Coronal Polishing for Dental Assistants

Coronal Polishing for Dental Assistants Certificate Program

Coronal Polishing is a technique used to remove plaque and stain from the coronal surfaces of the teeth. The Indiana State Board of Dentistry allows coronal polishing of the dentition as a permitted function delegable by a licensed dentist to a trained dental assistant. This program will provide didactic (online) and laboratory instruction required for certification as established by the Indiana State Board of Dentistry.

Refer to 2011 Indiana State rules 82B IAC6-1-1 through 828 IAC 6-1-5.

Who Should Enroll in this Program?

This program is designed for English-speaking graduates of a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association or a dental assistant with one or more years of experience in dental assisting.

Attention: Proof of graduation from an accredited dental assisting program OR proof of one or more years of dental assisting experience is required. To verify experience, the employer dentist must submit a signed letter (on company letterhead with a daytime phone number) verifying one or more years of dental assisting experience.

Learning Outcome

The learning outcome of this program is to enable the learner to incorporate best practices related to coronal polishing of the teeth.

Objectives

At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:

1. Discuss ethics and jurisprudence as related to coronal polishing by the dental assistant.
2. Apply proper infection control methods.
3. Recognize plaque and materia alba and their effects on the oral cavity.
4. Distinguish the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic stain.
5. Identify the types of abrasive agents available for use in coronal polishing.
6. Demonstrate the proper use of the slow speed hand piece and its armamentarium.
7. Discuss the theory of selective polishing.

Criteria for Successful Completion

• Submit registration and payment.
• Complete online course content with a minimum cumulative average of 75%.
• Complete the laboratory session, including two (2) hours of practice on a mannequin.
• Demonstrate clinical competency on a minimum of five (5) patients in a dental office under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist or dental hygienist and submit a signed form verifying completion.

Contact Hours (9 Contact Hours)

Nine contact hours (5 hours for the online instruction and 4 hours for the laboratory session)

Successful completion of this program does not guarantee expertise in the content. Clinical experience and judgment, coupled with an understanding of the content, are necessary to attain competency.

Upon completion of the didactic and laboratory requirements, each participant must demonstrate clinical competency on a minimum of five (5) patients under the direct observation of a licensed dentist or dental hygienist. A form will be provided to each participant on which the observing licensed dentist or dental hygienist will document certification of competency and completion of required clinical cases. The form must be signed by the certifier and submitted to the University of Southern Indiana’s Coronal Polishing for Dental Assistants Certificate Program.

Upon receipt of the signed form, USI will issue a certificate of completion that must be publicly displayed in the dental office where the dental assistant practices. Once the certificate of completion is received, participants will be able to legally polish the coronal surfaces of the dentition under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.

Enrollment Cost - $525

Coronal Polishing for Dental Assistants: $545 (register for Coronal Polishing only)

Coronal Polishing and Fluoride Application: $990 (register for both for $990)

A text, if applicable, is not included in the fee.

Fee includes: online instruction and laboratory practical materials. Lunch will be provided at the laboratory session.

Registration Policy

The deadline for registration is the Wednesday prior to the start date. Registration may not be available until closer to the start of the program.

Registration by invoicing employer closes two weeks prior to the start date. There is a $25.00 fee to invoice.

The program requires a minimum of 5 participants.

We reserve the right to cancel any offering if there is insufficient enrollment. Registered participants will be notified in advance and fully refunded if this occurs.

Refund Policy

A $75 administrative fee will be charged prior to the start date of the activity if the registration fee has been paid. On or after the start date of the class there will be no refund.

Questions? Call toll-free 1-877-USI-HLTH (874-4584) or 812-461-5217 or email usi1nhpcert@usi.edu