Modern Dental Assisting
- 15th Edition - February 24, 2026
- Latest edition
- Authors: Debbie S. Robinson, Janet Sell
- Language: English
Master all aspects of dental assisting with the most current and comprehensive learning package available! For 50 years, students, educators, and practitioners have relied on… Read more
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Master all aspects of dental assisting with the most current and comprehensive learning package available! For 50 years, students, educators, and practitioners have relied on Modern Dental Assisting, 15th Edition for its cutting-edge content, clear writing style, step-by-step procedures, and quality visual aids. And the new 15th edition is no exception. With updated content including the latest advancements in dentistry, along with their clinical applications, this new edition will guide you from your first day of class all the way to your professional career in dental assisting.
- Comprehensive content presented in a modern writing style guides you in learning the foundation before applying it to today's advanced technologies
- Step-by-step procedures for general and expanded functions offer clear guidance by including prerequisite information, equipment and supplies needed, reminder notes, and purpose of the procedure, along with images
- Chapter features include recall questions throughout; feature boxes on infection control and CDC practices; and end-of-chapter elements regarding patient education, law and ethics, future trends, and critical thinking
- Dentrix Learning Edition, based on Dentrix G7.3, is available to download via the Evolve companion website, offering valuable experience working with practice management software
- Key terminology includes definitions, visual highlights within chapter discussions, pronunciation information, and an alphabetized list in the glossary with cross-references to chapter locations
- Learning and performance outcomes address the didactic knowledge required for mastering clinical skills
- Robust learning resources on the Evolve companion website include The Interactive Dental Office, mock board exam, chapter quizzes, 80 procedure videos, Dentrix exercises, tray setup exercises, and more
Dental Assisting students
Unit 1: The Dental Assisting Profession
1. History of Dentistry
2. The Dental Healthcare Team
3. The Professional Dental Assistant
4. Ethics and Code of Conduct in Dentistry
5. Dentistry and the Law
Unit 2: Sciences in Dentistry
6. General Anatomy
7. General Physiology
8. Oral Embryology and Histology
9. Head and Neck Anatomy
10. Landmarks of the Face and Oral Cavity
11. Overview of the Dentitions
12. Tooth Morphology
Unit 3: Oral Health and Prevention of Dental Disease
13. Preventive Dentistry
14. Nutrition
15. Dental Caries
16. Periodontal Disease
17. Oral Pathology
Unit 4: Infection Prevention in Dentistry
18. Microbiology
19. Disease Transmission and Infection Prevention
20. Principles and Techniques of Disinfection
21. Principles and Techniques of Instrument Processing and Sterilization
Unit 5: Health and Safety in the Dental Setting
22. Regulatory and Advisory Agencies
23. Chemical and Waste Management
24. Dental Unit Water Quality
25. Occupational Hazards
Unit 6: Patient Information and Assessment
26. The Patient's Dental Record
27. Vital Signs
28. Oral Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
29. The Special Needs and Medically Compromised Patient
30. Principles of Pharmacology
31. Assisting in a Medical Emergency
Unit 7: Foundation of Clinical Dentistry
32. The Dental Office
33. Delivering Dental Care
34. Dental Hand Instruments
35. Dental Handpieces and Accessories
36. Moisture Control
37. Anesthesia and Pain Control
Unit 8: Radiographic Imaging
38. Foundation of Dental Radiology
39. Digital Imaging: Techniques and Processing
40. Compliance and Prevention in Dental Radiography
41. Intraoral Imaging
42. Extraoral Imaging
Unit 9: Dental Materials
43. Restorative and Esthetic Dental Materials
44. Dental Liners, Bases, and Bonding Systems
45. Dental Cements
46. Impression Materials and Methods
47. Laboratory Materials and Procedures
Unit 10: Assisting in Comprehensive Dental Care
48. General Dentistry
49. Matrix Systems for Restorative Dentistry
50. Fixed Prosthodontics
51. Provisional Coverage
52. Removable Prosthodontics
53. Dental Implants
54. Endodontics
55. Periodontics
56. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
57. Pediatric Dentistry
58. Coronal Polishing
59. Dental Sealants
60. Orthodontics
Unit 11: Dental Administration and Communication Skills
61. Communication in the Dental Office
62. Business Operating Systems
63. Financial Management in the Dental Office
64. Marketing Your Skills
1. History of Dentistry
