Introduction to Dental Assisting

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on the key terms and definitions from the lecture on dental assisting.

IDA GRAY-ROLLINS

The first African American woman in the US to earn a dental degree.

DENTAL LABORATORY

The room in the dental office used by staff to pour impressions, prepare study models, and polish removable items, such as dentures or space maintainers.

ORAL PATHOLOGY

Involves the nature of diseases affecting the oral cavity and adjacent structures, performing biopsies, and working closely with oral surgeons.

DOCTOR OF DENTAL SURGERY (DDS) OR DOCTOR OF MEDICAL DENTISTRY

Degrees awarded to dentists upon graduation from dental university, depending on the school they attended.

ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL RADIOLOGY

Utilizes advanced imaging techniques to identify tumors and infectious diseases in the jaws and head, recognized as a new dental specialty in 1999.

PROSTHODONTICS (PROSTHODONTIST)

Involves the restoration and replacement of natural teeth with artificial constructs, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures.

STERILIZATION ASSISTANT

Efficiently and safely processes all instruments and manages biohazardous waste.

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Involves oral health care of children from birth to adolescence, often treating children with emotional and behavioral problems.

JESSICA A. RICKERT

First recognized Native-American female dentist in 1975.

OPERATORIES

Dental treatment rooms.

PERIODONTICS (PERIODONTIST)

Involves the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the oral tissues supporting and surrounding the teeth.

Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association (ADA)

The entity that approves dental universities which dentists must graduate from.

MODEL TRIMMER

Used when trimming diagnostic casts and study models.

DENTAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

Usually does not work in the dental office with the other team members; makes crowns, bridges, and dentures from impressions.

C. Edmund Kells

A New Orleans dentist, usually credited with employing the first dental assistant.

RADIOGRAPHS

The images produced by X-ray beams on film.

WILHELM CONRAD ROENTGEN

Bavarian physicist who discovered the X-ray beam in 1895.

INSTRUMENT PROCESSING AREA

Area where contaminated instruments are cleaned, packaged, sterilized, and stored for reuse.

ENDODONTICS (ENDODONTIST)

Involves the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and injuries of the pulp and associated structures.

CHAIRSIDE DENTAL ASSISTANT

Directly involved in patient care, duties include charting, passing instruments, and reassuring nervous patients.

ORTHODONTICS (ORTHODONTIST)

Involves the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of malocclusions of the teeth and associated structures.

DENTIST

The individual who is legally responsible for patient care and supervision of all team members.

GEORGE BLUE SPRUCE JR.

The first Native American dentist in the US (1956).

DENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH

Involves creating policies at the country, state, and national levels aimed at controlling and preventing diseases.

CIRCULATING ASSISTANT

Acts as additional support in clinical areas, responsible for seating patients and preparing treatment rooms.

REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST (RDH)

Generally removes deposits from teeth, exposes radiographs, and provides patients with home care instructions.

ROBERT TANNER FREEMAN

Harvard University’s first dental class and first African American student was admitted in 1867.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Involves diagnosing and surgically treating diseases, injuries, and defects of the oral and maxillofacial regions.