Lesson 1Cotton pliers, gauze, and isolation accessories: handling, sequences for placement and removalFocuses on cotton pliers, gauze, and isolation accessories for moisture and soft tissue control. Covers handling, passing, placement and removal sequences, and safety considerations to prevent aspiration or tissue trauma.
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 periodontal probes, including common designs and markings such as UNC-15, WHO, and Shepherd’s hook. Discusses indications, probing technique, caries detection, and infection-control considerations.
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 evacuators and saliva ejectors, with emphasis on indications, positioning, ergonomics, and infection-control handling. Highlights patient comfort, moisture control, and aerosol reduction.
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 instruments, rubber cups, and prophy paste selection. Reviews abrasive levels, stain indications, and rubber cup speed and stroke to minimize enamel loss, heat, and soft tissue trauma during coronal 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, emphasizing slow-speed contra-angle use for polishing. Reviews prophylaxis angle components, rpm guidance, maintenance basics, and safety when working near soft tissues.
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. Emphasizes indirect vision, retraction, transillumination, and fog control techniques to improve visibility, ergonomics, and patient 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 accessExplains how instrument number and shape relate to function and access. Reviews shank bends, working end design, toe versus tip, and handle features to support correct identification, selection, 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 selection criteria for safe supragingival and subgingival debridement.
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 adjuncts that support safe instrument use, including single-use disposables, cassettes, barriers, and sharps containers. Emphasizes selection, setup, handling, and disposal to reduce cross-contamination risk.
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 accessories used at an initial exam, including film and sensor holders and beam alignment devices. Emphasizes ALARA principles, positioning accuracy, and patient and operator radiation safety.
Film and sensor holder componentsBeam alignment device typesPositioning for periapical and bitewing viewsALARA principles in dental radiographyPatient shielding and operator distance rules
