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Anemia - A brief review with practical applications for the dental professional
Credits: 2
$16.00
This course reviews basic facts of red cell
structure and development, summarizes salient
laboratory tests, and presents the pathophysiology
and clinical findings of several types of
anemia. Implications for dental management are
discussed. At the completion of this course,
members of the dental team will:
1. Understand the structure of the red cell, the
composition of hemoglobin, and the process by
which the red cell develops.
2. Be familiar with the common laboratory tests
used to diagnose anemia.
3. Understand the pathophysiology of several of
the more common types of anemia.
4. Be able to recognize the clinical signs and
symptoms of anemia in order to refer patients for
consultation if necessary.
5. Be aware of the effect anemia may have on
dental management, and be able to adjust patient
care accordingly.
Author’s Bio: Kristine Krafts, MD received her
Doctor of Medicine from University of Minnesota
School of Medicine. She is a medical doctor with
15 years experience as adjunct and assistant
professor of pathology. Seasoned lecturer and
prolific medical writer. Completed residency in
pathology, and fellowships in hematopathology and
molecular medicine. Currently teaching
pathology, immunology, and microbiology at the
University of Minnesota School of Medicine,
Duluth Campus, and pathology for dental students
at the University of Minnesota School of
Dentistry
The Link Between Oral Cancer and HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
Credits: 2
$16.00
This course discusses the strains of HPV most
commonly associated with oral cancer, the
rising incidence of oral cancer associated with
HPV in young males, the epithelial and mucosal
areas of the body likely to be infected, the
various types of tests and treatments and the
efficacy
of Gardisilä in preventing HPV-related cervical
cancers in young girls. At the completion of this
course, members of the dental team will be able to:
1. Recall the strains of HPV (human
papillomavirus) most commonly associated with oral
and
genital cancer.
2. Correlate the rising incidence of oral cancer
associated with HPV infections in young males.
3. List and describe epithelial and mucosal areas
of the body likely to be infected with HPV.
4. Recall and describe the various types of tests
and treatments appropriate to HPV.
5. Relate the efficacy of Gardasil™ in preventing
HPV-related cervical cancers in young girls
(prior to sexual activity).
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
This mandatory two unit course is required by the
Dental Board of California for all dental
licensees seeking a renewal of their license.
This course will cover the following topics: scope
of practice, license renewal requirements, legal
duties of dental auxiliaries, prescription drug
regulations, violations and regulations of the
California Practice Act.
Author's Bio: Diane Callahan, RDH, BS is a 1986
graduate of Marquette University, School of
Dental Hygiene. She is a former clinical
professor at the University of Minnesota and is
currently
a dental hygiene instructor at Madison Area
Technical College (MATC), Madison, WI, where she
has been on the faculty since 2000.
This course discusses the common causes of bone
loss, biology of bone formation in grafting
procedures, types of dental bone grafting
materials, commonly used synthetic bone graft
substitutes, general technique in bone grafting
procedure, available bone grafting procedures,
common complications and common factors affecting
the success rate of bone grafts. At the
completion of this course you will be able to: 1.
Define the term dental implant and identify the
clinical faculty who perform and supervise the
procedure; 2. Name the most common causes of
bone loss that indicate bone grafting; 3.
Understand the biology of bone formation in grafting
procedures; 4. Identify and describe the types of
dental bone grafting materials; 5. Cite and
describe the commonly used synthetic bone graft
substitutes, 6. Explain the general technique
involved in bone grafting procedure; 7. Understand
the several different bone grafting procedures
available; 8. List the common complications and 9.
Explore the common factors affecting the
success rate of bone grafts. Author: Dr. Preethi.
C, received Bachelor of Dentistry from SDM
College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Rajiv
Gandhi University of Health Sciences,
Bangalore - 560 041, Karnataka, has 5 years of
work experience in the dental field, handling a
great variety of tasks and responsibilities,
simultaneously and effectively including all
phases of
dentistry.
Dental Care for the Patient with Multiple Sclerosis
Credits: 2
$16.00
This course describes disease symptoms, affect on
dental care and oral health, various
orofacial co-morbidities, medications the patient
may take, risk of drug complications and how to
develop a plan of care for a patient and educate
in oral self-management. At the conclusion of
this course members of the dental team will be
able to: 1. Describe disease symptoms and how
they may affect dental care and oral health. 2.
Enumerate the various orofacial co-morbidities
that may affect patients and how the DHCW can
intervene in order to make the patient
comfortable and render care. 3. Expound on the
various medications the patient may take to
slow progression of the disease and relieve
symptoms, and what the DHCW can do to reduce
the risk of drug complications. 4. Develop a plan
of care for a patient and educate in oral self-
management.
