Lesson #1 – Oral and Dental Anatomy

• Recognize and properly identify oral and dental anatomy as it relates to orthodontic treatment
• Demonstrate an understanding of the phases of tooth development
• Identify teeth in the adult and primary dentition utilizing various tooth numbering systems including Palmar Notation, FDI Notation and Universal Tooth Numbering
• Identify tooth surfaces and directions
• Recognize the three types of malocclusions and the classifications of each

Lesson #2 – What is Orthodontics?

• Demonstrate an understanding of the various employment positions common in the orthodontic practice and the importance of each
• Demonstrate an understanding of the educational requirements of an orthodontist
• Identify the nine dental specialties recognized by the ADA and the types of treatment provided by each
• Recognize the types and stages of treatment offered in orthodontics
• Identify common orthodontic instruments and the use of each
• Understand the basic principles of tooth movement and how it makes orthodontic treatment possible

Lesson #3 – The Orthodontic Appliance

• Recognize and identify the common parts of the orthodontic appliance
• Identify elastomeric and steel ligatures and explain the appropriate use of each in orthodontic treatment
• Demonstrate an understanding of the basic techniques involved in placement and removal of elastomeric and steel ligatures with emphasis on patient protection
• Recognize intra-oral auxiliaries and their use including springs
• Identify non-traditional appliances, such as self-ligating brackets, that may be utilized in an orthodontic practice

Lesson #4 – Archwires

• Identify the common materials from which archwires are fabricated and the pros and cons of each
• Demonstrate an understanding of the procedure of archwire placement
• Demonstrate an understanding of the procedure of archwire termination

Lesson #5 – Headgears and Elastics

• Identify the types of headgears utilized in orthodontics
• Recognize the malocclusion for which the various headgears types may be utilized
• Demonstrate an understanding of fitting and adjusting headgears
• Demonstrate an understanding of elastic configurations and the treatment for which each configuration is appropriate
• Demonstrate an understanding of proper patient instructions for headgear and elastics

Lesson #6 – Secondary Appliances

• Identify the categories of secondary appliances including fixed, removable, active and passive
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of the processes utilized in appliance fabrication
• Recognize common examples of secondary appliances and appropriate treatment usage

Lesson #7 – Application of Appliances

• Identify the different types of separators used and demonstrate an understanding of when each type is appropriate in treatment
• Recognize the purpose of orthodontic bands in treatment
• Demonstrate an understanding of the process of fitting and cementing bands with emphasis on patient protection
• Demonstrate an understanding of the procedure of bonding the orthodontic appliance through both direct and indirect bonding
• Identify the steps of the application of the orthodontic appliance which are allowable by orthodontic assistants

Lesson #8 – Removal and Retention

• Identify the steps used in the removal of appliances with emphasis on patient protection
• Identify the steps of the removal of the orthodontic appliance which are allowable by orthodontic assistants
• Recognize the importance of retention in orthodontic treatment
• Identify post-treatment procedures and understand when each might be deemed appropriate

Lesson #9 – Diagnostic Records

• Understand the function of alginate impressions in orthodontic treatment
• Demonstrate an understanding of the procedure of taking alginate impressions
• Understand the function of bite registrations in orthodontic treatment
• Demonstrate an understanding of proper X-ray techniques with emphasis on patient safety
• Demonstrate an understanding of intra- and extra-oral photography techniques and the purpose of these images in treatment planning

Lesson #10 – Radiation Safety

• Understand the history of X-ray technology
• Demonstrate an understanding of radiation safety techniques and their importance
• Identify the benefits of digital radiography
• Demonstrate an understanding of the steps involved in developing film radiography

Lesson #11 – Orthodontic Models

• Identify the two types of models used in orthodontic treatment
• Demonstrate an understanding of the steps in making working models
• Recognize alternatives to study models that may be used in an orthodontic practice and the benefits of each

Lesson #12 – Patient Management

• Identify proper chair, patient and body positioning
• Demonstrate the appropriate method for physically interacting with patients during an appointment
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of patient instructions for the care and maintenance of the orthodontic appliance
• Identify the basic principles of patient charting and any legal requirements
• Demonstrate an understanding of best practices for communicating with parents/guardians of orthodontic patients

Lesson #13 – Infection Control

• Understand the primary concepts associated with infection control in the orthodontic practice
• Demonstrate an understanding of sterilization and disinfection, the differences between the two and under what circumstances each is appropriate
• Identify the ways to protect yourself and your patients in the orthodontic practice

Lesson #14 – Professionalism

• Understand the basic concepts of professionalism in the orthodontic practice
• Demonstrate an understanding of a quality orthodontic assistant resume
• Demonstrate an understanding of common interview questions and appropriate responses