This program offers eight (8) hours of clinical and didactic education required by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners for certification in coronal polishing taken at a dental school, dental hygiene school or dental assisting school accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. “Coronal polishing” means the removal of plaque and extrinsic stain from exposed natural and restored tooth surfaces using an appropriate rotary instrument with rubber cup or brush and polishing agent. This includes the use of a toothbrush.
Rule 114.5 states that dental assistants must have at least two years of dental assisting experience and work under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. Texas dentists may delegate coronal polishing to a dental assistant once they successfully take this course.
Objectives
Course of instruction will include:
Oral anatomy and tooth morphology relating to retention of plaque and stain
Indications, contraindications, and complications of coronal polishing
Principles of coronal polishing, including armamentarium, operator and patient positioning, technique, and polishing agents
Infection control procedures
Polishing coronal surfaces of teeth
Jurisprudence relating to coronal polishing
The laboratory and clinical activity will include training in using a slow-speed hand piece; principles of coronal polishing; armamentarium; operator and patient positioning, polishing technique, polishing agents, and polishing coronal surfaces of teeth.