2. The Dental Healthcare Team
3. The Professional Dental Assistant
4. Ethics and Code of Conduct in Dentistry
5. Dentistry and the Law
Unit 2: Sciences in Dentistry
6. General Anatomy
7. General Physiology
8. Oral Embryology and Histology
9. Head and Neck Anatomy
10. Landmarks of the Face and Oral Cavity
11. Overview of the Dentitions
12. Tooth Morphology
Unit 3: Oral Health and Prevention of Dental Disease
13. Preventive Dentistry
14. Nutrition
15. Dental Caries
16. Periodontal Disease
17. Oral Pathology
Unit 4: Infection Prevention in Dentistry
18. Microbiology
19. Disease Transmission and Infection Prevention
20. Principles and Techniques of Disinfection
21. Principles and Techniques of Instrument Processing and Sterilization
Unit 5: Health and Safety in the Dental Setting
22. Regulatory and Advisory Agencies
23. Chemical and Waste Management
24. Dental Unit Water Quality
25. Occupational Hazards
Unit 6: Patient Information and Assessment
26. The Patient's Dental Record
27. Vital Signs
28. Oral Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
29. The Special Needs and Medically Compromised Patient
30. Principles of Pharmacology
31. Assisting in a Medical Emergency
Unit 7: Foundation of Clinical Dentistry
32. The Dental Office
33. Delivering Dental Care
34. Dental Hand Instruments
35. Dental Handpieces and Accessories
36. Moisture Control
37. Anesthesia and Pain Control
Unit 8: Radiographic Imaging
38. Foundation of Dental Radiology
39. Digital Imaging: Techniques and Processing
40. Compliance and Prevention in Dental Radiography
41. Intraoral Imaging
42. Extraoral Imaging
Unit 9: Dental Materials
43. Restorative and Esthetic Dental Materials
44. Dental Liners, Bases, and Bonding Systems
45. Dental Cements
46. Impression Materials and Methods
47. Laboratory Materials and Procedures
Unit 10: Assisting in Comprehensive Dental Care
48. General Dentistry
49. Matrix Systems for Restorative Dentistry
50. Fixed Prosthodontics
51. Provisional Coverage
52. Removable Prosthodontics
53. Dental Implants
54. Endodontics
55. Periodontics
56. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
57. Pediatric Dentistry
58. Coronal Polishing
59. Dental Sealants
60. Orthodontics
Unit 11: Dental Administration and Communication Skills
61. Communication in the Dental Office
62. Business Operating Systems
63. Financial Management in the Dental Office
64. Marketing Your Skills
- Edition: 15
- Latest edition
- Published: February 24, 2026
- Language: English
DR
Debbie S. Robinson
Debbie S. Robinson is retired from her position of Research Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina, where she was involved in clinical research. Her educational background includes an Associate Degree in Dental Assisting, Bachelor's Degree in Health Administration, and Master of Science Degree in Dental Auxiliary Teachers Education. Her clinical experience includes practicing as a clinical chairside assistant in a pediatric and orthodontic dental office, dental research center, and special patient care clinic. She taught for over 20 years in the community college setting and as Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of the Dental Assisting Program and Dental Assisting Specialty Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry.
Affiliations and expertise
Former Research Associate, Department of Nutrition Gillings School of Global Public Health University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USAJS
Janet Sell
Janet Sell, CDA, Ed.D. is the Director for the Dental Assisting Program at Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield, Missouri. She has been on faculty with OTC since 1999. Her educational background includes an Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Education from Ozarks Technical Community College. Before becoming an educator, she practiced for 15 years as a certified dental assistant. Dr. Sell holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Communication from Drury University, and a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Lindenwood University. Throughout her career as a certified dental assistant, she has remained active with the Dental Assisting National Board as a site visitor/consultant for the Commission on Dental Accreditation, Missouri and Springfield Dental Assistants Association, and the Missouri Dental Assisting Educators. Dr. Sell currently serves as the Councelor for the Dental Assisting Section with the American Dental Educators Association. Dr. Sell has received formal recognition of achievement for her work, including the Excellence in Education award.
Affiliations and expertise
Dental Assisting Program Director, Ozarks Technical Community College, Springfield, Missouri, USA