Author’s Bio: Susan Peterman, MA, MPH, is a
medical writer in Wayne, PA. . She received her
Masters of Public Health from Columbia University
in June 1990. Susan has won numerous
awards for her writing including the 2009 APEX
Award for Publication Excellence, Health and
Medical Writing.
Leukemia - signs, symptoms and implications for dental management
Credits: 2
$16.00
Leukemia – Signs, symptoms and implications for
dental management – This course
discusses the development, spreading, major types
of, signs and symptoms of leukemia.
Unique effects of leukemia on dental management
and how to adjust patient care accordingly
are also discussed. At the completion of this
course, members of the dental team will: 1.
Understand how leukemia develops and spreads. 2.
Be able to distinguish between the major
types of leukemia. 3. Be familiar with the main
methods of diagnosing leukemia. 4. Recognize
the clinical signs and symptoms of leukemia in
order to refer patients for consultation if
necessary. 5. Be aware of the unique effects
leukemia may have on dental management, and be
able to adjust patient care accordingly. Author’s
Bio: Kristine Krafts, MD received her Doctor of
Medicine from University of Minnesota School of
Medicine. She is a medical doctor with 15 years
experience as adjunct and assistant professor of
pathology. Seasoned lecturer and prolific
medical writer. Completed residency in pathology,
and fellowships in hematopathology and
molecular medicine. Currently teaching pathology,
immunology, and microbiology at the
University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Duluth
Campus, and pathology for dental students at
the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
Seniors Are More Than Denture Care – A CAMBRA Approach
Credits: 2
$16.00
This course discusses concepts of aging and oral
health, the impact of latest oral systemic link
evidence, the relationship of oral disease to
common age related systemic diseases, methods
to manage dry mouth for older adults, defines
CAMBRA and ART and creating evidence based
care plans. At the completion of this course,
members of the dental team will be able to: 1)
describe some basic concepts of aging and oral
health; 2) explore the impact of the latest oral-
systemic link evidence and the relationship of
oral disease to common age-related systemic
diseases, 3) identify and prescribe methods to
manage dry mouth for older adults, 4) define
CAMBRA and ART, and 5) create evidence-based care
plans for older adults. Author Patti
DiGangi, RDH, BS, is a certified presenter through
the Academy of
General Dentistry National Speaker’s Bureau for
Periodontal Disease and a member of multiple
key opinion leader boards and the Advisory Board
for the National Museum of Dentistry.
Lymphoma – Signs, symptoms and implications for dental management
Credits: 2
$16.00
This course discusses more common types of
lymphoma, methods of diagnosing, clinical
signs and symptoms, unique symptoms and general
methods of treating these symptoms. At
the completion of this course, members of the
dental team will: 1. Understand the distinguishing
features of the more common types of lymphoma. 2.
Be familiar with the methods of diagnosing
lymphoma. 3. Recognize the clinical signs and
symptoms of lymphoma in order to refer patients
for consultation if necessary. 4. Be aware of the
unique symptoms that may arise in a patient
being treated for lymphoma, and know the general
methods of treating these symptoms.
Author’s Bio: Kristine Krafts, MD received her
Doctor of Medicine from University of Minnesota
School of Medicine. She is a medical doctor with
15 years experience as adjunct and assistant
professor of pathology. Seasoned lecturer and
prolific medical writer. Completed residency in
pathology, and fellowships in hematopathology and
molecular medicine. Currently teaching
pathology, immunology, and microbiology at the
University of Minnesota School of Medicine,
Duluth Campus, and pathology for dental students
at the University of Minnesota School of
Dentistry. Release date: May 4, 2011; Expiration
date May 4, 2014
This course is mainly concerned with dental
healthcare personnel's exposure to pathogenic
microorganisms. These organisms include HIV, HBV,
HCV, Mycobacterium tuberculosis,
Creutzfeldf-Jakob Disease, staphylococci,
steptococci, and other viruses, and bacteria that
colonize or infect the oral cavity and respiratory
tract. At the completion of this course students
will: 1. Remove the hysteria and high emotions
regarding potential diseases that healthcare
personnel may be exposed to during a dental
procedure. 2. Learn what is necessary before an
infection can take place. 3. Necessary precautions
to take when dealing with high risk patients.
Author: Kenneth C. Colerick, DDS , received his
Bachelor of Science Degree from the University
of Southern California and his Doctor of Dental
Surgery from the University of Missouri at
Kansas City, has extensive experience in the field
of dentistry for the last forty years plus. Dr.
