GSDM’s ADEA Students Teach Aspiring Dental Assistants in CE Program

On Friday, September 19, 2014, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) DMD students who are also members of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) worked alongside six aspiring dental assistants learning foundational skills in dental assisting. The dental assisting students are participating in a nine-week Continuing Education (CE) course taught at GSDM.

The day included lectures from several ADEA student members on topics including basic oral anatomy, medical history, infection control, and an introduction to dental instruments. This daylong collaboration allowed ADEA student members to establish relationships with aspiring dental assistants while the dental assisting students gained valuable experience in the Simulation Learning Center. Each aspiring dental assistant had the opportunity to work alongside ADEA students who were charged with placing an amalgam restoration and their duties included handing instruments to ADEA students and placing rubber dams on simulated patients.

Matthew Mara DMD 16 commented on the experience: “BU ASDA Dental Education Committee /ADEA Chapter members were thrilled to be able to offer the pre-clinical experience to the Dental Assisting Students. As dental students we have learned the value of a strong pre-clinical foundation to our clinical coursework and enjoyed offering a simulation experience to our dental assisting peers.” He continued, “Dental assistants play a valuable role in the dental team, and we hope to offer this experience to all dental assisting classes in the future!”

Photos are available on Facebook and Flickr.