Dental Health Care Team - Key Concepts and Roles

80 flashcards covering the dental health care team, roles, education pathways, ADA specialties, and related exam/licensure details from the notes.

Who is legally responsible for patient care and supervising all members of the dental team?

The dentist.

What does CODA stand for in dental education?

Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Which two exams must a dentist pass to practice after dental school?

The National Board Dental Exam and a state Clinical Board Exam.

Do DDS and DMD denote different degrees or training?

No; they are just different degree titles awarded by different schools, but the education is the same.

Who is the lead on the dental health care team?

The dentist.

What are the two general paths a dentist may be trained for in the profession?

Generalist or specialist.

Name three functions a dental assistant might perform.

Clinical chairside assistance, expanded functions, or administrative/business duties.

What are some common employment settings for dental assistants?

Private practice, specialty offices, health clinics, schools, research facilities, public health departments, educational programs, or insurance.

What is the typical educational path for a dental assistant in ADA-accredited programs?

Usually about 1 academic year.

What is the role of a dental hygienist (RDH)?

Prevention and treatment of oral diseases; requires at least two years in a CODA-accredited program; works under a licensed dentist.

What tasks might a dental hygienist perform?

Oral health assessments, reviewing medical history, hygiene education, cleanings, removing plaque/calculus, applying fluoride/sealants, exposing radiographs, and assessing periodontal health.

What are the typical education paths for a dental hygienist?

Associate degree (2 years); bachelor’s or master’s degrees available.

Where does a dental hygienist typically work under supervision?

Under the supervision of a licensed dentist.

Where does a dental laboratory technician usually work and what do they do?

Outside the office in a separate lab; fabricate crowns, bridges, dentures, and other prostheses per the dentist’s prescription.

What is the basic role of a dental laboratory technician?

Fabricate restorations and prostheses according to the dentist’s written prescription.

What does ‘four-handed dentistry’ mean?

A dentist and assistant working together to make procedures smoother and quicker.

Besides chairside duties, what administrative duties might a dental assistant perform?

Greeting patients, answering phones, scheduling, managing records, ensuring privacy, and HIPAA compliance.

How many specialties does the ADA recognize in dentistry?

12.

What is the focus of Dental Anesthesiology?

Management of pain, anxiety, and patient health during procedures.

What does Dental Public Health focus on?

Developing community-based programs to control and prevent dental disease.

What is Endodontics concerned with?

Diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp (root canal therapy).

What does Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology involve?

Identification and management of diseases affecting the oral cavity and surrounding areas.

What is Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology about?

Use of advanced imaging to detect tumors, disease, and trauma of the jaws, head, and neck.

What is Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery about?

Surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects of the oral and facial regions (e.g., wisdom teeth removal).

What is Oral Medicine concerned with?

Primary dental care for patients with complex medical conditions requiring long-term management.

What does Orofacial Pain focus on?

Diagnosis and treatment of pain disorders in the jaw, mouth, face, head, and neck.

What does Orthodontics specialize in?

Prevention and correction of malocclusion (misaligned teeth).

What does Pediatric Dentistry cover?

Preventive and restorative care for infants, children, and adolescents (including special needs).

What does Periodontics focus on?

Diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting gums and supporting structures of teeth.

What does Prosthodontics focus on?

Restoration and replacement of missing or deficient teeth to improve function and appearance.

What is the minimal education for a dentist (CODA-approved program)?

Graduate from a CODA-approved dental university; typically a 4-year dental program (often after an undergraduate degree).

What is the minimal education for a dental assistant?

Varies by state; ADA-accredited programs are usually 1 academic year.

What is the minimal education for a dental hygienist?

Two academic years in a CODA-accredited program (Associate degree); bachelor’s or master’s degrees available.

Can a dental hygienist pursue bachelor’s or master’s degrees?

Yes.

What is the minimal education for a dental laboratory technician?

An ADA-accredited 2-year program is common; formal training is not strictly required (apprenticeship is an option).

Must a dental laboratory technician have a prescription before fabricating restorations?

Yes; a prescription from the dentist is required.

Name an example of a practice setting for dentists not owned by a single practitioner.

Dental Management Organization group practices (or other group practices).

What does the Dental Practice Act specify for dental assistants?

What dental assistants can and cannot do.

What does the ADA stand for in dentistry?

American Dental Association.

What is the difference between DMD and DDS in practice terms?

There is no difference in professional education; the difference is the degree title (DMD vs DDS) granted by the university.

What must a dentist do to be legally practicing in a state?

Be licensed and pass required exams (NBDE and state Clinical Board).

Which members of the dental team commonly perform chairside assistance and lab work as part of their duties?

Dental assistants perform chairside assistance and may assist with some lab procedures.

Who can expose radiographs as part of the RDH scope in some settings?

The Dental Hygienist (RDH) can expose radiographs, depending on state scope.

What is four-handed dentistry designed to improve?

Efficiency and speed of dental procedures.

Which specialty is focused on the prevention and correction of malocclusion?

Orthodontics.

Which specialty is primarily involved with crowns, bridges, and dentures?

Prosthodontics.

Which specialty is associated with root canal therapy?

Endodontics.

Which specialty focuses on child patients and adolescents?

Pediatric Dentistry.

Which specialty deals with gum diseases and supporting structures?

Periodontics.

Which specialty involves surgical treatment of diseases and injuries of the facial region?

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Which specialty includes the management of pain and anxiety during dental procedures?

Dental Anesthesiology.

What is required for a dental hygienist to be certified beyond the associate degree?

They may pass a written exam to become certified.

What is the common length for a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program leading to an associate degree?

Two academic years.

What is the role of a dentist in radiographic interpretation?

To interpret radiographic images.

What is the main purpose of the ADA recognizing 12 specialties?

To identify distinct areas of advanced training and focus within dentistry.

What is the common pathway to become a dental specialist?

Earn a DDS/DMD degree, then complete a master’s (2–6 years, sometimes with a PhD).

What is meant by ‘not-for-profit group practices’ as a practice setting?

A practice setting where services are provided as a nonprofit entity.

What must a dentist ensure when supervising auxiliaries?

Safe administration of anesthesia and appropriate supervision.

Which professional typically works outside the dental office in a lab?

Dental Laboratory Technician.

Which role often includes administrative duties like privacy and HIPAA compliance?

Dental Assistant.

What is the expected outcome of the dental health care team’s work?

Quality oral health care for the community.

Which term describes the process of replacing missing teeth with restorations?

Prosthodontics.

What is the focus of Oral Medicine within the ADA specialties?

Primary dental care for patients with complex medical conditions requiring long-term management.