Includes bibliographical references and index.

pt. 1. The Dental Assisting Profession. History of dentistry -- The professional dental assistant -- The dental healthcare team -- Dental ethics -- Dentistry and the law -- pt. 2. Sciences In Dentistry. General anatomy -- General physiology -- Oral embryology and histology -- Head and neck anatomy -- Landmarks of the face and oral cavity -- Overview of the dentitions -- Tooth morphology -- pt. 3. Oral Health And Prevention Of Dental Disease. Dental caries -- Periodontal disease -- Preventive dentistry -- Nutrition -- Oral pathology -- pt. 4. Infection Prevention In Dentistry. Microbiology -- Disease transmission and infection prevention -- Principles and techniques of disinfection -- Principles and techniques of instrument processing and sterilization -- pt. 5. Occupational Health And Safety. Regulatory and advisory agencies -- Chemical and waste management -- Dental unit waterlines -- Ergonomics -- pt. 6. Patient Information And Assessment. The patient record -- Vital signs -- Oral diagnosis and treatment planning -- The special needs and medically compromised patient -- Principles of pharmacology -- Assisting in a medical emergency -- pt. 7. Foundation Of Clinical Dentistry. The dental office -- Delivering dental care -- Dental hand instruments -- Dental handpieces and accessories -- Moisture control -- Anesthesia and pain control -- pt. 8. Radiographic Imaging. Foundations of radiography, radiographic equipment, and radiation safety -- Digital imaging, dental film, and processing radiographs -- Legal issues, quality assurance, and infection prevention -- Intraoral imaging -- Extraoral imaging -- pt. 9. Dental Materials. Restorative and esthetic dental materials -- Dental liners, bases, and bonding systems -- Dental cements -- Impression materials -- Laboratory materials and procedures -- pt. 10. Assisting In Comprehensive Dental Care. General dentistry -- Matrix systems for restorative dentistry -- Fixed prosthodontics -- Provisional coverage -- Removable prosthodontics -- Dental implants -- Endodontics -- Periodontics -- Oral and maxillofacial surgery -- Pediatric dentistry -- Coronal polishing -- Dental sealants -- Orthodontics -- pt. 11. Dental Administration And Communication Skills. Communication in the dental office -- Business operating systems -- Financial management in the dental office -- Marketing your skills.