Lesson 1Cotton pliers, gauze, and isolation accessories: handling, sequences for placement and removalHandle cotton pliers, gauze, moisture controls for dry field, tissue hold. Learn passing, placing, removing steps, safety to stop choking or tissue cuts.
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 eachCover explorers, gum probes like UNC-15, WHO, Shepherd’s hook. Indications, probing method, decay spotting, germ control tips.
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 handlingDesign, use of strong suckers vs. saliva ones. Placement, comfort, germ handling, cutting sprays for patients.
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 techniquePolish tools, cups, paste picks. Grit levels, stain types, cup speed, strokes to cut enamel wear, heat, gum rub during top cleans.
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 guidanceBasic spinners, slow contra for polish. Angle parts, speeds, upkeep, safety near gums.
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 controlMirror kinds, sizes, front-surface. Indirect sight, pull-back, light-through, anti-fog for clear views, comfort.
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 accessTool numbers, shapes for jobs, reach. Shank curves, end designs, toe-tip, grips for right pick, hold.
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 debridementScalers, curettes: all-round vs. zone-specific, sickle types. Fits, angles, picks for above/below gum cleans.
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 practicesGerm aids: throwaways, cassettes, covers, sharp bins. Pick, set, handle, toss to cut spread risks.
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)X-ray starters for first checks: holders, aligners. Low-dose rules, place right, safe for all.
Film and sensor holder componentsBeam alignment device typesPositioning for periapical and bitewing viewsALARA principles in dental radiographyPatient shielding and operator distance rules
