Week 2 Dental Assisting Vocab

Biofilm

Well-organized community of bacteria that adheres to tooth surfaces. Primary cause of most periodontal disease (gum disease) and caries (cavities)

Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

Resource and regulations developed to help prevent health care workers from contracting infectious diseases

Diagnose

To recognize [as a disease] by signs and symptoms; to diagnose a disease or conditions

Esthetic

relating to consideration of beauty

Gingiva

Part of the oral mucous membrane that covers and is attached to necks of teeth & alveolar process of the jaws; the gums

Prevention

Stopping an action before it starts

Restoration

Replacing missing tooth structure by placing filling material in its place

Orthodontics

Banch of dentistry concerned with correction and prevention of irregularties and malocclusion of the teeth

Endotonics

Study, diagnose, and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp (the soft, connective tissue located in the center of the tooth); root canal therapy; endodontist

Methyl Methacrylate Resin

Main component of dental tooth-colored restorations and tissue-colored prosthetics

Forensics

relating to or dealing with the application of scientific knowledge to legal problems

Sterilization assistant

one who collects, prepares, and organizes surgical tools and environmental protection for scheduled medical and dental procedures