Lesson 1Cotton pliers, gauze, and isolation accessories: handling, sequences for placement and removalFocuses on cotton pliers, gauze, and isolation tools for moisture and soft tissue control. Covers handling, passing, placement and removal steps, and safety to prevent choking or tissue harm in Botswana clinics.
Cotton pliers design and safe handlingGauze uses in basic dental proceduresCotton rolls and dry angles placementIsolation sequences for common tasksPrevention of aspiration and soft tissue injuryLesson 2Explorers and probes: periodontal probe types and markings (UNC-15, WHO), diagnostic explorers (Shepherd’s hook, EXD) and when to use eachCovers explorers and gum probes, including common designs and markings like UNC-15, WHO, and Shepherd’s hook. Discusses uses, probing method, caries spotting, and infection-control in Botswana dental settings.
Periodontal probe calibrations and markingsProbing technique and recording depthsDiagnostic explorers and tip designCaries and calculus detection strategiesDecontamination and storage of probesLesson 3Suction and saliva ejectors: high-volume evacuator vs. saliva ejector, positioning, and infection-control handlingExplains design and function of high-volume suckers and saliva ejectors, stressing uses, positioning, ergonomics, and infection-control. Highlights patient comfort, moisture management, and reducing spray in local practice.
High-volume evacuator design and partsSaliva ejector types and indicationsOperator and assistant positioningMoisture control and patient comfortInfection-control for suction linesLesson 4Polishing instruments and prophy paste selection: rubber cup technique, abrasive levels, rubber cup speed and stroke techniqueDetails polishing tools, rubber cups, and prophy paste choice. Reviews abrasive levels, stain uses, and rubber cup speed and stroke to reduce enamel wear, heat, and soft tissue harm during crown polishing.
Rubber cup types and attachment methodsProphy paste abrasiveness and indicationsRubber cup speed and torque controlStroke patterns and access to tooth surfacesAvoiding enamel and soft tissue damageLesson 5Basic rotary handpieces and attachments: slow-speed contra-angle uses for polishing, prophylaxis angle components and rpm guidanceIntroduces basic rotary handpieces and attachments, stressing slow-speed contra-angle for polishing. Reviews prophy angle parts, rpm advice, maintenance, and safety near soft tissues in Botswana clinics.
Slow-speed handpiece parts and functionContra-angle attachment indicationsProphy angle types and assemblyRecommended rpm ranges for polishingMaintenance, lubrication, and sterilizationLesson 6Hand mirror types and uses: mouth mirror design, indirect vision, retraction, transillumination and fog controlReviews mouth mirror types, sizes, and designs, including front-surface mirrors. Stresses indirect vision, retraction, transillumination, and fog control to boost visibility, ergonomics, and patient comfort locally.
Mirror head designs and coatingsIndirect vision in posterior regionsCheek, lip, and tongue retractionTransillumination for caries detectionFog control and mirror maintenanceLesson 7Instrument identification by number/shape: common design features (shank bend, toe vs. tip) and implications for accessExplains how tool number and shape relate to function and access. Reviews shank bends, working end design, toe versus tip, and handle features for correct identification, choice, and ergonomic use.
Numbering systems and manufacturer codesShank bends and access to tooth surfacesToe versus tip and cutting edge designHandle diameter, texture, and balanceReading markings on instrument handlesLesson 8Basic scalers and curettes: universal vs. area-specific curettes, sickle scalers, adaptations, and selection criteria for supragingival and subgingival debridementDifferentiates basic scalers and curettes, including universal and area-specific designs. Reviews sickle scalers, adaptations, angulation, and choice criteria for safe above-gum and below-gum cleaning in practice.
Universal versus area-specific curettesSickle scaler design and indicationsWorking end adaptation and angulationStroke types for supra and subgingival useSharpening basics and edge preservationLesson 9Local infection-control adjuncts/tools: single-use disposables, instrument cassettes, barriers, and sharps container practicesCovers infection-control extras that aid safe tool use, including single-use items, cassettes, barriers, and sharps bins. Stresses choice, setup, handling, and disposal to cut cross-contamination risk locally.
Types of single-use disposable itemsInstrument cassettes and tray setupsSurface barriers and change protocolsSharps container selection and placementSharps handling, transport, and disposalLesson 10Basic radiography accessories used at an initial exam: film/sensor holders, beam alignment devices, and radiation-safety basics (ALARA principles)Describes basic radiography extras for initial exams, including film and sensor holders and beam alignment tools. Stresses ALARA principles, positioning accuracy, and safety for patients and staff in Botswana.
Film and sensor holder componentsBeam alignment device typesPositioning for periapical and bitewing viewsALARA principles in dental radiographyPatient shielding and operator distance rules
