DEN 101 | WEEK 1

Professionalism

An attitude evident in all actions; umbrella of qualities including dedication, attitude, responsibility, initiative, and teamwork.

Dedication

Commitment to patient care and one’s duties.

Attitude

Manner or approach reflected in behavior toward patients and colleagues.

Responsibility

Being accountable for one’s actions and duties.

Initiative

Willingness to take action and improve processes without prompting.

Teamwork

Collaboration with others to achieve optimal patient care.

Four-handed dentistry

A practice setup where one assistant works with the dentist during treatment.

Chairside Assistant

Assistant who directly assists the dentist during treatment.

Circulating Assistant (Floater)

Extra assistant who helps with locating items and retraction; enables six-handed dentistry.

Six-handed dentistry

A three-person setup where a third assistant supports the dentist and chairside team.

Sterilization Assistant

Maintains instruments, packages, sterilizes, and ensures proper preparation for patient care.

Administrative (Business) Assistant

Handles reception duties such as calls, scheduling, insurance, and patient records.

HIPAA

Privacy and security rules governing patient information in health care.

Confidentiality

Protecting patient information and respecting privacy.

Cross-trained

Trained to perform both clinical and administrative duties.

Certification

Official credential demonstrating competency in dental assisting.

DANB

Dental Assisting National Board; organization that certifies dental assistants.

CDA

Certified Dental Assistant credential.

ADAA

American Dental Assistants Association; voluntary professional organization for dental assistants.

Registration/Licensure

State-level requirement for practice; may vary by location.

Cross-state mobility

Ability to move between states with appropriate credentials.

Professional appearance

Neat presentation that includes health, grooming, dress, and demeanor.

Good health and hygiene

Maintaining personal health and hygiene as part of professionalism.

Grooming

Clean hair, pulled back; limited jewelry; short natural nails.

Appropriate dress

Clean, pressed scrubs/uniforms; clean shoes; subtle makeup; minimal scents.

Conservative presentation

Minimizing visible tattoos or piercings; neat and professional look.

Tattoos/piercings

Minimized exposure to maintain a professional appearance.

Interpersonal skills

Ability to interact effectively and courteously with patients and staff.

Active listening

Listening more than talking to understand patient needs.

Courtesy

Polite and considerate behavior toward patients and staff.

Respect

Treating patients and colleagues with dignity.

Temper control

Maintaining composure and managing emotions, especially in emergencies.

Empathy

Ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

Attention to detail

Meticulous focus on accuracy and precision in tasks.

Calm in emergencies

Staying composed and effective during stressful situations.

Office cross-training

Training to perform both clinical and administrative duties.

Career opportunities

Job paths for dental assistants in various settings (solo, group, specialty, hospitals, education, sales, etc.).

Solo practice

Private practice owned and run by one dentist.

Group practice

Practice with multiple dentists sharing a facility.

Specialty practice

Practice focusing on dental specialties (e.g., orthodontics, endodontics).

Office manager

Administrative leader overseeing operations and staff.

Financial coordinator

Professional who manages patient billing and financial communication.

Scheduling coordinator

Individual who organizes and coordinates patient appointments.

Public health

Community-focused dental care programs and services.

Hospitals

Clinical settings where dental assistants may work outside private practice.

Dental school clinics

University clinics for training and patient care.

Insurance companies

Organizations involved in dental benefit plans and reimbursements.

Education

Continuing education and professional development for dental assistants.

Dental product sales

Roles that involve marketing or selling dental products.

Organized office environment

A workspace that is orderly, presentable, professional, and welcoming.

Reception area cleanliness

Clean, tidy, and well-maintained waiting area.

Adequate seating

Sufficient seating for patients and companions.

Up-to-date magazines

Current reading materials available in the reception area.

Toys/books for children

Children’s items provided to help patients feel at ease.

Warm atmosphere

Inviting environment that helps patients relax.

Goals of the operatory

Comfort for patients, mobility for the team, privacy, and efficient use of equipment.

Privacy for patients

Maintaining patient confidentiality and comfort during treatment.

Time management

Efficient use of dental equipment and appointment scheduling.

Patient chair

The dental chair used for patient positioning during procedures.

Operator’s stool

Chair used by the dentist during procedures.

Dental assistant’s stool

Seat used by the dental assistant.

Dental unit

Central unit that provides electrical power, water, and compressed air to hoses and handpieces.

Rheostat

Foot control device that regulates the speed of the handpiece.

Waterlines

Tubing that delivers water to handpieces and the operatory.

Operating light

Light used to illuminate the treatment area.

X-ray imaging equipment

Devices used to take radiographs of patients.

Sterilization equipment

Devices used to sterilize instruments and maintain sterile conditions.

Function of the dental unit

Delivers electrical power, water, and compressed air to hoses, handpieces, suction, and other parts.

Saliva ejector

The least powerful suction system used to remove saliva.

Subsupine position

Head below the heart; an emergency or special-position arrangement.

Triturate

To mechanically mix dental materials.

Compressor

Delivers compacted air for dental use.

Air/water syringe

Delivers air and water to the operative field.

Consultation

Meeting to discuss treatment planning and options.

Curing light

Wand used to harden light-cured materials.

Condensation

Transition of water vapor to liquid.

Upright position

Head and chest in a vertical alignment.

High-volume evacuator (HVE)

A suction device that removes large volumes of fluids and debris.

Dental operatory

The treatment room where dental procedures occur.

Amalgamator

Electrical mixer used for encapsulated filling materials.

Supine position

Head, chest, and knees at the same level during procedures.

What is the definition of professionalism in dental assisting?

An attitude that is apparent in everything you do and say in and out of the office.

Which qualities are included in the umbrella of professionalism?

Dedication, attitude, responsibility, initiative, and teamwork.

Is professionalism limited to the dental office?

No; it is demonstrated in everything you say and do in and out of life.

Name patient interaction qualities of a professional dental assistant.

Friendly, pleasant attitude; listens more than talks; courteous, considerate, respectful, and kind; able to control temper; sees from the patient’s perspective.

What personal traits indicate responsibility?

Dependable; attention to detail; calm in emergencies; takes responsibility for actions.

What are the five potential roles for a dental assistant?

Chair side, circulating, sterilization, expanded functions, administrative.

What is four-handed dentistry?

One assistant directly assisting the doctor during treatment.

What is six-handed dentistry?

A third circulating assistant joins, giving six hands to assist.

Who is a circulating assistant sometimes called?

A floater.

What does a circulating assistant do?

Locates items, helps with retraction, and assists with various tasks the chair side may not perform efficiently.

What is the main job of the sterilization assistant?

Maintain instruments in the sterilization area, packaging, sterilizing, and ensuring sterile instruments for patient care.

What is the role of the administrative or business assistant?

Front desk tasks: taking calls, dealing with insurance, scheduling; cross-training in clinical tasks.

Why is HIPAA confidentiality important?

Protects patient information and privacy in professional practice.

How should appearance reflect your duties?

Based on your role, maintain an appropriate professional appearance.

What are features of a clean uniform?

Clean, pressed uniform or scrubs; no stains; clean shoes.

What grooming practices should dental assistants follow?

Hair off the face; no dangling hair; limited jewelry; nails clean and short.

What is the nail length guideline?

Nails should be clean, short, not visible from the palm, about 2 mm past the nail bed.

Why avoid artificial nails?

They harbor bacteria and can rip gloves; long nails can be problematic.

Why avoid perfume or scents?

To prevent irritating patients with asthma or allergies.