Handpieces, Small Equipment and Sterilization
DEN 110 is an essential course for aspiring dental equipment service technicians, focusing on the electromechanical principles, operational nuances, and common failure modes of frequently used dental devices. Students will delve into the intricate mechanics of high-speed and low-speed handpieces, the ultrasonic generation and tip dynamics of scalers, the light spectrum and output of curing lights, and the sterilization cycles and safety features of tabletop sterilizers. The curriculum emphasizes vendor-neutral diagnostic techniques, preventive maintenance schedules, and adherence to industry best practices and regulatory guidelines for device performance and patient safety. Through a combination of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on laboratory exercises, students will develop the competencies necessary to ensure the reliable operation and extended lifespan of these vital dental instruments.
InstructorJacob CalhounPrerequisites
Course outline
Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.
Syllabus
["Week 1: Introduction to Dental Small Equipment and Safety Protocols","Week 2: Principles of Air-Driven Handpieces: High-Speed Dynamics","Week 3: Principles of Electric Handpieces: Low-Speed Systems","Week 4: Handpiece Disassembly, Inspection, and Lubrication Lab","Week 5: Troubleshooting Common Handpiece Malfunctions","Week 6: Understanding Ultrasonic Scalers: Transducers and Tips","Week 7: Maintenance and Calibration of Ultrasonic Scalers","Week 8: Midterm Review and Advanced Handpiece/Scaler Repair Lab","Week 9: Curing Lights: Light Sources, Wavelengths, and Output Testing","Week 10: Curing Light Maintenance and Troubleshooting","Week 11: Sterilizer Cycle Validation and Sensor Calibration Lab","Week 12: Tabletop Sterilizers: Types, Cycles, and Pressure Systems","Week 13: Preventive Maintenance and Safety for Sterilizers","Week 14: Capstone Service Project: Comprehensive Equipment Overhaul"]