Colerick has written and published over thirty
articles and CE courses. Original release 6-1-11,
Expires 6-1-14
Infection Prevention: What it means in 2011 Rolling the dice with patients health
Credits: 2
$16.00
This course discusses the modes of disease
transmission, the importance of integration of
health profile data, difference between
sterilization and disinfection, emerging and
re-emerging diseases, the new bugs on the block
and reviews enhanced basic steps in sterilization
techniques. At the completion of this course
students will 1. Understand modes of disease
transmission. 2. Describe emerging & re-emerging
diseases. 3. Learn importance of integration of
health profile data. 4. Identify the new bugs on
the block. 5. Review enhanced basic steps in
sterilization techniques. 6. Define difference
between sterilization and disinfection. 7. Be
aware of the California Standards on Infection
Control. Author: Patricia M. Pine, RDH, has more
than 30 years of experience and is currently
practicing as a clinical hygienist in Scottsdale,
Arizona with a comprehensive practice that has
connected the medical and dental sides of the
human body with the latest scientific literature.
Pat is founder of Unique Dental Organizational
Services. She provides practices with safety
exercises that keep teams up-to-date and safe in
all aspects of infection control including OSHA
guidelines. Release date: 8/1/2011 Expiration
date: 8-1-2014. This course satisfies the
California Dental Board requirement for 2 units of
"infection control" continuing education for
biennial relicensure.
Treating and Preventing Asthma Attacks in the Dental Office
Credits: 1
$8.00
This course discusses the rising incidence of
asthma, two major contributors to morbidity and
mortality rates, common medications and their
effects, emergency procedures, methods in
prevention and reduction of asthma attacks during
appointments. . At the completion of this course
students will: 1. describe the rising incidence of
asthma; 2. list patients most commonly affected
and how it affects them; 3. list two major
contributors to morbidity and mortality rates
associated with asthma; 4. discuss the importance
of patient medical history; 5. list medications
commonly taken and their effects; 6. describe
emergency procedures; 7. methods to prevent or
reduce incidence of asthma attacks; 8. new
medication delivery systems and 9. caries
prevention strategies. Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz,
CDA, AAS, BS, earned her BS in Allied Health
Education in Dental Auxiliary Utilization and a
Community College Teaching Certificate from the
State University of New York at Buffalo. She had
extensive experience in dental/medical writing.
Denise Allen Membreno, has a BS in Communications
with a minor in psychology from Virginia Tech.
She has been a journalist for 25 years covering
health issues, politics and sports in the
Mid-Atlantic Region for both print and broadcast.
She has received awards for her television
documentaries. Denise is the editor of The
Explorer, the official newsletter of the National
Association of Dental Assistants. Release date:
8/1/2011 Expiration date: 8-1-2014.
This course describes the condition, contributing causes, associated factors, diseases and
patient education At the completion of this course students will: 1) describe the condition
xerostomia and list contributing causes and associated factors and diseases. 2) Discuss the
importance of the role of saliva in maintaining dental health. 3) Describe ways the dental
healthcare provider can help educate patients afflicted with xerostomia about available treatment
options. Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned her BS in Allied Health Education in
Dental Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College Teaching Certificate from the State
University of New York at Buffalo. She had extensive experience in dental/medical writing. Denise
Allen Membreno, has a BS in Communications with a minor in psychology from Virginia Tech.
She has been a journalist for 25 years covering health issues, politics and sports in the Mid-
Atlantic Region for both print and broadcast. She has received awards for her television
documentaries. Denise is the editor of The Explorer, the official newsletter of the National
Association of Dental Assistants. Release date: 6/1/2011 Expiration date: 6-1-2014.
Hand Care and Hand Washing Technique for the Dental Team
Credits: 2
$16.00
This course describes updated CDC guidelines,
related information, specific reasons and
rationale for performing procedures correctly, 12
steps of proper technique and its importance. At
the completion of this course the dental
healthcare worker (DHCW) will be able to:
1. Describe why proper hand washing is important
for all members of the dental team.
2. List OSHA requirements for hand washing.
3. Describe updated CDC guidelines for proper hand
hygiene, including routine hand asepsis
and surgical hand asepsis.
4. Relate the updated CDC information and
guidelines for use of alcohol-based hand rubs.
5. Relate specific reasons and rationale for
performing hand washing procedures correctly.
6. Describe the 12 steps of proper hand washing
technique.
7. Describe helpful hand care techniques for
dental team members.
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
This course describes the incidence, prevalence
of, risk factors, typical symptoms and oral
manifestations of the disease. Recommended
treatment modalities are discussed. (Clinical
Course) At the completion of this course the
dental team member will be able to:
1. Define diabetes mellitus and describe the
overall incidence and prevalence of the disease in
the U.S.
