Bob the mannequin helps students learn the ropes of being a dental assistant

A lifelike mannequin plays a crucial role in the education of students at Southwest Dental Assisting Academy in Lafayette.

Bob has been a part of the academy for several years and is always a class favorite. During the course, students use Bob to learn how to do several hands-on procedures, such as taking dental X-rays, impression tray placement, and suction placement. He also serves a vital role when students are learning four-handed dentistry and passing instruments to one another, the same way a dental assistant does in an actual office setting.

“Bob helps the students tremendously, especially when it comes to learning many of the technical aspects of being a dental assistant,” said Malanie Cothern, the academy’s owner and instructor. “When you are practicing on a person, you are worried about hurting someone or putting an instrument in the wrong place. By using Bob, they can get the technique right before moving on to working on a person.”

Bob came with the academy when Cothern purchased it. Sometimes, classes will call him by other names, but Bob seems to be the moniker that has stuck the longest. He usually makes his first appearance during the third week of classes as students begin learning hands-on techniques. From there, he comes and goes throughout the course as the lessons progress.

“I definitely feel that Bob helps the students practice techniques properly, which allows them feel more comfortable when working on a real person,” Cothern said. “He’s also a fun icebreaker. When I use him during lessons, I notice the students talk a little bit more and play around with him, which gets them more comfortable around each other.”