Assist with Root Canal Therapy

Dental Assisting

This module explains the dental assistant's role in how to prepare for and assist in a root canal therapy procedure.

Root canal therapy is performed with the intent of saving a natural tooth that may be abscessed, chipped, cracked, or necrotic. The module provides knowledge on how the dental assistant will prepare for, and assist in, root canal therapy. The dental assistant plays a crucial role in aiding the dentist to ensure a safe and successful endodontic examination and procedure. This includes preparing necessary materials, ensuring all equipment is properly functioning, efficiently handing off to the dentist the needed tools to complete the procedure, and ensuring the patient is comfortable throughout the procedure. Including both Learn and Test modes, the online simulator offers clinical scenarios that test your ability to assist with a root canal therapy procedure. Practice the steps of the procedures online as often as you want, until you feel confident.

You'll learn

how to identify the tools and equipment used in a root canal therapy procedure
the steps for assisting in an electric pulp vitality test
how to apply and place a dental dam
the steps for assisting in a root canal therapy procedure on the anterior and posterior teeth
the steps for assisting in the placement of a temporary restoration
much more (see Content Details for more specific information)

Introduction

Step 1 - Preparation

Step 1.1 - Equipment preparation

Step 1.2 - Dental assistant preparation

Step 1.3 - Patient preparation

Step 2 - Electric pulp vitality testing

Step 2.1 - Explain procedure to patient

Step 2.2 - Identify control tooth to be compared to suspect tooth

Step 2.3 - Pulp testing

Step 2.4 - Complete procedure

Step 3 - Root canal therapy for anterior and posterior teeth

Step 3.1 - Explain procedure to patient

Step 3.2 - Placing dental dam

Step 3.3 - Performing root canal therapy

Step 4 - Complete the procedure

Step 4.1 - Dismiss the patient

Step 4.2 - Discard materials

Step 4.3 - Disinfect equipment and treatment area

Step 4.4 - Complete the documentation

Apply the steps of assisting in electric pulp vitality testing.
Apply a dental dam prior to root canal therapy in a simulated exercise.
List the instruments and supplies needed to place a dental dam prior to root canal therapy.
Identify which armamentarium (instruments, burs, files, etc.) to use in root canal therapy.
List materials and medicaments used in root canal therapy.
Apply the steps in an anterior root canal in a simulated exercise.
Apply the steps in a posterior root canal in a simulated exercise.
Describe clinical safety precautions concerning dental impressions according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines.
Describe the purpose of the state Dental Practice Act and its relevance for dental assistants.
Explain the Patient Privacy Rule (HIPAA), Patient Safety Act, and Patients' Bill of Rights.

The SIMTICS modules are all easy to use and web-based. This means they are available at any time as long as the learner has an internet connection. No special hardware or other equipment is required, other than a computer mouse for use in the simulations. Each of the SIMTICS modules covers one specific procedure or topic in detail. Each module contains:

an online simulation (available in Learn and Test modes)
descriptive text, which explains exactly how to perform that particular procedure including key terms and hyperlinks to references
2D images and a 3D model of applied anatomy for that particular topic
a step by step video demonstration by an expert
a quiz
a personal logbook that keeps track of all the modules the learner has studied and how long