Introduction to Basic Dental Assisting
About This Course
This course provides an introductory overview of basic dental assisting. It offers participants foundational exposure to the knowledge and basic assisting skills required in a general dental clinical environment, without assuming prior experience and formal training.
Through a combination of didactic teaching, demonstrations, and guided hands-on practice, participants will be introduced to key concepts such as basic dental anatomy and terminology, common dental instruments and materials, infection control and sterilisation principles, fundamental chairside assisting workflows, and oral health promotion and education. The course also places emphasis on professional conduct, patient safety, and ethical responsibilities, including adherence to patient confidentiality and Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) requirements.
Upon completion of the course, participants will gain a clearer understanding of the dental assistant’s role and workplace expectations, enabling them to make informed decisions about further training or employment pathways, while functioning safely and appropriately within a dental team at an introductory level.
What You'll Learn
1. Describe the fundamental roles and responsibilities of a dental assistant in a dental clinical environment.
2. Explain basic dental terminology, anatomy, instrument categories, clinical workflows and oral health education used in general dental practice.
3. Identify common dental instruments and materials used in routine dental procedures.
4. Demonstrate essential chairside assisting skills, including instrument passing, suctioning, and maintenance of asepsis in a general dental practice.
5. Apply basic infection control and sterilisation principles in accordance with standard dental practice protocols.
6. Demonstrate safe patient positioning and preparation, to support common dental procedures.
7. Recognise the preparation of basic treatment trays for common dental procedures.
8. Demonstrate basic professional communication skills and ethical conduct, including adherence to patient confidentiality and Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) in clinic administration and dispensing oral health promotion and education according to established protocols and guidelines
Entry Requirements
Basic proficiency in the English language, sufficient to read course materials, follow instructions, and complete simple written assessments.