctuations that occur in the oral cavity.
  3. Describe the serious biological considerations that are involved in the use and performance of dental materials.
  4. Discuss the role of various regulatory agencies (e.g. ADA and FDA) in regard to biological considerations in using dental materials.
  5. Explain four biological considerations as they apply to the success of the dental restoration.
  6. Describe the restrictions placed upon the dentist in the design and fabrication of a dental restoration or an appliance.
  7. Describe how it is possible for galvanic current to be present in the mouth.
  8. Match the classification of restorative materials with regard to the usage intended and give examples of each.

 

UNIT #3 STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF DENTAL MATERIALS

  1. Describe the relationship between the internal structure and the mechanical and physical properties of dental materials.
  2. Discuss adhesion in terms of:  viscosity, contact angle, wetting film thickness, and tension.  State why these are of concern in dentistry.
  3. Compare the properties:  elastic limit, proportional limit, yield point, and yield strength.
  4. Define stress and strain and differentiate the three forces of stress and strain.
  5. Define ductility and malleability and how these properties effect dental materials.
  6. Compare flow and creep in relation to when they occur.
  7. Describe thermal conductivity and thermal expansion and state the considerations needed to present problems in dental restorations caused by these properties.
  8. Explain the precaution to be observed when attempting to match color in the dental operatory.
  9. State the basic rule for the storage and care of most dental materials.
  10. Apply the principles of occupational safety in operatory and laboratory use of dental materials.

 

UNIT #4 GYPSUM:  PLASTER AND STONE

  1. Describe the essential difference between the powders of plaster and stone, and how this is related to the manufacturing process and give the alternate names for the processed powders.
  2. Define the terms:  diagnostic study models, working casts, dies.
  3. Compare the uses of plaster, dental stone, and die stone.
  4. Classify dental gypsum products according to ADA specification types and list traditional terminology still commonly used.
  5. Describe the initial and final setting times of gypsum materials.
  6. Define accelerator and retarder.  Give an example of each used to adjust setting rate of gypsum.
  7. Compare water/powder ratios for plaster, stone, and die stone.
  8. Compare the density of the set gypsum when using the following mixing techniques:  hand spatulation, mechanical spatulation and the advantages of vibration and /or vacuum.
  9. Explain why gypsum products expand during setting.
  10. Compare how the strength properties of dental gypsum materials are affected by changes in the water/powder ratio.
  11. List the factors which influence the setting time of plaster or stone.
  12. Prepare a list of equipment and instruments needed in the manipulation of dental model plaster and stone.
  13. Define material data sheet.
  14. Define how we utilize MDS.
  15. Assemble equipment and instruments and demonstrate the measuring, mixing, and pouring of model plaster into dentulous rubber molds for the maxillary and mandibulare arches.
  16. Demonstrate measuring, mixing, and pouring of dental stone into edentulous rubber molds for the maxillary and mandibular arches.
  17. Record initial setting time of the mold poured and remove them at final set.
  18. Describe proper storage of gypsum products to avoid contamination.

 

UNIT #5 ALGINATE/IRREVERSIBLE HYDROCOLLOID

  1. Describe the function of an alginate impression.
  2. Describe the meaning of “irreversible” hydrocolloid.
  3. Identify the components of alginate/irreversible hydrocolloid.
  4. Explain the sol-gel transformation produced during the setting of alginate.
  5. State the acceptable method of controlling the set of alginate.
  6. Define imbibition and syneresis and how either effects dimensional stability.
  7. Compare the mixing time of normal and fast set alginate according to ADA specifications.
  8. Using an ADA Certified alginate, state where the proportioning directions will be found.
  9. State the type of trays used with alginate and the proper removal technique.
  10. Demonstrate measuring, manipulation, and placing alginate into a perforated tray, then obtain an impression on a typodont.
  11. Demonstrate the pouring of the typodont impression in model plaster using the inverted pour method.
  12. Describe how alginate impressions may be stored, what time is needed when pouring the impression, and the techniques for separating the cast.
  13. Demonstrate separation of impression from the cast, measuring, marking, and trimming of the cast.
  14. Discuss shelf life and storage of alginate powder.
  15. Describe the common difficulties and resulting errors from improper handling and manipulation of alginate/irreversible hydrocolloid.
  16. List the precautions to be observed when using alginate for both the patient and the assistant.
  17. Explain proper infection control procedures.

 

UNIT #6 DENTAL WAXES

  1. Categorize waxes according to their application.
  2. List common natural waxes used in dentistry.
  3. Discuss melting range, thermal expansion and shrinkage, flow and wax distortion.
  4. Describe the properties desired in a dental inlay wax.
  5. Explain why complete burnout is necessary to obtain a good casting.
  6. List ways to minimize wax pattern distortion.

