Intro to Dental Assisting- Ch 2/TEST

Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)

Accrediting agency within the American Dental Association that develops and implements accreditation standards for dental school and dental education programs

Dental anesthesiology

Dental specialty that manages pain anxiety and health of patient during and following a procedure 

Dental assistant

Oral health care professionals trained to provide patient care and chair side support for dentist 

Dental hygienist

Licensed oral health care professional who provides preventative, therapeutic, and educational services 

Dental laboratory technician

Professional who performs dental laboratory services such as fabricating crowns, implants, bridges, and dentures, as specified by dentist's written prescription

Dental public health

Specialty that promotes oral health through organized community efforts

dentist

Oral health care provider licensed to practice the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the oral cavity 

Endodontics

Dental specialty that diagnosis and treats disease of the pulp

Oral and maxillofacial pathology

Dental specialty that diagnosis and treats diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial region 

Oral and maxillofacial radiology

Dental specialty that deals with the diagnosis of disease through various forms of dental imaging 

Oral and maxillofacial surgery

Dental specialty that diagnosis and treats conditions of the mouth and face and jaws and associated areas requiring surgical intervention 

Oral facial pain

Diagnosis, manages, and treats pain disorders of the jaw, mouth, face, head, and neck

Oral medicine

Specialty Providing dental care to individuals with complex medical issues

Orthodontics

Specialty within dentistry that focuses on preventing, intercepting, and correcting skeletal and dental problems

Pediatric dentistry

Dental specialty concerned with neonatal through adolescent patients as well as patients with special needs

Periodontics

Dental specialty involved with the diagnosis and treatment of disease of the structures surrounding and supporting the teeth 

Prosthodontics

Dental specialty that provides restoration and replacement of natural teeth

Members of the Dental Healthcare Team

Dentist (general/specialist)

Dental assistant (clinical, expanded-functions, business)

Dental hygienist

Dental laboratory technician

Dentist

Licensed practitioner qualified in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, injuries, and malformation of the teeth, jaws, and mouth

In the United States, must:

• Graduate from CODA approved dental school

• Successfully pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE)

• Pass a clinical board exam for license in state of practice

Dentist Role and Responsibilities

Legally responsible for patient care

Assess patients’ oral health needs

Diagnose disease

Promote oral health and disease prevention

Create treatment plans to restore oral health

Interpret radiograph images

Ensure safe anesthetic administration

Monitor teeth and jaw growth and development

Perform dental procedures

Supervise dental auxiliaries

Dental Specialist

Education as a general dentist

Master’s program in the specialty ranging from 2 to 6 years, depending on the area of specialty

In some programs, a PhD for another two years of education and postdoctoral education

The ADA recognizes twelve dental specialties

Dental Specialists

Dental anesthesiology

Dental public health

Endodontics

Oral and maxillofacial pathology

Oral and maxillofacial radiology

Oral and maxillofacial surgery

Oral medicine

Orofacial pain

Orthodontics

Pediatric dentistry

Periodontics

Prosthodontics

Dental Practice Settings

Dentist owned and operated group practice

Dental management organization affiliated group practice

Insurer-provider group practice

Government agency group practice

Not-For-Profit group practice

Dental Assistant

The duties assigned to the dental assistant are determined by the regulations of the Dental Practice Act of the state in which he or she practices

The dental assistant is trained to perform many activities that are not required of the dentist

Employment Opportunities for Dental Assistants

Private dental offices

Specialty dental offices

Health clinics

School systems

Research facilities

Public health departments

Educational programs

Insurance companies

Roles and Responsibilities of the Dental Assistant

Prepare patient for clinical care

Collect and record medical and dental history

Assist the dentist in managing emergencies

Provide patient information on oral health care

Assist dentist in variety of procedures

Perform expanded functions as allowed by law

Provide postoperative instructions

Manage infection control

Perform radiographic procedures

Perform laboratory procedures

Provide assurance and support for patients

Greet patients

Answer the phone

Schedule and confirm appointments

Manage patient records, payroll, billing

Ensure patient privacy

Oversee patient relations

Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)

The dental hygienist (RDH) is a licensed professional who is focused on the prevention and treatment of oral diseases

The minimal education required for a dental hygienist is 2 academic years of college study in an ADA-accredited dental hygiene program

Dental hygiene is also offered in bachelor’s and master’s programs

The RDH is required to work under the supervision of a licensed dentist

Roles and Responsibilities of the Dental Hygienist

Perform oral health care assessment including reviewing patient history

Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques

Perform dental prophylaxis

Remove plaque and calculus from above and below the gumline

Apply cavity-preventive agents (fluoride/sealants)

Expose, process, interpret radiographs

Assess periodontal status

Perform additional procedures as allowed by law

Dental Laboratory Technician

Rarely in the dental office

Usually work in a private laboratory

• Larson Dental Lab in Sioux Falls

• Glidewell

Performs tasks specified by a written prescription from the dentist

Communicates and collaborates with dentist to fabricate dental prostheses

Training: 2 year accredited ADA program, apprenticeship, commercial school

Certified Dental Technician (CDT) must pass a written exam

Roles and Responsibilities of the Dental Laboratory Technician

Work with variety of materials

Fabricate dentures (partial and full)

Fabricate fixed bridges

Fabricate implants

Fabricate veneers and crowns

Fabricate orthodontic appliances