Module one in the Ross Medical Education Center Dental Assistant program incorporates four courses for the student. The first of the four courses taught is entitled Introduction to the Dental Team. In this course, students are familiarized with the history of dentistry and the careers performed by dental hygienists, dentists, dental assistants and laboratory technicians. They also learn about the nine dental specialties, for example, Orthodontics and Oral Surgery.
The second course in the module is Skull Anatomy/Human Dentition. In this course, students are familiarized with the basic anatomy of the head and teeth in order to gain an understanding of the anatomical structures in dental radiographs. Students are introduced to the child and the adult mouth. An explanation on how teeth are formed and when they erupt into the mouth is presented. Students are also exposed to oral pathology in which various diseases related to the oral cavity are discussed.
The third of the courses taught is Infection Control and Microbiology. In this course, students are introduced into Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for infection control and hazard communication. Students are exposed to the history of microbiology, with those pioneers that paved the way for understanding what microorganisms are and what diseases they produce. Students practice the step by step process of instrument decontamination and operatory disinfection. Students are taught proper handwashing technique as proficiency for this course.
Lastly, the final course is Fundamentals of Dental Assisting. In this course, students are introduced to the basic routines of the dental office. Students are taught about patient records, maintaining dental/office supplies, as well as the process for maintaining inventory and reordering. Students also learn about equipment maintenance and the importance of it. In addition, students are exposed to oral health and maintenance skills related to oral health. Students perform oral hygiene instructions and toothbrushing methods, as a proficiencies for this course.