chairside procedures test 1

Dental Unit

A comprehensive setup used in dental procedures, which includes various components like handpieces, waterlines, and evacuation systems.

Handpiece

Formally known as a drill, it is a tool used in dental procedures for cutting and shaping teeth.

Front Delivery

A dental unit configuration positioned over the patient’s chest for easy access.

Side Delivery

A dental unit configuration positioned at either side of the patient’s chair for accessibility.

Rear Delivery

A dental unit configuration positioned behind the dental chair for operational efficiency.

Rheostat

A foot-operated control for handpieces that regulates speed and water flow.

Waterlines

Tubes in a dental unit that carry water for cooling and cleaning during procedures, requiring regular maintenance to prevent bacteria growth.

Air Water Syringe

Also known as a tri-syringe, it delivers water, air, or a combination of both during dental procedures.

Central Air Compressor

Provides compressed air for air-water syringe and air-driven handpieces

why is the air compressor placed far away from the clinical setting?

for safety reasons and the noise level

required maintenance for central air compressor is…

changing filters and occasionally checking for condensation in the lines

Operating Light

A light positioned to illuminate the oral cavity, requiring careful adjustment and cleaning after use.

where will the operating light be positioned?

on the patients chest approximately 25-30 inches below the patients chin. it is turned on and then slowly adjusted upward, straight, etc depending on what area of the oral cavity is being worked on.

operating light maintenance

light is only cleaned once bulb has cooled, halogen bulbs are to be replaced with a gloved hand.

Oral Evacuation System

A system for removing fluids (water, saliva, blood, etc) during procedures, including saliva ejectors and high-volume evacuators (HVE).

how often is the oral evacuation system cleaned?

disinfected between each patient

saliva ejector

provides removal of the patients excess fluids from the mouth

high volume evacuator (HVE)

more powerful than saliva ejector and helps to maintain a clear field.

Central Vacuum Compressor

Supplies suction for oral evacuation systems

2 parts of Central vacuum compressor

Compressor and vacuum tank

Compressor

provides air flow

vacuum tank

screens flow of air to create suction

how often should central vacuum compressor be maintained?

suction trap should be cleaned once a week, remove cap and take screen off. either clean trap or throw it out and replace with new one.

Curing Light

A light used to harden dental materials, requiring protective covers to prevent eye damage.

Amalgamator

An electrical device used to mix dental materials through vigorous shaking.

what is another name for amalgamator?

triturate

Dental Imaging Unit

A unit for taking radiographs, which can be left on throughout the day but requires disconnection for maintenance.

Another name for dental imaging unit

radiographic unit

Digital Imaging

A modern, safer, and more environmentally friendly method of capturing dental images.

Computer Monitor

An LCD screen used for patient records, treatment planning, and entertainment, requiring proper infection control.

Care of Dental Equipment

Emphasizes the importance of careful use and maintenance of expensive dental tools according to manufacturer instructions.

Team Dentistry

A collaborative approach involving the dentist and dental assistant, focusing on ergonomics and efficiency. four-handed dentistry

what is the correct working distance

12-14 inches between the patients and operators faces

eye level

4-6 inches above the eye level of the operator

how do you want your legs positioned

parallel with the patients chair

CLASS I

Movement of fingers only

CLASS II

Movement of fingers and wrist

CLASS III

Movement of fingers, wrist and elbow

CLASS IV

Use of the entire arm and shoulder (this should try and be limited)

CLASS V

Use of the entire upper torso (this should try to be limited)

What are the 4 types of “zones”

1. operators zone

2. transfer zone

3. assistants zone

4. static zone

operators zone

7-12 oclock

transfer zone

4-7 o’clock

assistants zone

2-4 o’clock

static zone

12-2 o’clock

what hand should dental assistants be transferring materials with?

left hand

what position are instruments transferred in?

position of use, place firmly in dentists hand

What are the 3 basic grasps?

1. pen grasp

2. palm grasp

3. palm-thumb grasp

pen grasp

self explanitory

palm grasp

the instrument is held securely in the palm of the hand

palm-thumb grasp

instrument is held in palm of hand and the thumb is used to stabilize and guide the instrument

when passing a mirror and explorer, the explorer goes into which hand of the doctor?

dominate hand of the doctor

how do you hand off dual ended instruments?

hand them the correct end they want to use.

direct supervision

The dentist must be in the same treatment area as the RDA for the assistant to perform the function

indirect supervision

The dentist must be in the dental office area but not necessarily be present in the same treatment room as the RDA

Ergonomics

The adaptation of the work environment to fit the human body, aiming to reduce fatigue and injury risk.

Risk Factors in the Workforce

Factors like posture that can lead to fatigue and conditions such as lower-back pain or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Fulcrum

A safety technique using a finger rest on a hard surface to stabilize hand movements during procedures.

Mirror Skills

can be indirect vision and looking through the mirror

Maintain posture, reduce eyestrain, and complete specific functions

Position yourself to gain a “straight-on” visual effect

Mirror must be kept parallel to the working surface

Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs)

Injuries resulting from repetitive strain, with carpal tunnel syndrome being a common example.

What is the most common CTD

CTS (carpal tunnel syndrome) there are 8 bones in this tunnel

how can you prevent CTS

resting hands frequently

what type of reach should air-water syringe, handpiece, saliva ejector and HVE be kept in?

normal horizontal reach

what type of reach should the operatory light be kept within?

maximum vertical reach

what type of reach should other supplies that are used less frequently be kept in?

maximum horizontal reach

waterline that functions in 3 ways

tri-syringe

what are the functions of the tri-syringe

1. delivers a water stream

2. delivers a stream of air

3. delivers a combo of air and water

thenar eminence

base of thumb