Course Offerings

This course provides hands-on, manikin-based training in the duties and functions performed by an orthodontic assistant in an orthodontist's practice. Students will learn about orthodontic instruments and their functions, digital scanning with iTero, and intraoral photography, as well as how to provide oral hygiene instruction to patients wearing appliances and how to communicate with their parents or guardians. The course also covers orthodontic DA II functions recognized by the NC Board of Dental Examiners, including placing and removing orthodontic arch wires, ligature wires, or lock pins; inserting interdental spacers; and fitting orthodontic bands or brackets. On completion, students will receive a certificate of completion for 16 hours of orthodontic dental assisting training.

Course Objectives

Understand the dental assistant's basic job responsibilities within the specialty of orthodontics

Identify and utilize orthodontic instruments and armamentarium for various orthodontic procedures

Perform orthodontic DA II functions recognized by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiner

Demonstrate how to provide oral hygiene instructions for patients in appliances

Discuss how to professionally communicate with parents/guardians or ortho patients

Demonstrate how to obtain digital impressions

Demonstrate how to perform intra-oral photography images

Demonstrate how to perform orthodontic DA II function recognized by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners

Demonstrate an understanding of the palmer numbering system

Demonstrate how to Chart/Document clinical notes within the orthodontic setting with focus on palmer numbering system

Outline of instruction

Session #1:
• What is an orthodontic assistant?
• Orthodontic DA II Functions
• Common Orthodontic Terms
• Introduction to Orthodontic Instruments

Session #2
• Digital Impression Equipment
• Infection Control/PPE requirements for Digital Impressions
• Technique for Obtaining a Digital Impression
• Obtaining Digital Impressions
• Evaluation of a Digital Impression/Feedback for Improvement

Session #3
• Palmer Numbering System
• Charting/Clinical Notes in Orthodontic Setting
• Communication with parents/guardians - role playing
• Oral Hygiene Instructions/Techniques for patients in appliances

Session #4
• Intra-Oral Photography Techniques
• Evaluation of Ortho Instrument Knowledge (ID EVALUATION)
• Evaluation of Performing DA II Functions (Check OFFS)
• Obtaining Digital Images
• Band Fitting
• Securing Archwire (O-rings, e-chain, etc.)

CEUs

1.6

Industry Standard, State or National Certification

Certification

None

Website

None

Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements

CE or CU Articulation

No

Prerequisites

• Graduate of a CODA Accredited Dental Assisting Program or registered in the last semester of a CODA Accredited Dental Assisting Program; or
• DA II Status as recognized by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners

Text and Supplies Needed

None

Clinical Site/Special Facilities

Clinical Attire/Scrubs/Closed Toe Shoes/Personal Protective Equipment (PPE provided)

Requirements for Successful Completion

attendance• Must attend all four sessions (total of 16 hours). 100 % attendance; 16 hours total to receive the Orthodontic Assistant Certificate
Participation:
• Must complete ID Evaluation and Checkoffs with a grade of 70 or above. The student is required to participate in each skill activity and complete all evaluations or checkoffs.

Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements

N/A

Intended Audience

This course is intended for a dental assistant who desires to have more knowledge concerning orthodontic chairside skills.

Specific Industry or Business Support Needs

Orthodontic Chairside/Clinical Assistant

Wake County Need for Industry Positions

N/A

Industry or Job Titles Related to training Outcomes for Employment

Clinical/Chairside Orthodontic Assistant

Related Courses

Course Contact Information

Samantha Bray
919-532-5844
[email protected]