DANB CPFDA study plan

Define the indications, contraindications, and patient-selection criteria for pit-and-fissure sealants, including caries-risk assessment and tooth-eruption status

Describe the armamentarium and step-by-step application sequence for sealants, from isolation through light-curing and occlusion check

Differentiate resin-based, glass-ionomer, and flowable composite sealant materials by setting mechanism, retention, and moisture sensitivity

Explain the rationale for sealant use on primary molars and the criteria for sealant maintenance, repair, or replacement at recall

Identify the CDC and ADA evidence-based recommendations for school-based and clinical sealant programs

Demonstrate the four-handed isolation techniques (rubber dam, cotton rolls, dry angles, suction) used to maintain a dry field during sealant placement

Explain moisture-control failures and their effect on sealant retention, and list corrective actions for salivary contamination

Describe the etching protocol (acid type, concentration, time) for enamel and how to recognize a properly etched surface

Outline the infection-control steps specific to sealant placement, including surface disinfection, barrier placement, and handpiece/light-curing unit asepsis

Compare retention rates and common failure modes reported for sealants placed with and without enameloplasty

Define coronal polishing, its purpose, and the scope of practice for the dental assistant under DANB CPFDA guidelines

List the indications and contraindications for coronal polishing, including newly erupted teeth, demineralized enamel, and restorations

Identify the types of polishing agents (prophy paste grits, pumice, non-abrasive pastes) and select the appropriate agent for stain versus plaque removal

Describe the operation and maintenance of the low-speed handpiece and prophy angle used in coronal polishing

Explain the infection-control requirements for polishing, including disposable prophy angles, barrier protection, and splash/spatter management

Demonstrate the correct sequence of coronal polishing: patient assessment, stain identification, agent selection, fulcrum and angulation, and post-polishing rinse and floss

Explain the risks of over-polishing and how to minimize enamel and gingival trauma

Describe how to polish around orthodontic brackets, implants, and esthetic restorations without damaging them

Outline the infection-control workflow for polishing from operatory setup through cleanup and instrument reprocessing

Differentiate coronal polishing from scaling and root planing and state when referral to a licensed clinician is required

Define topical anesthesia and distinguish it from local infiltration and block anesthesia in scope and purpose

Identify the common topical anesthetic agents (benzocaine, lidocaine, prilocaine, tetracaine) by concentration, onset, and duration

List the indications, contraindications, and adverse reactions of topical anesthetics, including methemoglobinemia risk with benzocaine

Describe the application technique for topical anesthesia, including drying the mucosa, dose limitation, and avoiding excess application

Explain the infection-control and safety considerations for topical anesthetic delivery, including single-use packaging and allergy screening

Explain the mechanism of action of fluoride in caries prevention, including remineralization, demineralization inhibition, and antibacterial effects

Differentiate professional fluoride products (5% NaF varnish, 2% NaF gel, 1.23% APF gel/foam) by concentration, application method, and patient age suitability

Describe the step-by-step fluoride varnish application protocol, including tooth preparation, drying, application, and post-application instructions

List fluoride application indications and contraindications, including patients with ulcerative gingivitis, allergies, and young children at risk of swallowing

Explain the safety and toxicity considerations for fluoride, including estimated toxic dose and management of accidental ingestion

Compare tray-based fluoride gel/foam application with varnish application in terms of time, patient acceptance, and post-treatment restrictions

Describe the infection-control requirements for fluoride application, including tray handling, suction use, and surface disinfection

Explain how to document fluoride application in the patient record, including product, concentration, teeth treated, and patient instructions given

Identify occupational safety measures for handling fluoride products, including PPE, spill management, and SDS review

Outline a fluoride recall schedule based on caries risk and describe how to communicate risk-based recommendations to patients

Synthesize all five domains into a single integrated clinical workflow for a pediatric or adult recall appointment

Review and correct weak areas identified by quiz scores from weeks 1 through 7

Practice 60 timed exam-style questions spanning sealants, polishing, topical anesthesia, fluoride, and infection control

Recite the key safety thresholds and contraindications for each domain from memory without notes

Develop a personal pre-exam checklist covering armamentarium, infection control, and patient communication for each procedure