 

UNIT #7 ABRASIVES AND POLISHING

  1. Define abrasion; state the critical factors which affect the rate of abrasion.
  2. Identify the abrasives commonly used in dentistry and the usage of each.
  3. Explain the difference in cutting with a bur and abrading a surface with stones, rubber wheels, and disks.
  4. Explain why we polish in dentistry and be able to defend the importance of it.
  5. Explain the effect abrasive compounds have on tooth enamel.

 

UNIT #8 INTRODUCTION TO CHAIRSIDE RESTORATIVE MATERIALS

  1. Explain the types of dental restorative materials.
  2. List dental standards and organizations responsible for those standards.
  3. Explain the role of the dental assistant.
  4. Define the following terms in relation to properties of Dental Materials:  acidity, adhesion, biting forces, corrosion, dimensional change, elasticity, flow, galvanism, hardness, microleakage, retention, solubility, thermal conductivity, thermal expansion, viscosity, wettability.

 

UNIT #9 RIGID IMPRESSION MATERIAL

  1. Differentiate between stick and tray compound and describe the physical properties that are important in their manipulation.
    1. Explain the importance of thermal conductivity, flow, distortion, thermal expansion and strength in using impression compound.
    2. Compare the different methods of heating an impression compound and state the preferred method and rationale.
    3. Describe the effects of overheating and overkneading an impression compound.
  2. List the two types of impression compound.

 

UNIT #10 ZINC PHOSPHATE CEMENT

  1. Describe the composition of zinc phosphate cement.  Compare the consistency setting time and compression strength of zinc phosphate cement.
  2. Describe effects of low liquid/powder ratio, water and saliva on cement strength.  Prepare an armamentarium of instruments needed in placing zinc phosphate cementing as a temporary filling.
  3. Discuss the chemical reaction between zinc phosphate powder and liquid relating its effect to the manipulative process.
  4. Describe the technique employed for mixing zinc phosphate as a base.
  5. Compare the effects on the setting time of zinc phosphate when given various control factors.
  6. Describe ways of controlling water content of zinc phosphate cement liquid.
  7. Demonstrate the mixing of zinc phosphate for:
    1. base
    2. final cementation

 

UNIT #11 ZINC OXIDE EUGENOL MATERIAL

  1. Describe the composition of zinc oxide - eugenol.
  2. Describe the technique employed for mixing ZOE as a base and as a cement.
  3. Evaluate, based on physical and chemical properties, the uses of zinc oxide - eugenol as:
    1. root canal filling
    2. pulp capping material
    3. base under metallic restorations
    4. temporary restoration
    5. temporary cement
  4. Mix of ZOE and insert and list the instruments needed to prepare a typodont.
  5. Demonstrate the missing of zinc oxide - eugenol for:
    1. base
    2. liners/luting
    3. temporary restorations

 

UNIT #12 POLYCARBOXYLATE CEMENTS

  1. Describe the composition of polycarboxylate.
  2. Compare the consistency, setting time, and compression strength of polycarboxylate.
  3. Describe the technique employed for mixing ploycarboxylate.
  4. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of polycarboxylate over other cements.
  5. Demonstrate the mixing of polycarboxylate material.
  6. Evaluate, based on physical and chemical properties and composition, the use of polycarboxylate as a:
    1. luting medium
    2. base under metallic restoration
    3. temporary restoration
    4. permanent cement
  7. Prepare the Armentarium for the seating of a three unit bridge.

 

UNIT #13 GLASS IONOMER CEMENTS

  1. Describe the composition of glass ionomer cement.
  2. Discuss the advantages of glass ionomer cement.
  3. Describe the various manipulative steps which must be controlled in manipulating glass ionomer cement.
  4. Arrange the instruments needed for the procedure.
  5. Demonstrate the mixing of glass ionomer cement.

 

UNIT #14 CALCIUM HYDROXIDE

  1. Discuss three important characteristics traits of calcium hydroxide.
  2. Discuss the important usage’s of calcium hydroxide.
  3. Demonstrate the mixing of calcium hydroxide.
  4. Prepare for and assist with procedure involving calcium hydroxide used as a liner on the                                 typodont.

 

UNIT # 15 CAVITY VARNISH, LINERS, AND CEMENT BASES

  1. Differentiate between varnish, liners, and cement bases.
  2. Describe the composition of cavity varnish.
  3. Describe the mode of action of cavity varnish.
  4. Describe when cavity varnishes are employed.
  5. List the function of cavity varnish.