Pit and Fissure Sealants

Catalog description

This Pit and Fissure Sealants course is approved by the California Dental Board and will provide dental assistants with the proper requirements to perform pit and fissure sealants. Students will learn the theory and application of pit and fissure sealant procedures including: tooth morphology, dental anatomy, materials and applications, and infection control during procedures. The online training, quizzes and written exam MUST be completed before the in-person laboratory and clinical training can begin. The student will learn the step-by-step procedure of Pit and Fissure Sealant placement on a typodont/manikin and will use a typodont/manikin to practice tooth preparation, moisture control, and application of the correct amount of sealant, and bite articulation. After clinical proficiency is established, the student will apply pit and fissure sealants on 16 virgin teeth (teeth without restorations). The student will provide a minimum of four (4) patients to place pit and fissure sealants. Two (2) of the four (4) clinical live patients shall serve as the student's clinical final examination. The student will provide a minimum of four (4) patients meeting the following requirements: Each clinical patient must have a minimum of four (4) virgin, non-restored, natural teeth, sufficiently erupted so that a dry field can be maintained for application of the etching, or etchant/bond combination, and sealant materials. Such clinical instruction shall include teeth in all four (4) quadrants for each patient. Students are required to complete a minimum of 12 hours for clinical placement (students may serve additional hours if desired upon instructor and dental office approval). Students must provide and arrive in uniform with lab coat, face shield, and closed-toe shoes. PREREQUISITE: 1. Current Basic Life-Support (BLS) card by either American Heart Association or American Red Cross; no other cards will be accepted. 2. Dental Practice Act Course Certificate (4 hours) 3. Infection Control Course Certificate (8 hours) 4. Coronal Polishing Course Certificate AND one of the following options: a. Completion of Dental Assisting (DA) b. Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Educational Program c. 1,500 hours of documented work experience FALL 2026: NOTE: This section is partially online/partially in class on campus. Students will be using a computer to assist with the learning process and are expected to attend class 18 hours with an additional 9 hours completed online.