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, placing and removing steps, and safety to stop choking or tissue harm.
Cotton pliers design and safe handlingGauze uses in basic dental workCotton rolls and dry angles placingIsolation steps for common tasksStopping choking 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 marks like UNC-15, WHO, and Shepherd’s hook. Discusses uses, probing method, caries spotting, and germ-control thoughts.
Gum probe marks and calibrationsProbing method and depth notingDiagnostic explorers and tip designCaries and tartar spotting waysCleaning and storing probesLesson 3Suction and saliva ejectors: high-volume evacuator vs. saliva ejector, positioning, and infection-control handlingExplains design and work of high-volume suckers and saliva ejectors, stressing uses, placing, body fit, and germ-control handling. Highlights patient ease, moisture control, and spray reduction.
High-volume sucker design and partsSaliva ejector types and usesOperator and helper placingMoisture control and patient easeGerm-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 cut enamel loss, heat, and soft tissue harm in crown polishing.
Rubber cup types and fitting methodsProphy paste roughness and usesRubber cup speed and torque controlStroke patterns and access to tooth surfacesAvoiding enamel and soft tissue harmLesson 5Basic rotary handpieces and attachments: slow-speed contra-angle uses for polishing, prophylaxis angle components and rpm guidanceIntroduces basic rotary hand tools and fittings, stressing slow-speed contra-angle use for polishing. Reviews prophy angle parts, rpm guide, upkeep basics, and safety near soft tissues.
Slow-speed hand tool parts and workContra-angle fitting usesProphy angle types and putting togetherSuggested rpm ranges for polishingUpkeep, oiling, and sterilizingLesson 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 sight, pulling back, light-through, and fog control ways to better sight, body fit, and patient ease.
Mirror head designs and coatingsIndirect sight in back areasCheek, lip, and tongue pulling backLight-through for caries spottingFog control and mirror upkeepLesson 7Instrument identification by number/shape: common design features (shank bend, toe vs. tip) and implications for accessExplains how tool number and shape link to work and access. Reviews shank bends, working end design, toe vs. tip, and handle features to aid right spotting, choice, and body-fit use.
Numbering systems and maker codesShank bends and access to tooth surfacesToe vs. tip and cutting edge designHandle width, feel, and balanceReading marks on tool handlesLesson 8Basic scalers and curettes: universal vs. area-specific curettes, sickle scalers, adaptations, and selection criteria for supragingival and subgingival debridementTells apart basic scalers and curettes, including all-area and spot-specific designs. Reviews sickle scalers, fittings, angles, and choice rules for safe above-gum and below-gum cleaning.
All-area vs. spot-specific curettesSickle scaler design and usesWorking end fitting and angleStroke types for above and below gum useSharpening basics and edge keepingLesson 9Local infection-control adjuncts/tools: single-use disposables, instrument cassettes, barriers, and sharps container practicesCovers germ-control extras that aid safe tool use, including one-time disposables, cassettes, barriers, and sharps bins. Stresses choice, setup, handling, and throwing away to cut cross-germ risk.
Types of one-time disposable itemsTool cassettes and tray setupsSurface barriers and change rulesSharps bin choice and placingSharps handling, moving, and throwing awayLesson 10Basic radiography accessories used at an initial exam: film/sensor holders, beam alignment devices, and radiation-safety basics (ALARA principles)Describes basic x-ray extras used at first check, including film and sensor holders and beam straighteners. Stresses ALARA rules, placing accuracy, and patient and worker radiation safety.
Film and sensor holder partsBeam straightener typesPlacing for periapical and bitewing viewsALARA rules in dental x-raysPatient shielding and worker distance rules
