CAPSTONE PROJECT

CLINICAL DENTAL ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR

Rachel Nguyen DHS

 Introduction
Hi, My name’s Hoa Nguyen, but I go by Rachel.
I’m a senior dental hygiene student at Seattle Central College
graduating in June 2024.

Why did I choose this opportunity?

I chose this opportunity to do my capstone project because:
I have several years of dental assistant experience, which provides me with a strong foundation in
dental procedures and patient care.
As a former dental assistant student in this school, I was part of the first student group under the
instruction of Ms. Cook.
--> This familiarity with the role and environment allows me to bring valuable insights and contribute
effectively to the project.
 Is there a need for this role?
YES!
DAs play a critical role in supporting dental
practitioners in providing quality oral
health services to patients.

Due to the impact of the Covid-19

pandemic, there remains a shortage of
dental assistants currently. It has become
increasingly challenging to recruit DA for
dental practices.

•Percentage of hiring dentists indicating staff recruitment

has been extremely or very challenging.
 What can be done in order to increase the workforce?

Promoting education and training programs:

to attract more individuals to pursue careers in
the dental field.

Enhancing recruiting effort: dental practice can
actively recruit and offer incentives to attract
individuals interested in becoming DA, including
offering competitive salaries, benefits, and
opportunities for career advancement.
Supporting continuing education: providing
opportunities for ongoing training can help retain
existing DAs and attract new talent to the
profession.
 Career Opportunities

Dental Assistant Salary in

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor
Statistics dental assisting jobs will grow Washington
11% between 2020-2030.

DA Students will gain the knowledge and skills

needed to work as a dental assistant, lab
technicians, sterilization technician, dental office
receptionist, or medical practice manager.

According to ZipRecruiter.com May. 2024

 DA vs. RDA vs. CDA: What are the differences?

Dental Assitant (DA):

No formal training, but may work in a dental
practice under the supervision dentist.
Perform a limited set of tasks.

Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

Trains through a state-approved.
Limited work in the state they are registered.

Certified Dental Assistant (CDA):

Obtained national certification -DANB.
May not be a requirement of state licensure.
Can work in multiple states
 Dental Assistant program in SCC

DAs in SCC
Accreditation: by the Commission on Dental
Accreditation (CODA)
Eligibility requirements: Specialized training:
- English 098
- High school diploma or GED
Time to completion: 12 months/ 4 quarters The Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary Program (EFDA):
Estimated Program Cost: $8,000- $10,000 (including
in-state tuition, fees, books and supplies) After graduating from the CODA-accredited Dental Assisting
program.
This program will train you to complete filings and take final
impressions alongside dentists, expanding your skill set and
career opportunities

High school opportunities:

Take the DA course through Washington State’s
Running Start Program or Seattle Skill Center.
A typical day in the clinic

Full body stretching for 5 minutes.

Afternoon huddle with the instructors.
Performance mini-lab quiz, collection of paper
assignments or quiz papers, and grading.
Set up the operatory.
Demonstration.
Student practice.
Observation and competency assessment.
Break down room.
Paperwork and submission of daily evaluations.
End-of-session meeting.
The path to becoming a
clinician DA instructor
Some institutions require a
Bachelor’s degree
Dental Assisting Certificate - CDA
(DANB)
Registered Dental Assistant -
RDA
Complete an accredited program
or have on-the-job training.
Minimum of 3-5 year experience
CPR Certified
DA Instructor roles
Give the DA students the education and tools for an entry-
level DA position.
Preparing the material for classes
Teach students everything the students need to know about
DA settings
Give students hands-on experience in the lab
Evaluating Students’ performances
Ensuring a safe learning environment, monitoring class
attendance, and grading student assignments.
 Instructing the DA students
WHAT DID I TEACH?
Demonstrated how to take vital signs: Blood pressure/ Pulse/ Respiration.
Show how to handle medical emergencies that may occur in the dental chair
instructing on how to create a tooth chart using Dentrix software
Showing chairside assistant techniques: proper
Demonstrate the procedures for setting up and breaking down operatories.

WERE I FAMILIAR WITH THIS CONTENT?

Yes, I was familiar with all of the tasks presented to students

WHAT DID I USE TO TEACH?

Demonstrated demo
Watch Youtube videos
Student references or lab plan during lab session

HOW DID I PREPARE?

Shadowing Mrs. Cook, Mrs Gallegos, and Mr. B
Review clinical outline and coordinate with the mentors
Clinical observation hours; providing feedback to DA students
DA Student Experience

HOW DID I ENGAGE WITH THE STUDENT?

Frequently went around to answer any questions during the clinical time.
Demonstration, observation, and sharing my own DA experience to
enhance their learning

DID I ASSESS THEM? IF SO, HOW? WERE THEY RESPONSIVE TO THE

FEEDBACK?
Yes, I assessed the students by evaluating their proficiency in various
skills, such as taking vital signs and managing medical emergencies,
through observation.
Following the lab objectives, I provided constructive feedback, and I'm
pleased to say they were quite responsive to it, demonstrating a
willingness to learn and improve.
Maslow’s Dental assistant students share aspects of psychological
needs in Maslow’s hierarchy through their desire for
Hierachy Esteem and Love/belonging.

Self-esteem:
Students’ desire for recognition, achievement, and
competence.
By providing opportunities for students to demonstrate their
skills, receive feedback, and experience an increase in self-
esteem through their achievements

Love/belonging needs
As students feel connected to their team and instructors,
they feel comfortable in being able to ask questions or for
help.
Bloom’s Taxonomy
Develop a protocol for handling dental emergencies in the office
Design education material for pt on oral hygiene techiques

Assess pt satisfaction with your chairside manner and assistance

Evaluate the success of dental procedure based on pt outcomes

Analyze dental radiographs for abnormalities or pathology

Analyze pt oral health histories to identify potential risks

Apply knowledge of infection control procedure in a clinical setting

Explain the principles of infection control in the sterilization

Identify basic dental procedures

List common dental instruments and their uses
 TAKEAWAY

Working with the DA students has given me valuable insight into teamwork
and interdisciplinary communication within the dental practice.
Qualities developed:
Self-confidence
leadership skills
teaching skills
active listening
Provide constructive feedback
 Refferences
https://stock.adobe.com/search?k=maslow

https://americancareercollege.edu/blog/dental-assistant-roles-da-vs-rda-vs-cda#.

https://healthcare.seattlecentral.edu/programs/dental/get-started-in-dental-

assisting

https://www.jell-ed.com/tectconference

https://adanews.ada.org/media/eeufcjr4/13310d_hpi_data_poll_630_1110x700.png
Thank
you!