A study of clinical application of dental materials , and their relationship to the oral environment is essential to the dental assistant . This course is designed to provide the dental assistant a sound knowledge base in the science of dental materials . Emphasis will be placed on why specific material is used rather solely upon the techniques of manipulating materials . Objective of course is to enhance the student abilities to make clinical judgment regarding the application of dental materials and the way in which these materials react to oral environment . This course is directed toward the first year student in the second semester of their study . The instruction in this course are preformed through classroom presentation and on – campus lab .