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

DTA 3060 - Orthodontics



Clock Hours: 14

Delivery Mode
on-ground

Course Description:
This course is designed to provide the dental assisting student with the fundamental skills and knowledge of the dental specialty, Orthodontics.  The role of the dental assistant will include aiding the diagnostic processes, sterilization, care of instruments and chairside assisting during treatment.

Student Learning Outcomes:
UNIT #1 ETIOLOGY OF ORTHODONTIC PROBLEMS

  1. Define orthodontics.
  2. Differentiate between the five main causative factors of malocclusion.

 

UNIT #2 ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT

  1. Define and compare preventive orthodontics, interceptive orthodontics, and corrective orthodontics.
  2. Identify the various oral signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of a deviant oral habit.
  3. Explain to a parent and a child the anatomic, physiologic and possible psychological effects of oral habits.

 

UNIT #3 DIAGNOSIS OF ORTHODONTIC PROBLEMS

  1. Differentiate between crossbite, open bite, over jet, closed bite and overbite.
  2. Differentiate between class I, class II, and class III occlusion according to Angle’s classification.
  3. Classify the occlusion of a model, classmate, or illustration.

 

UNIT #3 DIAGNOSTIC AIDS

  1. Describe the purpose of the following diagnostic aids as they relate to orthodontic treatment.
    1. photography
    2. study models
    3. cephalometric
    4. radiographs
    5. intro-oral camera

 

UNIT #4 TOOTH MOVEMENT

  1. Describe the basic biomechanics of tooth movement.
  2. Describe the process of bone resorption and deposition under orthodontic forces.

 

UNIT #5 APPLIANCES

  1. Explain the need for retainers.
  2. Describe and explain uses of space maintainers, Hawley retainers, bands, brackets and arch wires.
  3. Explain the purpose of headgear and the chin cup.
  4. Explain the significance of the cement line and whitening of enamel following removal of orthodontic bands.
  5. Describe the process of written work authorization.
  6. Describe the techniques used for polishing orthodontic appliances.
  7. Describe the patient instruction method for patients with orthodontic appliances.
  8. Instruct the orthodontic patient in food consistency and its effects on appliances.
  9. Define and compare welding and soldering.

 

UNIT #6 HAND INSTRUMENTS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

  1. Identify orthodontic hand instruments and the function of each.

 

UNIT #7 PROCEDURES FOR TREATMENT

  1. Describe the following procedures for orthodontic treatment separation, band selection and cementation, ligating arch, adjustment appointment,  completion appointment. 
  2. List the lab duties performed by the auxiliary in an orthodontist’s office.
  3. Describe the technique for mixing cement for orthodontic band placement.
  4. Mix cement for bands.
  5. Place cement in bands for cementation.
  6. Place, contour and remove orthodontic bands, on a model.