2. List and discuss the three types of diabetes.
3. Describe the risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
4. List and describe typical symptoms of diabetes
or high blood glucose.
5. Describe the oral manifestations and
recommended treatment modalities for patients
diagnosed with diabetes.
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
This course discusses various oral cancer
detection methods, the role of computer-assisted
brush biopsy diagnosis, the role of biomarket
testing in the diagnosis or oral cancer and the
number of Americans who use tobacco and the number
diagnosed annually with oral cancer. At
the completion of this course, members of the
dental team will be able to:
1. Recall the number of Americans diagnosed
annually with oral cancer and the number of
U.S. patients who die annually from oral cancer.
2. Relate the number of Americans who use tobacco;
recall the number of annual tobacco-
related deaths in the U.S.
3. Discuss the various oral cancer detection
methods currently available.
4. Describe the role of computer-assisted brush
biopsy diagnosis in the detection of
precancerous and cancerous oral lesions.
5. Describe the role of biomarker testing in the
diagnosis of oral cancer.
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
Substance Abuse: Awareness and Prevention (Update includes “Meth Mouth”)
Credits: 3
$24.00
This course describes the signs and
characteristics consistent with substance abuse.
Causes,
manifestations of, obligations of dentist,
symptoms and management of, signs specifically
associated with dental personnel and recommended
strategies to detect and refer patients are
all discussed. At the completion of this course
the dental healthcare worker (DHCW) will be able
to:
1. List obligations of the dentist regarding
substance abuse.
2. Be familiar with terminology related to
substance abuse.
3. Describe signs and characteristics consistent
with substance abuse.
4. List causes and manifestations of oral-dental
disease related to substance abuse.
5. Discuss the signs, symptoms and management of
“meth mouth.”
6. List appropriate recommended management
strategies to detect and refer patients with
suspected substance abuse.
7. Recognize the signs and symptoms specifically
associated with substance abuse in dental
personnel and ways to address it.
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
This course describes the uses and properties of
plaster and stone (gypsum materials) used in
dentistry; the steps required to pour and trim
study models for diagnostic purposes and case
presentation and lists the preferred chemical
disinfectant for study models. At the completion of
this course the dental team member will be able to:
1. List and describe the use(s) and properties of
plaster and stone (gypsum materials) used in
dentistry.
2. Describe the steps required for the dental team
member to pour and trim study models for
diagnostic purposes and case presentation.
3. Name the preferred chemical disinfectant for
study models.
Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned her BS in Allied
Health Education in Dental Auxiliary Utilization
and a Community College Teaching Certificate from
the State University of New York at Buffalo.
She has extensive experience in dental/medical
writing.
This course lists the usage and forms of smokeless
tobacco, the harmful contents, general
effects, dental diseases and conditions of the
oral cavity associated with, the diagnostic criteria
of leukoplakia/snuff dipper’s pouch and the types
of oral cancers associated with smokeless
tobacco use. At the completion of this course
the dental professional will be able to:
1. List the usage and forms of smokeless tobacco.
2. List the harmful contents of smokeless tobacco
products.
3. List the general effects, dental diseases and
conditions of the oral cavity commonly
associated with smokeless tobacco use.
4. List and describe the diagnostic criteria of
leukoplakia/snuff dipper’s pouch.
5. List and describe the types of oral cancers
associated with smokeless tobacco use.
6. Describe medical/systemic health problems
associated with smokeless tobacco use.
7. Describe social implications associated with
smokeless tobacco use.
8. Describe the role of the dental professional in
educating, counseling and follow-up of patients
about the harmful effects of smokeless tobacco who
wish to discontinue the habit.
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
Common Radiographic Pitfalls and How to Prevent Them
Credits: 1
$8.00
This course identifies common radiographic
exposure and processing pitfalls and how to avoid
or correct them. At the completion of this
course, the dental professional will be able to:
1. Describe the vital role of the dental team
member in educating and assuring the patient about
the importance of dental radiographs and how this
helps the procedure go more smoothly.
2. List and describe conditions found on
radiographs that assist the dentist in making a
comprehensive diagnosis of dental conditions and
diseases.
3. Identify common radiographic exposure pitfalls
and how to avoid or correct them.
4. Identify common radiographic processing
pitfalls and how to avoid or correct them.
5. List effective housekeeping hints and steps to
include in an automatic processor
maintenance checklist.
6. Describe why quality assurance is important in
dental radiographic procedures.
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
This course discusses trends, appliances,
technology, products, strategies and successful
preventive orthodontic treatment. At the
completion of this one-credit home-study course,
members of the dental team will be able to:
1. Define and describe normal occlusion.
2. List and discuss emerging trends, appliances
and technology in orthodontic treatment.
