This course provides a foundation for understanding the pathological processes and conditions graduates encounter in their professional roles. This course introduces students to the anatomy and functional relationships of dental structures. Students practise recording oral conditions on appropriate charting forms. This content provides students with a knowledge of dental terminology that is the foundation for other related courses. This course introduces students to the dental practice environment.
Students learn the basic names, uses, care, and maintenance of dental instruments and equipment.
A basic understanding of microbes and methods to control their growth is acquired. Students learn the value of good techniques in producing radiographs as diagnostic aids in dentistry. The safety precautions required in the use of dental x-ray equipment are emphasized in an effort to reduce the public's and radiation workers' exposure to radiation. This laboratory course teaches students to apply radiography theory to the production of diagnostically useful bite wing and occlusal intra-oral radiographs. Bisecting angle and paralleling exposure techniques are practised and films are processed using automatic techniques.