DENT 100 - Preventive Dentistry Module
Course Description
This is a competency-based course approved by the College of Alberta Dental Assistants (CADA) to provide Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs) with advanced training in the Preventive Dentistry Module (PDM) allowing them to perform the restricted activity of limited scaling under the supervision and direction of a Dentist or Registered Dental Hygienist. This course will be of interest to RDAs authorized and working in Alberta, and may be of interest to out-of-province RDAs who are looking to acquire this skill set.
Taught by qualified industry-experienced professionals, this course is delivered over approximately 24 consecutive weeks and includes 320 instructional/contact hours for online self-study theory followed by in-class pre-clinical and clinical components, plus two practicums at a sponsoring employer or dentist’s office.
Your full commitment and professionalism will be required to successfully complete this intensive course. You’ll be expected to adhere to your current regulations and standards for the profession by following your Health Professions Act, Dental Assistant Profession Regulation, Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics, Bylaws and Privacy Policies put forth by your governing body and SAIT. Your 100% attendance is required for all practical components.
Admission is based on a first-qualified, first registered basis. Registration closes seven days prior to the course start date. You’ll need to upload your proof documentation at the time you register by following the online prompts provided. Payment is required upon registration by Visa or Mastercard. If you’re an out-of-province RDA, contact CADA to confirm regulatory requirements for you to learn and complete the practicum/in-office training components of this course in Alberta.
Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to:
• distinguish the anatomical features and functions of teeth
• identify the anatomical structure of the mouth, oral cavity proper and extrinsic salivary glands
• identify the bones and anatomical landmarks of the human skull
• describe the embryonic development of the oral cavity
• describe the structure and function of the periodontium
• determine whether a patient’s treatment plan meets the criteria within the Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs) and the College of Alberta Dental Assistants (CADA) Preventive Dentistry Module’s (PDM) Policies
• describe the importance and use of standard precautions to prevent pathogen transmission
• describe the prevention, detection and intervention methods for different forms of cancer
• describe and identify distinct types of tobacco-related lesions and the corresponding treatment interventions
• identify, describe and document extraoral and intraoral soft tissue lesions
• identify, document and explain common conditions of the tongue
• describe the appearance, etiology and treatment methodologies for oral lesions commonly caused by removable prosthetics
• differentiate between gingival conditions and periodontal disease
• plan, document and execute oral health promotion and oral disease prevention
• connect Ergonomics to operator career longevity
• describe the various uses of a periodontal probe for a periodontal assessment
• detect supragingival and subgingival dental abnormalities using a dental explorer
• select appropriate periodontal instruments based on the required application
• demonstrate appropriate use of instrument grasps and fulcrums
• demonstrate accurate adaptations and angulations of periodontal instruments
• recognize safe, effective and unbroken working strokes
• recognize appropriate techniques for systematic manual supragingival and subgingival calculus removal
• assess, plan and select power-driven instrumentation for deposit removal as indicated
• compare different ways of instrumentation to detect calculus
• integrate the CADA Code of Ethics into a professional clinical environment within the Health Professions Act and the Dental Assistants Professional Regulation
• adapt to cultural differences in preventive treatment planning
• discuss ways to create a community of professional peers
• perform periodontal screening and recording assessment
• perform full mouth periodontal probing
• evaluate periodontal scaling instruments for appropriate sharpness
• perform periodontal scaling instrument sharpening
• perform periodontal scaling using hand-held instruments and ultrasonic instruments.
Prerequisites
You will need to submit two separate documents:
- proof that you’re a Registered Dental Assistant with a valid practice permit in good standing from the College of Alberta Dental Assistants (CADA) and that you’re authorized for Prosthodontic Advanced Practice
- A signed letter from a current employer (Dentist) who is sponsoring your time off from work to attend daytime on-campus classes and to complete the practicum portions of the course on-site at your workplace (here is a sample template your employer can use to create the sponsor letter).
If you’re not authorized by CADA for the Prosthodontic Advanced Practice, you can complete training for this skillset at any CADA-approved training provider in Alberta and submit your proof of course completion to CADA to update your member profile, and authorize you for this newly acquired Advanced Practice skill.
Certifications and Professional Designations
You’ll receive a SAIT completion/result letter signed by your instructor upon successful completion of this DENT-100 course. Submit the letter to CADA to update your member profile and for authorization to use your newly acquired Preventive Dentistry Advanced Practice skill.
Funding
Learn more about how to finance your training and education, including the Canada Alberta Job Grant.
Career Opportunities
With the Preventive Dentistry Advanced Practice authorization under your belt, you have the opportunity to progress in your current dental assistant role and to take on increased responsibility while enjoying a bump in pay. It’ll also give you additional skills to provide care to patients within under-served populations.