3. List and discuss successful preventive
orthodontic treatment, products and strategies.
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
This course lists the armamentarium required for
manipulation and application, minimal
required PPE ,clean-up procedures and special
considerations for working with glass ionomer
cement. At the completion of this course, members
of the dental team will be able to:
1. Describe the forms, uses, types, composition
and properties of glass ionomer cement used
in dentistry.
2. List the armamentarium required for
manipulation and application of glass ionomer cement
when used as a permanent cement (luting agent) and
as a dentin replacement (base).
3. List minimal required PPE and clean-up
procedures when using glass ionomer cement.
4. List and describe special considerations for
working with glass ionomer cement.
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
Dry Socket (Alveolitis/Alveolar Osteitis/AO): Causes, Treatment and Prevention
Credits: 3
$24.00
This course identifies the most common causes,
risk factors, treatment and methods of
minimizing and preventing postoperative
complications. At completion of this course, members
of the dental team will be able to:
1. Identify the most common known causes and risk
factors of dry socket following tooth
extraction.
2. Discuss methods of minimizing and preventing
postoperative complications associated with
dry socket.
3. Discuss methods of treatment for dry socket.
4. Relate the importance of patient education and
post-operative instructions associated with
tooth extraction and the risk for dry socket.
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
This course describes potential occupational
hazards related to dental bonding materials,
acrylics and acid etchant, noise levels, symptoms
of hand injuries and methods to reduce or
prevent them. At the completion of this
one-credit home-study course, members of the dental
team will be able to:
1. Identify and describe potential occupational
hazards related to dental bonding materials,
acrylics and acid etchant, and methods to reduce them.
2. Describe occupational risks associated with
noise levels and methods to reduce them.
3. Relate symptoms of occupational hand injuries,
including carpal tunnel syndrome and
describe methods and measures to reduce or to
prevent them.
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
This course identifies and describes potential
occupational hazards, common health risks,
preventive measures and methods to reduce the
potential of occupational hazards. At the
completion of this one-credit home-study course,
members of the dental team will be able to:
1. Identify and describe potential occupational
hazards associated with employment in the dental
office.
2. Describe common health risks and preventive
measures associated with working with
glutaraldehydes, nitrous oxide, oxygen and
biosaerosols.
3. Relate and describe methods and measures to
reduce the potential of occupational hazards
associated with employment in the dental office.
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
Calcium Hydroxide Liner: Applications in Dentistry
Credits: 1
$8.00
This course describes the use, instrumentation,
manipulation and application of calcium
hydroxide, clean-up procedures and special
considerations for working with calcium hydroxide
cavity liner. At the completion of this one-credit
home-study course, members of the dental team
will be able to:
1. Describe the use, instrumentation, manipulation
and application of calcium hydroxide in the
dental office.
2. Describe necessary clean-up procedures required
when using calcium hydroxide liner.
3. List special considerations for working with
calcium hydroxide cavity liner.
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
This course describes the use, composition and
properties of self-curing acrylic material for
fabrication of a custom tray. Criteria for an
acceptable custom tray and special considerations
when fabricating a custom resin tray are listed.
The four stages of polymerization and the
armamentarium and procedure for fabricating a
self-curing custom resin tray are also described.
At the completion of this course the dental
healthcare worker (DHCW)/operator will be able to:
1. Describe the use (indications), composition and
properties of self-curing acrylic material for
fabrication of a custom tray.
2. List the criteria for an acceptable custom tray.
3. List and briefly describe the four stages of
polymerization.
4. Describe the armamentarium and procedure for
fabricating a self-curing custom resin tray.
5. List special considerations when fabricating a
custom resin tray.
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
Improving Practice Efficacy with Dental Photography
Credits: 1
$8.00
This course lists and describes the applications
of oral photography; compares the advantages
of traditional verses digital; discusses
photographic terminology and equipment and ways to
communicate with patients and labs to increase
acceptance of digital photography. At the
completion of this course the dental healthcare
worker (DHCW) will be able to:
1. List and describe the applications of oral
photography in dental practice.
2. Compare and contrast the advantages of
traditional photography with digital photography
relevant to dentistry.
3. Be familiar with photographic terminology and
accessory equipment; describe how digital
photography works.
4. Describe ways to communicate with patients and
the dental laboratory, to increase case
presentation acceptance and to enhance the
practice’s image as a “high tech” dental care
provider using digital photography.
