Module: Orthodontics
Faculty Teaching Guide for Specialty Chairside Assisting
Module – Orthodontics
Faculty Teaching Guide for Specialty Chairside Assisting
Module: Orthodontics
Review of Previous Module
Review topics from the previous module to confirm understanding prior to presenting new material.
Module Overview
This module will discuss the dental assistant’s responsibilities as a team member for the specialty of orthodonitcs. Specialty procedures may be performed by a general dentist or the patient may be referred to an expert limited to a particular discipline. The general dentist works closely with the orthodontist to ensure the best overall care for the patient. Orthodontists primarily treat the child patient.
The Big Picture
Resources
This module utilizes the following learner resources:
Textbook: Dental Assisting, A Comprehensive Approach, 2nd edition, by Donna J. Phinney and Judy Halstead. Delmar Learning, 2004. ISBN 1-4018-3480-9.
Workbook: Workbook to Accompany Dental Assisting, A Comprehensive Approach, 2nd edition, by Donna J. Phinney and Judy Halstead, prepared by Karen L. Waide, Delmar Learning, 2004. ISBN 1-4018-3483-3.
Instructor’s Manual: Instructor’s Manual to Accompany Delmar’s Dental Assisting, A Comprehensive Approach, 2nd edition, by Donna J. Phinney and Judy Halstead. Delmar Learning, 2004. ISBN 1-4018-3482-5.
Electronic CD-ROM: Delmar’s Dental Assisting Interactive Skills and Procedures CD-ROM, ISBN 1-4018-3485-X
Faculty CD-ROM: The faculty CD-ROM includes this Faculty Guide and the PowerPoint presentation for Specialty Chairside Assisting.
Section 1: Orthodontics
Section Overview
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry concerning the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of malalignment and irregularities of the teeth, jaws, and face. The patient is referred to the orthodontist by the general dentist and they work together in order to provide the best treatment. Early detection of developmental abnormalities, and harmful habits which may contribute to orthodontic problems, could prevent malocclusion. Steps such as the removal of malaligned teeth can be taken with the purpose of correcting problems that are just beginning. Fixed and removable orthodontic appliances are used to restore dentition to fully function and aesthetic conditions.
Outline of Section
Part A: The Orthodontic Team
Part B: Orthodontics
Learning Objectives and Competencies
These learning activities directly address the Learning Objectives and Competencies
as stated.
Knowledge
1. Define the Key Terms.
Comprehensive
2. Define and describe orthodontics and the DA’s role in an orthodontic setting.
3. Describe occlusion and malocclusion.
4. Define and describe what is included in preventive, interceptive, and corrective orthodontic treatment.
5. Explain the process of tooth movement.
6. Differentiate between fixed and removable appliances.
7. State the functions of basic orthodontics instruments.
8. Describe the stages of orthodontic treatment.
Application
9. Demonstrate the knowledge and ability to assist during orthodontic treatment.
Learning Activities
These learning activities directly address the Learning Objectives and Competencies as stated.
[Insert Homework Assignment icon] Key Term Glossary (Part A, Objective 1)
[Insert In-Class Activity icon] Field Trip (Part A, All Objectives)
[Insert In-Class Activity icon] Placement and Removal of Elastic Separators (Part B, Objective 9)
[Insert In-Class Activity icon] Cementation of Orthodontic Bands (Part B, Objective 9)
[Insert In-Class Activity icon] Direct Bonding of Brackets (Part B, Objective 9)
[Insert In-Class Activity icon] Placement of the Arch Wire and Ligature Ties (Part B, Objective 9)
[Insert In-Class Activity icon] Completion Appointment (Part B, Objective 9)
[Insert Homework Assignment icon] Textbook Assignment (Part A, All Objectives)
[Insert Homework Assignment icon] Interactive Skills and Procedures CD-ROM (Part B, Objective 9)
[Insert Homework Assignment icon] Workbook Assignment (Part B, All Objectives)
[Insert Homework Assignment icon] End of Chapter Activities (Part B, All Objectives)
Part A: The Orthodontic Team
Overview
As with all dental offices, the personnel in an orthodontic facility function as a team. There are many phases of orthodontic treatment, including laboratory work that must be completed in order for successful results. Patients seeking orthodontic treatment may be adults, but are most often children, who will continue treatment into their young adult years. The orthodontic dental assistant is delegated many functions under the general supervision of the orthodontist, especially in states where expanded functions are practiced. Although individual members of the dental health team have specific areas of responsibility, they all work together toward the shared goal of providing the best possible care for their patients.
