Lesson 1Cotton pliers, gauze, and isolation accessories: handling, sequences for placement and removalFocuses on cotton holders, cloth, and dry tools for wet control and soft part hold. Covers holding, passing, place and take sequences, and safety to stop choking or tissue hurt.
Cotton holder build and safe holdCloth uses in basic dental workCotton rolls and dry corners placeDry sequences for common jobsStop choking and soft hurt preventionLesson 2Explorers and probes: periodontal probe types and markings (UNC-15, WHO), diagnostic explorers (Shepherd’s hook, EXD) and when to use eachCovers feelers and gum probes, including usual builds and marks like UNC-15, WHO, and hook feeler. Discusses when to use, probe way, decay spot, and germ-control notes.
Gum probe marks and scalesProbe way and depth notesSpot feelers and tip buildDecay and stone spot waysClean and store probesLesson 3Suction and saliva ejectors: high-volume evacuator vs. saliva ejector, positioning, and infection-control handlingExplains build and job of strong suckers and spit pullers, stress on when to use, place, easy hold, and germ-control handle. Notes patient ease, wet hold, and spray cut.
Strong sucker build and partsSpit puller types and whenWorker and helper placeWet hold and patient easeGerm-control for suck linesLesson 4Polishing instruments and prophy paste selection: rubber cup technique, abrasive levels, rubber cup speed and stroke techniqueDetails shine tools, rubber cups, and clean paste choice. Reviews rough levels, stain when, and cup speed and stroke to cut tooth loss, heat, and soft hurt in crown shine.
Rubber cup types and fix waysClean paste rough and whenCup speed and turn controlStroke ways and tooth reachAvoid tooth and soft damageLesson 5Basic rotary handpieces and attachments: slow-speed contra-angle uses for polishing, prophylaxis angle components and rpm guidanceIntroduces basic spin holders and add-ons, stress slow turn angle use for shine. Reviews clean angle parts, turn guide, keep basics, and safety near soft parts.
Slow spin holder parts and jobAngle add-on whenClean angle types and put togetherSuggested turn ranges for shineKeep, oil, and cleanLesson 6Hand mirror types and uses: mouth mirror design, indirect vision, retraction, transillumination and fog controlReviews mouth mirror types, sizes, builds, including front shine ones. Stresses side sight, pull back, light through, and mist stop ways to better see, easy hold, and patient ease.
Mirror head builds and coversSide sight in back areasCheek, lip, tongue pullLight through for decay spotMist stop and mirror keepLesson 7Instrument identification by number/shape: common design features (shank bend, toe vs. tip) and implications for accessExplains how tool number and shape link to job and reach. Reviews handle bends, work end build, toe vs point, and grip features for right spot, choice, and easy use.
Number ways and maker codesHandle bends and tooth reachToe vs point and cut edge buildGrip thick, feel, and weightRead marks on tool gripsLesson 8Basic scalers and curettes: universal vs. area-specific curettes, sickle scalers, adaptations, and selection criteria for supragingival and subgingival debridementTells apart basic scrapers and cleaners, including all-area and spot builds. Reviews hook scrapers, fits, angles, and choice rules for safe above and below gum clean.
All vs spot cleanersHook scraper build and whenWork end fit and angleStroke types for above and below gumBasic sharpen and edge keepLesson 9Local infection-control adjuncts/tools: single-use disposables, instrument cassettes, barriers, and sharps container practicesCovers germ-control add-ons for safe tool use, including one-time throwaways, holders, covers, and sharp bins. Stresses choice, set up, handle, and throw to cut cross-germ risk.
One-time throwaway typesTool holders and tray setsSurface covers and change rulesSharp bin choice and placeSharp handle, move, and throwLesson 10Basic radiography accessories used at an initial exam: film/sensor holders, beam alignment devices, and radiation-safety basics (ALARA principles)Describes basic x-ray add-ons for first check, including film and sensor holders and beam straight tools. Stresses low dose rules, place right, and patient and worker ray safety.
Film and sensor holder partsBeam straight tool typesPlace for close-up and side viewsLow dose rules in dental x-rayPatient shield and worker space rules
