Course Overview

The DENT 100 Series Course, “Introduction to the Dental Environment,” is a comprehensive six-week program designed for both entry-level and intermediate Dental Repair Technicians (DRTs) and Biomedical Equipment Technicians (BMETs). This course provides an in-depth exploration of dental clinics and the crucial support systems that ensure effective operation. Through structured modules, students will develop technical skills in troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of dental equipment while applying critical reasoning and problem-solving methodologies. The curriculum emphasizes the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical applications, including the use of flowcharts and diagnostic resources, to enable students to isolate and resolve equipment issues effectively. Additionally, the course highlights the regulatory aspects of dental equipment operation and the significance of maintaining safety standards. By the end of the program, students will engage in a cumulative assessment that requires them to devise a systematic problem-solving and repair action plan, preparing them for successful careers in dental equipment technology.

Prerequisites

None.

Course Objectives

Define the role and responsibilities of a Dental Repair Technician (DRT) within a dental healthcare environment, detailing their professional scope and interaction with dental teams.

Demonstrate an understanding of dental anatomy by identifying key structures and explaining their relevance to equipment maintenance and repair.

Analyze various types of dental handpieces, articulating their components and functions, and differentiate between the roles of various dental specialists to enhance communication and collaboration.

Explain the principles of hydraulics and pneumatics, including units of pressure used in maintenance, such as PSI and Bar, and demonstrate the ability to convert and apply these units in troubleshooting scenarios.

Identify and explain the essential components of dental clinics, emphasizing ergonomics, sterilization, and infection control practices.

Outline the operation and maintenance of ultrasonic cleaners and sterilization methods, including safety measures and procedures for testing sterilizer effectiveness.

Detail the function, operation, and maintenance of critical dental equipment, including curing lights, dental chairs, and vacuum systems, while identifying common issues and implementing troubleshooting steps.

Apply the principles of electricity and electronics in understanding circuit operations, including Ohm’s Law and the identification of common electrical components to troubleshoot and resolve electrical issues in dental equipment.

Understand and implement safety protocols, including lockout-tagout procedures, risk management methodologies, and infection control procedures to mitigate potential hazards in dental settings.

Demonstrate foundational knowledge of information systems and networking concepts, including the types of network cables, OSI model layers, and best practices for maintaining network security for medical devices.

Utilize reasoning and problem-solving techniques to analyze equipment data, convert measurement units, and interpret visual representations from technical documents to make informed decisions in equipment diagnostics.

Employ available resources, such as equipment manuals and troubleshooting guides, to identify problems and determine effective next steps for resolution.