Initial Questions and Activities
1. How do you think orthodontics works to move teeth? With this in mind, what
are going to be some of the concerns of a patient who goes to an
orthodontic office.
Tooth movement occurs through pressure, causing bone to be removed on one side of a tooth, and bone to fill in on the other side.
Is it going to hurt, will I be able to return to work after the procedure, will there be much swelling or bleeding.
Key Concepts / References and Activities / Slides /Introduction to Module / Slides 1-2
Introduction to Section / Slides 3-4
Key Terms / [Insert Home Ass icon] Key Term Glossary / Slides 5-6
The Orthodontic Team / Chapter ____, pgs. ____
[Insert Group Activity icon] Field Trip
[Insert Home Ass icon] Textbook Assignment / Slides 7-9
[ ] Group Activities [ ] Homework [ ] Individual Activity [ ] Internet Activity [ ] In-Class Discussion [ ] In-Class Act [ ] Evaluation
[Insert In-Class Act icon] In-Class Activities
q Field Trip (Part A, All Objectives). Goal: For learners to see an orthodontic practice in person. Instructor should call an orthodontic office and set up a time for the dental assisting learners to visit as a group. During the tour, learners should write down what they see staff members doing. They then should prepare a short report to present and discuss in class.
[Insert In-Class Dis Ques icon] In-Class Discussion
1. What is the definition of aethetics? How important is esthetics in today’s society?
Aesthetics, which can also be spelled esthetics, means relating to the sense of beautiful, or good
taste. In other words, people want to look good, and often seek treatment to improve their looks. In
orthodontics, treatment is not only for aesthetics, but so the patient can function better during
mastication. Have learners share their opinions regarding the importance of looking good in today’s
society.
[Insert Home Ass icon] Homework Assignments
Key Term Glossary. Learners will define key terms listed in the PowerPoint presentation. They are to enter this glossary on disk, in a dedicated notebook or in a designated part of a notebook. They are expected to augment information from text or lecture with other resources including any available in the school or public libraries or on the Internet and will be graded at the end of the module on completeness and presentation.
Textbook Assignment. Learners are to read Chapter ____.
Presentation Tools
Note: If you change Objectives or Assignments, don’t forget to change the slides accordingly.
Slide 1 / [Insert SCA 4-1]SCA – Stands for Specialty Chairside Assisting. The 1st number indicates the Module called “Orthodontics. The 2nd number indicates the slide. / Power Point Presentation for Specialty Chairside Assisting
Module: Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, and Periodontics
Prior to introducing this module. Ask learners if any questions remain from the previous module. If questions remain review the material as needed.
Introduce this module.
Slide 2 / [Insert SCA 4-2] / Module: Orthodontics
Introduce the sections and each part.
Slide 3 / [Insert SCA 4-3] / Section 1: Orthodontics
Discuss each objective in detail. Learners need to know what they will be learning and why. Try to relate it back to their careers as dental assistants.
Slide 4 / [Insert SCA 4-4] / Section 1: Orthodontics (cont.)
Continue to discuss each objective in detail.
Slide 5 / [Insert SCA 4-5] / Key Terms
Review each key term and discuss.
Slide 6 / [Insert SCA 4-6] / Key Terms (cont.)
Continue discussing each term.
Homework Assignment: Stop here and go over the Key Term Glossary assignment.
Slide 7 / [Insert SCA 4-7] / Part A: The Orthodontic Team
Introduce the specialty field of orthodontics.
Explain that the orthodontic office is often set up in an open bay design and that “perfect” orthodontic models, completed by the DA, will be shown to the patient as well as the parents when discussing the diagnosis, prognosis, and cost of treatment.
Slide 8 / [Insert SCA 4-8] / The Orthodontic Team
Discuss the orthodontic team members and each of their responsibilities.
Slide 9 / [Insert SCA 4-9] / Responsibilities of the Orthodontic Assistant
Explain how the orthodontic assistant works with the dentist and also independently.
Discuss the variety of responsibilities that the orthodontic assistant is responsible for. This slide only represents a selection.
Point out how an individual can become a credentialed orthodontic assistant.
In-Class Activity: Stop here for the Field Trip activity.
Homework Assignment: Stop here to assign and discuss the homework.
