# Assist with Root Canal Therapy

Dental Assisting

This module explains the dental assistant's role in how to prepare for and assist in a root canal therapy procedure.

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Root canal therapy is performed with the intent of saving a natural tooth that may be abscessed, chipped, cracked, or necrotic. The module provides knowledge on how the dental assistant will prepare for, and assist in, root canal therapy. The dental assistant plays a crucial role in aiding the dentist to ensure a safe and successful endodontic examination and procedure. This includes preparing necessary materials, ensuring all equipment is properly functioning, efficiently handing off to the dentist the needed tools to complete the procedure, and ensuring the patient is comfortable throughout the procedure. Including both Learn and Test modes, the online simulator offers clinical scenarios that test your ability to assist with a root canal therapy procedure. Practice the steps of the procedures online as often as you want, until you feel confident.

**You'll learn**

- how to identify the tools and equipment used in a root canal therapy procedure
- the steps for assisting in an electric pulp vitality test
- how to apply and place a dental dam
- the steps for assisting in a root canal therapy procedure on the anterior and posterior teeth
- the steps for assisting in the placement of a temporary restoration
- much more (see Content Details for more specific information)

## Introduction

### Step 1 - Preparation

#### Step 1.1 - Equipment preparation

#### Step 1.2 - Dental assistant preparation

#### Step 1.3 - Patient preparation

### Step 2 - Electric pulp vitality testing

#### Step 2.1 - Explain procedure to patient

#### Step 2.2 - Identify control tooth to be compared to suspect tooth

#### Step 2.3 - Pulp testing

#### Step 2.4 - Complete procedure

### Step 3 - Root canal therapy for anterior and posterior teeth

#### Step 3.1 - Explain procedure to patient

#### Step 3.2 - Placing dental dam

#### Step 3.3 - Performing root canal therapy

### Step 4 - Complete the procedure

#### Step 4.1 - Dismiss the patient

#### Step 4.2 - Discard materials

#### Step 4.3 - Disinfect equipment and treatment area

#### Step 4.4 - Complete the documentation

- Apply the steps of assisting in electric pulp vitality testing.
- Apply a dental dam prior to root canal therapy in a simulated exercise.
- List the instruments and supplies needed to place a dental dam prior to root canal therapy.
- Identify which armamentarium (instruments, burs, files, etc.) to use in root canal therapy.
- List materials and medicaments used in root canal therapy.
- Apply the steps in an anterior root canal in a simulated exercise.
- Apply the steps in a posterior root canal in a simulated exercise.
- Describe clinical safety precautions concerning dental impressions according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines.
- Describe the purpose of the state Dental Practice Act and its relevance for dental assistants.
- Explain the Patient Privacy Rule (HIPAA), Patient Safety Act, and Patients' Bill of Rights.

The SIMTICS modules are all easy to use and web-based. This means they are available at any time as long as the learner has an internet connection. No special hardware or other equipment is required, other than a computer mouse for use in the simulations. Each of the SIMTICS modules covers one specific procedure or topic in detail. Each module contains:

- an online simulation (available in Learn and Test modes)
- descriptive text, which explains exactly how to perform that particular procedure including key terms and hyperlinks to references
- 2D images and a 3D model of applied anatomy for that particular topic
- a step by step video demonstration by an expert
- a quiz
- a personal logbook that keeps track of all the modules the learner has studied and how long