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
This course describes the benefits, advantages and
principles of the paralleling (XCP) dental X-
ray technique. Elements of radiographic quality,
necessary steps for proper film placement in
the maxillary and mandibular archs using the
XCP/PID techniques are listed and discussed. At
the completion of this course the dental
healthcare worker (DHCW) will be able to:
1. Describe the benefits, advantages and
principles of the paralleling (XCP) dental X-ray
technique.
2. List and discuss the elements of radiographic
quality.
3. List the necessary steps, in sequential order,
for proper film placement in the maxillary arch
using the XCP/PID paralleling technique.
4. List the necessary steps, in sequential order,
for proper film placement in the mandibular arch
using the XCP/PID paralleling technique
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
This course lists and describes the CDC’s
position; the four steps required to set protocols
for
cleaning; the three types of products available to
help ensure safe levels, three things the dental
office can do to ensure that water filtration
products and services have been properly evaluated
and discusses the CDC’s recently released advisory
on assessing dental equipment, devices
and waterlines following storm damage. At the
completion of this course the dental team
member will be able to:
1. List and describe the CDC’s position on dental
unit water purity and the four steps required to
set protocols for cleaning dental unit waterlines.
2. List and describe, compare and contrast the
three types of products available to help ensure
safe levels of dental office waterline quality.
3. List three things the dental office can do to
ensure that water filtration products and services
have been properly evaluated for safety and efficacy.
4. Discuss the CDC’s recently released advisory on
assessing dental equipment, devices and
waterlines following storm damage.
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Dental Hypersensitivity
Credits: 1
$8.00
This course lists and describes the causes of
dental hypersensitivity, management and
treatment strategies including non-invasive and
invasive, how to prevent and treat dental
hypersensitivity associated with at-home whitening
products and methods to prevent
postoperative sensitivity in posterior composite
restorations. At the completion of this course the
dental team member will be able to:
1. List and describe the causes of dental
hypersensitivity.
2. List management and treatment strategies for
cervical dentin hypersensitivity, including non-
invasive and invasive.
3. Describe how to prevent and treat dental
hypersensitivity associated with at-home dental
whitening products.
4. Describe methods to prevent postoperative
sensitivity in posterior composite restorations.
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
This course defines ergonomics as it relates to
dentistry and describes the seven principles of
four-handed dentistry, the five classifications of
motion and ergonomic principles for the
dentist/operator and chairside dental assistant.
At the completion of this course the dental team
member will be able to:
1. Define ergonomics as it relates to dentistry.
2. List and describe the seven principles of
four-handed dentistry.
3. List and describe the five classifications of
motion as they relate to dental ergonomics; give
an example of each, related to dentistry.
4. Discuss the seven techniques to conserve
chairside motions.
5. Describe ergonomic principles for the
dentist/operator and chairside dental assistant.
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
This course defines restless legs syndrome,
describes symptoms, relates the prevalence of
RLS and its link to dental implications, lists 4
categories of medications commonly prescribed,
special precautions that must be taken and dental
therapeutic remedies for the alleviation of
RLS and associated treatment. At the completion of
this course the dental team member will be
able to:
1. Define restless legs syndrome (RLS).
2. List and describe the symptoms associated with
restless legs syndrome (RLS).
3. Relate the prevalence of RLS and its link to
dental implications, concerns about prescribed
medications and treatment.
4. List the four categories of medications
commonly prescribed for RLS patients by their
physicians and the associated potential oral
complications.
5. List patient education and dental therapeutic
remedies for the alleviation of RLS and
associated treatment.
6. List special precautions that must be taken by
the dentist when prescribing sedative-hypnotic
agents and other medications likely to have
adverse reactions with medications prescribed by
the patient’s physician to treat RLS.
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
This course names the two new innovative
mechanisms designed to improve instrument
management, describes working concept of the class
B sterilizer and the requirements and prior
considerations for converting to an automatic
instrument washer/disinfector. ADA’s
considerations for the instruction processing area
are listed and recommendations for dental
healthcare workers safety during instrument
processing are described. At the completion of this
course the dental team member will be able to:
1. Name the two new innovative mechanisms designed
to improve the dental office’s systems
approach to instrument management.
2. List and describe the requirements and prior
considerations for converting to an automatic
instrument washer/disinfector.
3. Describe the working concept of the class B
sterilizer.
4. List the ADA’s considerations for the
instrument processing area.
5. Describe the recommendations for dental
healthcare worker (DHCW) safety during instrument
processing.
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
This course defines, describes, lists and
differentiates the types of sleep apnea and the risk
factors associated. Common signs and symptoms
including dental craniofacial symptoms are
discussed. Accepted treatments, adjunct
appliances and surgical techniques are described. At
the completion of this course the dental team
member will be able to:
1. Define sleep apnea; list, describe and
differentiate the types.
