Basic Skills Review Course

Course Overview

This in-person course will prepare the dental assistant to take the Missouri Test of Basic Dental Assisting Skills (MBDA), which is a pathway in Missouri to becoming certified in Expanded Functions. Topics discussed will follow the DANB exam outline, which includes questions on oral disease prevention; dental materials; medical emergencies; charts/legal/jurisprudence; radiation health and safety; infection control; and, tooth morphology. Note: This is a review only and not an Exam proctoring.

REGISTER FOR BASIC SKILLS REVIEW

Course Format & Study Aide

During this course, the group will have open dialogue about common topics covered on the exam. Each assistant will be provided a set of topical flashcards. The group will discuss each topic, while assistants make their own notes on each flashcard, which can be used later for self-study and review. After the initial review and discussion, a practice test will be given to each assistant. After completion, assistants will self-grade tests openly, while allowing for additional Q&A time on topics that may need deeper analysis. After completion, the practice test will serve as an additional study guide for the assistant. In addition, a short overview of the EFDA programs and processes will begiven at the conclusion of the program, including time for Q&A.

Course Objectives
  • Thorough review and discussion of the topics included in the DANB MBDA exam
  • Focus on the challenging topics and questions many dental assistants have difficulty with
  • Complete provided flashcard set for additional study and review
  • Take practice test (self-graded in class) to serve as an additional exam study guide

Course Instructor
Linda Twehous, CDA, EFDA, BS has been a dental assistant since 1983. She is a Dental Assisting National Board Certified Dental Assistant with Missouri Expanded Functions permits. Linda earned California Registered Dental Assistant with extended duties, radiology and coronal polish certifications. She also holds a lifetime Missouri Vocational Educator certificate in dental assisting. In 2003, Linda joined the Dental Assisting Faculty at Nichols Career Center (NCC) teaching Chairside Assisting (including infection control protocols) and Dental Materials courses. In 2012, she became the director of the NCC dental assisting program and remained director through the transfer of the program to State Technical College of Missouri. As director she taught Infection Control, Radiology, Dental Science (including pharmacology and dental anatomy) and Business Office Procedures. Linda took early retirement when the program was relocated to Linn, Missouri in 2016, however she has continued to be involved in dental assisting education.

Cancellations
A fee of $25/per registrant will be charged for all cancellations more than two weeks from the course date. No refunds given less than two weeks prior to the course date. If you must cancel after that date, you may reschedule for the next available course date or transfer registration to another person. No refund or transfer provided to any registrant no-show without prior notification to the MDA.

Student Testimonials

The Basic Skills Review helped me tremendously. I did not know where to start as far as studying and the first time I took the test, I failed. But after taking the class, I passed due to how thorough the review was! I took the review course on a Friday and my exam on a Monday. This worked out perfectly, giving me time to study while still having the material and questions fresh in my mind. The class went over all key points and even helped me memorize the answers better with key words. I have horrible anxiety with testing, but the class calmed my nerves and helped more than I could imagine. I would recommend the class to anyone who is taking the test. Great teachers who are always happy to stay and offer extra help if needed. – Ruby

I highly recommend anyone needing to take the Basic Skills Exam to take the MDA Basic Skills Review Course. The course offers a great review of the Basics Exam, including discussions and 200 plus flash cards that are individually gone over with the group. You will be fully prepared to pass the basic exam with the information they provide! I took the course in April and passed the exam in May! – Kara