CLUSTER
Health Science Education
COURSE
Dental Specialties
WVEIS CODE
0747
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course contains the beginning concepts and skills students will need for entry-level employment as a dental
assistant in a specialty office. Major instructional concepts include orientation to specialty areas,
instrumentation and procedures. Students are required to complete a work-based clinical experience in each of
the specialty areas within this course.
*This course is recommended as an elective for the Allied Health Sciences Concentration (Dental Assisting
Specialization).
SKILL SETS
Orientation to Oral Maxillofacial Surgery
Instrumentation and Procedures in Oral Maxillofacial Surgery
Orientation to Endodontics
Instrumentation and Procedures in Endodontics
Orientation to Orthodontics
Instrumentation and Procedures in Orthodontics
Clinical Internship in Dental Specialties
Dental Specialties
Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
0747.1
Performance Objectives
0747.2
0747.3
0747.4
0747.5
0747.6
Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
0747.7
Performance Objectives
0747.8
0747.9
0747.10
0747.11
0747.12
Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
0747.13
Performance Objectives
WVEIS 0747
Orientation to Oral Maxillofacial Surgery
Students will demonstrate knowledge of

Students will

compare the specialty of oral maxillofacial surgery with general dentistry.

determine indications for oral maxillofacial surgery.
differentiate between the role of a general assistant and the oral surgery assistant.
relate safety practices and procedures for an oral surgery assistant.
articulate terms associated with oral maxillofacial surgery and their definitions.



Instrumentation and Procedures in Oral Maxillofacial Surgery
Students will demonstrate knowledge of

skills in common oral maxillofacial surgical procedures and applicable
instrumentation.
Students will

relate the importance of the chain of asepsis during a surgical procedure.

classify the use of instruments designed for oral surgery.
compare hand washing technique with the surgical scrub technique.
demonstrate the surgical scrub technique.
report the type of postoperative care given to a patient after a surgical procedure.



Orientation to Endodontics
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
 duties and responsibilities of an endodontic assistant.
Students will
0747.14

0747.15
0747.16
0747.17


Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
0747.18
Performance Objectives
0747.19
0747.20
0747.21
0747.22
duties of a general assistant with those of an oral surgery assistant.

compare the duties and responsibilities of the endodontic assistant with the
general chair side assistant.
examine the indications and contraindications for endodontic treatment.
choose examination and diagnostic procedures for endodontic emergencies.
relate the importance of ethical practices in the endodontic office.
Instrumentation and Procedures in Endodontics
Students will demonstrate knowledge of

skill in methods of preparing for procedures common in the treatment of the
endodontic patient.
Students will




examine the types of endodontic procedures.
demonstrate the use of instrumentation designed for endodontic procedures.
determine the medicaments and dental materials used in endodontics.
relate procedures considered to be surgical endodontics.
Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
0747.23
Performance Objectives
0747.24
0747.25
0747.26
0747.27
0747.28
0747.29
0747.30
Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
0747.31
Performance Objectives
0747.32
0747.33
0747.34
0747.35
Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
0747.36
Performance Objectives
Orientation to Orthodontics
Students will demonstrate knowledge of

Students will







compare the environment of an orthodontic practice to a general dental office.
examine types of malocclusion.
choose types of diagnostic records used to assess orthodontic problems.
relate corrective orthodontics and applicable treatment.
recognize terms associated with orthodontics.
determine the role of the orthodontic assistant in preparing diagnostic records.
establish causes of malocclusion and dentofacial deformities.
Instrumentation and Procedures in Orthodontics
Students will demonstrate knowledge of

skills in procedures and instruments used in orthodontics.
Students will




examine the function of common orthodontic instruments.
distinguish between the components of the fixed appliance.
relate the use and function of orthodontic head gear.
demonstrate methods to communicate the importance of good dietary and oral
hygiene habits in orthodontic treatment.
Clinical Internship in Dental Specialties
Students will demonstrate knowledge of

the requirements for participation in a clinical internship for each of the dental
specialties within this course.
Students will
0747.37
0747.38


0747.39
0747.40
0747.41
0747.42




0747.43
0747.44
0747.45
concepts of orthodontics and the responsibilities of an orthodontic assistant.



demonstrate a working knowledge of internship eligibility requirements.
comply with required health regulations such as proof of physical examination
and immunization status.
provide proof of personal health insurance.
wear proper clinical attire.
conform to policies regarding performance of skills and scope of responsibility.
correctly and safely perform procedures under the direct supervision of an instructor
or clinical site preceptor.
maintain professional standards including patient confidentiality.
organize and effectively manage time.
participate in internship evaluation process.