2. List and describe risk factors associated with
sleep apnea.
3. List and discuss common signs and symptoms of
sleep apnea, including dental craniofacial
symptoms.
4. Describe accepted treatments for sleep apnea,
including lifestyle changes, adjunct
appliances and surgical techniques.
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
Implications for Treating the Pregnant Dental Patient
Credits: 1
$8.00
This course describes ADA’s recommendations for
dental treatment during pregnancy,
indications for exposing radiographs on a pregnant
patient, most preferred trimester for dental
treatment, categories of medications and their
implications and terms pregnancy tumor,
pregnancy gingivitis and gestational diabetes and
treatment implications. At the completion of
this course the dental team member will be able to:
1. Describe and list the American Dental
Association’s recommendations for dental treatment
during pregnancy.
2. List the most preferred trimester for a
pregnant woman to undergo dental treatment.
3. Describe and define the terms pregnancy tumor,
pregnancy gingivitis and gestational
diabetes, and respective treatment implications.
4. Describe the indications for exposing
radiographs on a pregnant patient.
5. List and describe the categories of medications
and their implications for the pregnant patient.
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
This course describes the unique features and
advantages to both the dental team and
patients. Current dental treatment applications
available and disadvantages associated with
lasers are listed. Commonly used types of dental
lasers are listed and compared. At the
completion of this course the dental team member
will be able to:
1. Describe the unique features of dental lasers
(as compared with traditional treatment
methods).
2. List current dental treatment applications
available with the laser.
3. Describe advantages of the dental laser to both
members of the dental team and to
patients.
4. List, compare and contrast commonly used types
of dental lasers.
5. List disadvantages associated with lasers in
dentistry.
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
This course defines the term, list most common
causes, common indications for removal,
commonly cited reasons for prophylactic removal
and most common surgical procedure.
Procedures for surgical removal are described and
the potential use of stem cells harvested
from wisdom tooth pulp is related. At the
completion of this two-credit home-study course,
members of the dental team will be able to:
1. Define the term impaction as it relates to
wisdom teeth and list the most common causes.
2. Cite the most common surgical procedure in
dentistry.
3. List and describe the most common indications
for removal of wisdom teeth.
4. Describe the relationship between the unborn
baby and gingival infections associated with
wisdom teeth.
5. List and describe contraindications for the
removal of asymptomatic wisdom teeth.
6. List and describe the most commonly cited
reasons for prophylactic removal of wisdom teeth.
7. Describe the procedure for surgical removal of
an impacted wisdom tooth, including
instrumentation, accessing the tooth and removal
of the tooth.
8. Relate the potential use of stem cells
harvested from wisdom tooth pulp.
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
This course defines the term MRSA, its origins,
forms of infections, risk factors for each and
common methods of transmission. CDC recommended
steps to help prevent cross
contamination and guidelines to follow, how
diagnosed and treatment are described. At the
completion of this course the dental healthcare
worker (DHCW) will be able to:
1. Define the term, “MRSA” and its origins.
2. List, define and differentiate the two forms of
MRSA infections, the risk factors for each and
common methods of transmission.
3. Describe the manifestations associated with a
MRSA infection.
4. List and describe the CDC-recommended steps to
help prevent personal cross-
contamination of MRSA infections.
5. Describe the CDC-recommended guidelines dental
practices should follow to prevent cross-
contamination of MRSA in an occupational
healthcare setting.
6. Describe how the MRSA infection is diagnosed
and treated.
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
Mercury Amalgam Safety and Hygiene for the Dental Team (Revised
Credits: 2
$16.00
This course discusses the use of mercury, mercury
vapor leaks, facts about amalgam
restorations, ADA recommended guidelines, mercury
spills and ADA best practices for Amalgam
waste. At the completion of this course, the
dental team member will be able to:
1. State the use of mercury associated with
amalgam restorations in the dental office.
2. List ways mercury vapors can leak, causing a
potential occupational health risk to dental
personnel and health risk to patients.
3. Recall specific relevant facts about amalgam
restorations in the U.S.
4. List the ADA recommended guidelines for safe
handling of mercury in the dental office.
5. Recall the steps to properly and safely clean a
mercury spill in the office.
6. List the minimum contents required in a mercury
spill kit.
7. List recommendations of the ADA Best Practices
for Amalgam Waste and how to employ them
in the dental office.
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
Learn the most common reasons patients sue for
dental malpractice, ways to reduce the
practice’s risk for malpractice litigation, and
what to do in the event of a malpractice suit. At
the
completion of this course the dental healthcare
worker (DHCW) will be able to:
1. Describe/define dental malpractice.
2. List the most common reasons patients sue for
dental malpractice.