Part B: Orthodontics
Overview
The orthodontic practice is a very hands-on specilaty for the dental assistant. The DA will either assist the dentist or work independently in this type of specialized dental practice. The dental assistant’s duties include preparing study models, radiographs, cephalometric tracings, polishing the patient’s teeth, placing sealants, placing and removing archwires, removing cement from brackets, and removing bands and brackets. This part prepares the dental assistant to be confident in performing these various types of duties.
Initial Questions and Activities
1. Why would perfect orthodontic study models be necessary? What might happen if the study model isn’t perfect?
During the consultation appointment for orthodontic treatment, plaster study models will be shown to the parents. The dentist, office coordinator, or dental assistant will explain the diagnosis and prognosis to the parents and the patient. Orthodontic plaster has more shine, or can even be polished, so they emulate the quality of dentistry that will be completed and paid for at this office.
The individuals financially responsible to pay for the orthodontics will think that if the models are sloppy, the dental treatment will probably also be careless. The dentist or office coordinator would be embarrassed by the shoddy models and the dental assistant would probably lose their job.
Key Concepts / References and Activities / Slides /Orthodontics / Chapter ____, pgs. ____
[Insert Group Activity icon] Placement and Removal of Elastic Separators
[Insert Group Activity icon] Cementation of Orthodontic Bands
[Insert Group Activity icon] Direct Bonding of Brackets
[Insert Group Activity icon] Placement of the Arch Wire and Ligature Ties
[Insert In-Class Activity icon] Completion Appointment
[Insert Home Ass icon] Interactive Skill and Procedures CD-ROM
[Insert Home Ass icon] Workbook Assignment
[Insert Home Ass icon] End of Chapter Activities / Slides 10-19
Assessment Questions / Slide 20
Summary of Module / Slide 21
[ ] Group Activities [ ] Homework [ ] Individual Activity [ ] Internet Activity [ ] In-Class Discussion [ ] In-Class Activity [ ] Evaluation
[Insert In-Class Act icon] In-Class Activities
q Placement and Removal of Elastic Separators (Part B, Objective 9). Goal: For learners to understand how elastic separators are placed and removed. Instructor should provide typodonts and ensure supplies are available. Learners should be placed into groups. Learners should be graded on the procedure steps as outlined on pg. ____, Chapter ____. Learner workbooks contain check off sheets that can be utilized.
q Cementation of Orthodontic Bands (Part B, Objective 9). Goal: For learners to understand how orthodontic bands are cemented in place. Instructor should provide a typodonts and ensure supplies are available. Learners should be placed into groups. Learners should be graded on the procedure steps as outlined on pg. ____, Chapter ____. Learner workbooks contain check off sheets that can be utilized.
q Direct Bonding of Brackets (Part B, Objective 9). Goal: For learners to prepare a set-up and assist during direct bonding of orthodontic brackets. Instructor should ensure enough materials, supplies, and typodonts are available, and should be the operator for this procedure. Learners should be separated into groups. Learners should be graded on the procedure steps as outlined on pg. ____, Chapter ____. Learner workbooks contain check off sheets that can be utilized.
q Placement of the Arch Wire and Ligature Ties (Part B, Objective 9). Goal: For learners to prepare a set-up and assist during placement of archwires and ligature ties. Instructor should ensure enough materials, supplies, and typodonts are available. Learners should be separated into groups. Learners should be graded on the procedure steps as outlined on pg. ____, Chapter ____. Learner workbooks contain check off sheets that can be utilized.
q Completion Appointment (Part B, Objective 9). Goal: For learners to prepare a set-up and assist during an orthodontic completion appointment. Instructor should ensure enough materials, supplies, and typodonts are available. Learners should be separated into groups. Learners should be graded on the procedure steps as outlined on pg. ____, Chapter ____. Learner workbooks contain check off sheets that can be utilized.
[Insert In-Class Dis Ques icon] In-Class Discussion
1. How is enamel bonding accomplished?
Adhesion of orthodontic brackets to tooth enamel is accomplished by acid etching with phosphoric acid, and then resin bonding agents penetrate into the undercuts that have been created.
2. Which dental cement released fluoride?
Glass ionomer cements release fluoride. Orthodontic bands are often cemented in place with this cement because it helps prevent decay.
[Insert Home Ass icon] Homework Assignments
Interactive Skills and Procedures CD-ROM. Learners should use the case studies presented on the CD-ROM as practice in setting up the two orthodontic cases presented.
Workbook Assignment. Learners are to complete the workbook Chapter ____ questions. Learners should be prepared to review these in class.
End of Chapter Activities. Have learners complete the Review Questions and Critical Thinking Questions in