D Definitions

D&C

An outpatient surgical procedure that expands the cervical canal of the uterus so that the surface lining of the uterine wall can be scraped or sampled (curettage)

DA

Help the dental operator (dentist or other treating dental auxiliary) provide more efficient dental treatment

DAT

is usually advised in relation to surgery. Once a surgical procedure is complete, individuals are given only liquids, such as water. The diet progresses to solid foods in the form of purees, chunks and finally a regular diet. Diet as tolerated is a term that indicates that the gastrointestinal tract is tolerating food and is ready for advancement to the next stage.

DEA

United States federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Justice, tasked with combating drug smuggling and use within the United States.

DHHS

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the government's principal agency for protecting the health and well-being of all Americans

Diff

A blood test that determines the percentage of each kind of leukocyte.

DM

Metabolic disease caused by an insufficient secretion or utilization of insulin and leading to an increased amount of glucose in the blood and urine

DO

are fully licensed physicians who practice in all areas of medicine. Emphasizing a whole-person approach to treatment and care. DOs receive special training in the musculoskeletal system, your body's interconnected system of nerves, muscles and bones.

DO/OD

Primary healthcare professional for the eye

DNR

Prohibition to restore consciousness, vigor or life

DP

Professional degree for pharmacists similar to the Doctor of Medicine for physicians

DPT program

a post-baccalaureate 3–4-year degree which may be conferred upon successful completion of a professional doctoral program. A DPT program is an integral part of the APTA's continued advocacy for legislation granting consumers (i.e. patients and clients) direct access to physical therapists, rather than requiring physician referral. Direct access is said to decrease wait times for access to care and even help reduce both cost to consumer and overall healthcare costs

DSD

An adjunct used by a person for application to a wound in order to promote healing and or prevent further harm

DTaP

thick covering in the back of the throat. It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, and even death. Tetanus (Lockjaw) causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can lead to "locking" of the jaw so the victim cannot open his mouth or swallow. Tetanus leads to death in up to 2 out of 10 cases. Pertussis (Whooping Cough) causes coughing spells so bad that it is hard for infants to eat, drink, or breathe. These spells can last for weeks. It can lead to pneumonia, seizures (jerking and staring spells), brain damage, and death. Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine (DTaP) can help prevent these diseases. Most children who are vaccinated with DTaP will be protected throughout childhood. Many more children would get these diseases if we stopped vaccinating.

DVM

Degree of the highest study in Veterinary Medicine

DVT

A blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs