Course Overview

The Dental Delivery Systems course is designed for beginner and intermediate Dental Repair Technicians (DRTs) and Biomedical Equipment Technicians (BMETs). This course equips students with the essential skills required to troubleshoot, maintain, and repair various dental delivery equipment, including dental x-ray systems, dental chairs, and delivery units. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, students will learn to apply reasoning and problem-solving methodologies to effectively identify and resolve issues associated with dental equipment devices. Participants will utilize technical resources, such as service manuals and flowcharts, to develop logical solutions.

Prerequisites

None.

Course Objectives

Explain the operation of dental x-ray systems: Students will describe how dental x-ray systems produce diagnostic images by understanding the processes involved in x-ray generation, exposure settings, and image processing. They will differentiate between various types of dental x-ray systems—such as intraoral, panoramic, CBCT (cone beam computed tomography), and portable systems—recognizing their unique features and applications. Furthermore, they will identify installation requirements, including electrical connections and regulatory compliance, while describing the functions of digital sensors and performing routine maintenance tasks.

Identify and analyze components of dental chairs: Students will identify the key components of a dental chair, including adjustment mechanisms and associated plumbing and electrical systems. They will differentiate between hydraulic and electric dental chairs, explaining their specific features and applications. Students will understand installation requirements and define routine maintenance tasks, while also analyzing and troubleshooting common issues related to dental chairs and demonstrating knowledge of safety regulations regarding electrical safety and infection control.

Understand the functionality of delivery units: Students will identify the essential components of a dental delivery unit, including handpiece controls and positioning mechanisms. They will differentiate between traditional and unit-mounted delivery systems, explaining their functionalities and applications. By understanding how dental delivery systems operate, students will perform routine maintenance tasks and analyze common issues, including control malfunctions and leaks, while adhering to safety regulations.

Develop critical reasoning and problem-solving skills: Students will cultivate reasoning and problem-solving skills that are applicable to dental repair equipment. They will convert commonly used measurement units in biomedical equipment and interpret unit readings from dental devices. Students will analyze visual data representations found in equipment manuals and make informed decisions based on the extracted information. Additionally, they will utilize provided technical information to identify problems in dental equipment and determine appropriate actions based on available resources.