Dental Assisting and Clinical Procedures Review

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering dental terminology, infection control, clinical procedures, anatomy, restorative dentistry, and practice management.

Lab Prescriptions

Documentation that includes patient and dentist information, appliance types and specifications (shade, materials, tooth ID, aesthetics, fit), and the length of return time (due date/appointment date).

Omission

The failure to perform an act that a 'reasonable & prudent professional' would perform (for example, a dentist failing to sterilize dental instruments before treating a patient).

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Regulatory agency that regulates the manufacturing & labeling of medical devices, such as sterilizers, dental chairs, and gloves.

Anatomy

The scientific study of the shape & structure of the human body.

Physiology

The study of how the human body functions.

Mental Protuberance

The part of the mandible that forms the chin.

Vestibule

The space between the teeth and the inner mucosal lining of the lips and cheeks.

Direct Transmission

The spread of infection through direct person-to-person contact, such as through lesions or body fluids.

Indirect Transmission

The spread of infection through contact with a contaminated object or surface followed by touching persons.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Disease-causing organisms carried in the blood or body fluids of infected individuals that can be transmitted to others.

Tetanus

An extremely dangerous disease caused by a spore-forming bacillus (one cell units) known as Clostridium Tetani entering the body through cuts or puncture wounds, producing toxins that cause muscle stiffness and spasms.

Hepatitis B

The type of viral hepatitis among the five types (A, B, C, D, & E) that is the biggest concern for dental workers, who are encouraged to receive the vaccine.

Bacteria in Bloodstream

A condition occurring during extractions, cleanings, or other dental procedures where bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream and may cause infections.

Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)

An agency providing employee protection from workplace exposure and hazardous chemicals.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Mandatory information containing health hazards, first aid procedures, exposure-control plans, and precautions for safe handling and use of chemicals.

Alcohol Disinfectant Restriction

The rule that alcohol is not permissible as a disinfectant in dentistry if an oral exam or any treatment was completed, requiring an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant instead.

Instrument Processing

A consistent $7\text{-step}$ process (transport, cleaning, packaging, sterilization, storage, delivery, & quality assurance program) performed to prevent disease agents from being transferred to patients or dental teams.

Biological Monitors

Spore testing used at least once per week; the best way to determine that instruments are sterile and can be stored after completing the proper work flow pattern (entrance, contaminated area, packaging area, sterilization/storage area, exit).

Process Indicators

Chemical indicators used on or inside instrument packages to show if they have been exposed to the sterilization process, but which do not prove that instruments are sterile.

Heat Sterilizer

A device used to destroy microorganisms and spores on dental instruments, including steam autoclaves, dry heat sterilizers, and chemical vapor sterilizers.

Dry Heat Sterilizer

A sterilization unit where heat needs to reach all parts of instruments, which are dried directly after the cycle.

Autoclave Preparation Rule

The guideline stating that instruments must be clean, but not necessarily dry before autoclaving, because the autoclave utilizes steam to sterilize.

Dental Dam Clamp

A clamp associated with the anchor tooth that attaches the dental dam to the anchor tooth for secure placing and prevention of slipping during treatment.

Medical History Review

A clinical assessment that should be completed at the first visit, updated every appointment, and thoroughly reviewed before treatment begins to identify changes in medications, allergies, or medical conditions.

Cotton Roll Removal

The procedural step requiring cotton rolls to be moistened with water before removing to prevent sticking to oral tissue and causing tissue damage or bleeding.

Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Legislation that protects the patient by ensuring privacy regarding Personal Health Information (PHI).

Adult Pulse Rate

The normal resting heart rate for adults, measuring between $60\text{--}100\,\text{bpm}$.

G.V. Black

Known as the 'Father of Modern Dentistry'; developed the standard classification system for describing the location of decay.

Class 1 Tooth Decay

Decay located in the pits and fissures of occlusal surfaces of molars and premolars, buccal and lingual pits of molars, and lingual pits of maxillary incisors.

Vital Signs

Clinical measurements including pulse (heart rate), blood pressure, and temperature.

Local Anesthesia

The most frequently used, safe, effective, and dependable method for numbing a specific part of the mouth.

General Anesthesia

Medication used to bring the patient to a controlled state of loss of consciousness.