3. List ways to reduce the practice’s risk for
malpractice litigation.
4. Describe what to do in the event of a
malpractice suit.
Author's Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
This course covers the anatomy and physiology of
the thyroid gland and its hormones, common
signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism and
hyperthyroidism, clinical and laboratory methods for
evaluating patients, the epidemiology, clinical
presentation and pathologic findings of the major
types of thyroid disease and how to provide safe,
effective dental care to patients with thyroid
disease. Upon completion of this course, the
participant will:
1. Understand the anatomy and physiology of the
thyroid gland and its hormones.
2. Recognize the common signs and symptoms of
hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
3. Be familiar with the clinical and laboratory
methods for evaluating a patient with suspected
thyroid disease.
4. Know about the epidemiology, clinical
presentation, and pathologic findings of the major
types
of thyroid diseases.
5. Understand how to provide safe, effective
dental care to patients with thyroid disease.
Author’s Bio: Kristine Krafts, MD received her
Doctor of Medicine from University of Minnesota
School of Medicine. She is a medical doctor with
15 years experience as adjunct and assistant
professor of pathology. Seasoned lecturer and
prolific medical writer. Completed residency in
pathology, and fellowships in hematopathology and
molecular medicine. Currently teaching
pathology, immunology, and microbiology at the
University of Minnesota School of Medicine,
Duluth Campus, and pathology for dental students
at the University of Minnesota School of
Dentistry
This course describes how X-rays work, how often
dental radiographs should be taken, the four
types of radiation and their relevance to
dentistry and the need for quality assurance. Also
discussed if the significance of occupational
exposure, proper handling and disposal, OSHA
required MSDSs and responsibilities of members of
the dental team. At the completion of this
course the dental team member will be able to:
1. List and describe how X-rays work.
2. List and describe how often dental radiographs
should be taken.
3. List and describe the four types of radiation
and their relevance to dentistry.
4. Relate the significance of occupational
exposure as it applies to radiographic surveys in the
dental office.
5. Be familiar with proper handling and disposal
of dental film and processing chemistry
byproducts.
6. Be familiar with the contents of OSHA-required
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs).
7. List the responsibilities of members of the
dental team during radiographic exposure.
8. Describe the need for quality assurance during
radiographic exposures.
Author’s Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
This course describes the rationale for
disinfection required for dental lab cases to
prevent chain
of infection, the necessary infection control
protocol for the in-house lab, the four necessary
components of infection control protocol for the
outside dental laboratory and explains why
disinfection of cases is necessary when sending a
case out to the dental lab or when the case
is returned from the lab. (Clinical Course) At
the completion of this course, members of the
dental team will be able to:
1. Describe the rationale for disinfection
required for dental lab cases to prevent the
potential
chain of infection from patient to dental
healthcare workers (DHCWs), to the dental technician
and back again.
2. Explain why disinfection of cases is necessary
when sending a case out to the dental lab or
when the case is returned from the lab.
3. Describe the necessary infection control
protocol for the in-house (in-office) lab.
4. Describe the four necessary components of
infection control protocol for the outside
(commercial) dental laboratory.
Author’s Bio: Ellen Dietz, CDA, AAS, BS, earned
her BS in Allied Health Education in Dental
Auxiliary Utilization and a Community College
Teaching Certificate from the State University of
New York at Buffalo. She has extensive experience
in dental/medical writing.
This course discusses the general process by which
blood clots, mechanisms that oppose
blood clotting, evaluating a patient with a
suspected bleeding or thrombotic disorder, clinical
signs and symptoms, treatments available for
uncontrolled post-operative bleeding. At the
completion of this course, members of the dental
team will be able to: 1. Understand the
general process by which blood clots and the
mechanisms that oppose blood clotting; 2. Be
familiar with the clinical and laboratory methods
for evaluating a patient with a suspected
bleeding or thrombotic disorder; 3. Recognize the
clinical signs and symptoms of the major
bleeding and thrombotic disorders; 4. Be able to
screen patients for potential bleeding
problems, and be aware of the major topical
hemostatic treatments available for uncrontrolled
post-operative bleeding.
Author’s Bio: Kristine Krafts, MD received her
Doctor of Medicine from University of Minnesota
School of Medicine. She is a medical doctor with
15 years experience as adjunct and assistant
professor of pathology. Seasoned lecturer and
prolific medical writer. Completed residency in
pathology, and fellowships in hematopathology and
molecular medicine. Currently teaching
pathology, immunology, and microbiology at the
University of Minnesota School of Medicine,
Duluth Campus, and pathology for dental students
at the University of Minnesota School of
Dentistry
