DAST 1620 - Preventive Dentistry

Credit hours: 3

Lecture:45 contact hours
Laboratory:30-45 contact hours

Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Dental Assisting Program, DAST 1540 - Dental Science I

Course Description:
A study of the practices and philosophy of preventive dentistry, which can be integrated into all dental settings. Includes oral hygiene, nutrition, counseling and safety.

Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to:

State the reasons and methods for improving the nutritional status of the assistant and patients.
Gain knowledge about the need for fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals in the adult diet.
Study the five basic food groups and My Plate
Assess external and environmental factors that may influence a person’s nutritional habits. State a variety of examples
Design a dietary evaluation and counseling session for your patient and present a program of change.
Demonstrate a nutritional and appealing meal plan for a variety of special need patients.
Judge the needs for preventive dental assisting and the consequences of patient neglect.
Discuss the role of preventive dentistry concerning the dental specialties.
Identify the following: Lingual Vitamin Test, Plaque Acquired Pellicle, Disclosing Agent, Personal Oral Hygiene, and C.C. Bass.
Demonstrate competence in applying a disclosing agent, correct tooth brushing technique, correct flossing procedure, applying topical fluoride.
Describe plaque: formation, contributing factors, and preventive steps, control counseling.
Identify types and importance of dental fluoride.
Describe “baby bottle syndrome” or “nursing bottle syndrome”: Cause and Prevention.
Demonstrate knowledge of correct nutrition and how it influences many areas of the body and mind,
Apply knowledge of correct nutrition in daily life.
Assume responsibility for the general safety measures in all areas of dental practice.
Demonstrate competence in dental office safety procedures for the patient/client.
Demonstrate competence in personal safety measures.