Preventative Dentistry

Dental practice aiming to prevent dental problems before they start through regular cleanings, check-ups, fluoride treatments, sealants, brushing, flossing, and rinsing.

Fluoride Therapy

The application of fluoride to teeth to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities, delivered either topically (gels, rinse, varnish) or systemically (water, supplements).

Polymerization

A chemical process that hardens dental materials, such as composite resin.

Light Curing

The process of using blue light to activate and harden light-cured dental materials.

Zinc Oxide Cement

A dental cement used for temporary fillings and cementation that exerts a soothing effect on the pulp.

Glass Ionomer Cement

A dental cement used for cementing crowns, placing fillings, and releasing fluoride.

Zinc Phosphate Cement

A dental cement used for the permanent cementation of certain crowns and bridges.

Luting Consistency

A thin and creamy cement consistency used to cement crowns.

Base Consistency

A thick and putty-like cement consistency used as a protective base under restorations.

Temporary Consistency

A cement consistency thick enough to be packed into a tooth cavity.

Metal Matrix Band

A metal band used mainly on posterior teeth to shape fillings and restore tooth contact.

Clear Plastic (Mylar) Matrix

A clear plastic matrix strip used mainly on anterior teeth to shape tooth-colored composite fillings.

Diagnostic Cast Material

Materials used to examine teeth and help diagnose dental conditions, including impression material, bite registration material, and diagnostic casts or models.

Inlay

A restoration that fits inside the cusps of a tooth.

Onlay

A restoration that covers one or more cusps of a tooth.

Crown

A restoration covering the entire visible portion of a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, strength, and function.

Veneer

A thin covering placed on the front surface of a tooth.

Denture

A removable or fixed prosthesis that replaces missing teeth and surrounding tissues.

Denture Retention

The ability of a denture to stay securely in place, which depends on proper fit, saliva, suction, oral anatomy, and may be improved by adhesives.

Crown Build Up

A procedure that replaces missing tooth structure using restorative material before placing a crown to provide support for the final crown.

Gingival Retraction Cord

A cord soaked in a solution to help prevent bleeding during the final impression (master impression).

Final Impression

A detailed impression of the teeth and surrounding oral tissues used to create crowns, bridges, and dentures.

Smile Line

The curved line formed by the edges of the upper front teeth visible when smiling.

Denture Reline

A procedure that reshapes the tissue-fitting surface of a denture to improve its fit.

Débridement

The removal of plaque, tartar, bacteria, and debris from teeth or tissues to prevent infection and improve oral health.

Obturation

The filling and sealing of cleaned root canals to prevent bacteria from reentering.

Control Tooth

The tooth used to stabilize and control the dental dam during placement.

Tooth Sensitivity

Pain or discomfort when exposed to cold, hot, or acidic stimuli, caused by exposed dentin, cavities, or gum recession.

Root Canal Irritation

Inflammation or irritation of the dental pulp (nerves & blood vessels) causing toothaches, swelling, and sensitivity, potentially requiring root canal treatment.

Primary Teeth

The set of $20$ deciduous teeth that erupt around $6\,\text{months}$ of age.

Permanent Teeth

The set of $32$ adult teeth that begin to replace primary teeth at around age $6$.

Partial Dentures

Prosthetic dental appliances that replace some missing teeth.

Permanent Dentures

Prosthetic dental appliances that replace all teeth in the maxillary or mandibular arch, often supported by implants.

Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)

A stroke occurring when blood flow is blocked to one part of the brain or a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing weakness, difficulty speaking, and facial drooping.

Maximum Coverage

The annual maximum dollar amount that a dental insurance plan will pay for dental services within a year.

Subscriber

The individual who is the holder of the dental benefits policy.

Patient Chart (PT's Chart)

The clinical document from which medical/dental history, allergies/medications, previous/planned treatments, x-rays/exam findings, vital signs, and insurance/billing info are obtained.

Recall Appointments

Routinely scheduled appointments that ensure a steady flow of patients, monitor oral health, and prevent dental problems.

Dental Arch Wires

Wires used in orthodontics to guide teeth to proper alignment by attaching to brackets on the teeth and applying controlled forces.

Diagnostic Records

Information collected to evaluate a patient's oral health and planned treatment, including x-rays, photos, impressions/scans, medical/dental history, and exam findings.