HOSA Career Development Chapters 25-28

Dental Assisting

• Dental assistants support dentists in delivering oral health care.

• Responsibilities range from patient care and education to office and laboratory duties.

1. Clinical Assistance:

• Prepare patients for dental procedures by explaining steps and ensuring comfort.

• Assist the dentist during procedures by handing instruments, operating suction devices, and mixing materials.

1. Patient Education:

• Provide instructions on oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing techniques.

• Explain post-operative care and dietary restrictions following procedures.

1. Infection Control:

• Sterilize instruments and maintain a clean, safe environment.

• Follow standard precautions to prevent cross-contamination.

1. Administrative Duties:

• Schedule appointments and maintain patient records.

• Handle billing and insurance claims

1. Teeth Structure:

• Crown: Visible part of the tooth.

• Root: Anchors the tooth in the jawbone.

• Enamel: Hard, outer layer protecting the tooth.

• Dentin: Beneath the enamel, supports the tooth structure.

• Pulp: Inner part containing nerves and blood vessels.

1. Tooth Types:

• Incisors: Cutting teeth.

• Canines: Tearing teeth.

• Premolars and Molars: Grinding and chewing teeth.

1. Common Dental Terms:

• Caries: Tooth decay.

• Plaque: Sticky film of bacteria on teeth.

• Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums.

1. Dental Preventive Care:

• Routine cleanings and fluoride treatments.

• Application of sealants to protect against cavities.

1. Dental Restorative Procedures:

• Fillings for cavities.

• Crowns and bridges for damaged or missing teeth.

1. Orthodontics:

• Assisting with braces, retainers, and aligners.

1. Surgical Procedures:

• Assisting with tooth extractions, implants, and biopsies.

1. Instrument Sterilization:

• Use autoclaves for sterilizing reusable instruments.

• Store instruments in sterile packaging until use

1. Surface Disinfection:

• Clean and disinfect dental chairs, counters, and equipment after each patient.

1. PPE for Dental Staff:

• Wear gloves, masks, goggles, and gowns during procedures.

1. X-Ray Techniques:

• Position patients correctly for intraoral and extraoral imaging.

• Ensure proper shielding to minimize radiation exposure.

1. Film Development and Digital Imaging:

• Develop traditional X-ray films using chemical processing.

• Capture and store digital images using modern software.

 Laboratory Assistant Skills

• Laboratory assistants play a crucial role in supporting diagnostic and research activities.

• Responsibilities include specimen collection, handling, testing, and maintaining lab equipment.

1. Specimen Collection:

• Collect blood, urine, stool, and other body fluid samples.

• Label specimens accurately and ensure proper documentation.

1. Preparation of Samples:

• Centrifuge blood samples to separate plasma or serum.

• Prepare slides for microscopic examination.

1. Equipment Maintenance:

• Clean, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments.

• Maintain inventory of lab supplies and order replacements as needed.

1. Administrative Duties:

• Enter patient data and test results into electronic health records (EHRs).

• Ensure compliance with confidentiality and HIPAA regulations.

1. Venipuncture:

• Use sterile techniques to draw blood from veins.

• Follow order of draw to prevent contamination of specimens.

• Ensure proper disposal of sharps in designated containers.

1. Capillary Puncture:

• Collect blood from fingertip or heel (for infants).

• Commonly used for glucose monitoring or small sample volumes.

1. Urine Collection:

• Instruct patients on midstream clean-catch procedures.

• Label and store samples according to protocol.

1. Other Samples

• Swabs for throat cultures, wound cultures, or nasal samples.

• Fecal specimens for detecting parasites or occult blood.

1. Infection Control:

• Follow standard precautions, including the use of gloves, masks, and lab coats.

• Practice proper hand hygiene before and after handling specimens.

1. Handling Hazardous Materials:

• Store chemicals and reagents in appropriate containers.

• Label hazardous materials with safety warnings.

Waste Disposal:

• Use biohazard bags for infectious waste.

• Dispose of sharps in puncture-resistant containers.

1. Spill Management:

• Clean spills immediately using appropriate disinfectants.

• Report incidents to the lab supervisor.

1. Common Laboratory Tests:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Measures red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets.

• Urinalysis: Checks for pH, protein, glucose, and other abnormalities.

• Blood Chemistry Panels: Evaluate organ function (e.g., liver, kidneys).

1. Quality Assurance:

• Calibrate equipment regularly to ensure accurate results.

• Perform routine control tests to verify reliability.

Documentation

• Record test results promptly and accurately.

• Notify the healthcare team of critical or abnormal findings.

1. Microscopes:

• Used for examining slides of blood, tissues, or microorganisms.

• Regularly cleaned and calibrated to maintain functionality.

Centrifuges

• Spin samples to separate components like plasma, serum, or cells.

• Balance tubes properly to avoid damage or inaccurate results

1. Analytical Machines:

• Automated systems for chemistry panels, hematology tests, and more.

• Operated following manufacturer guidelines.

1. Interdisciplinary Collaboration:

• Work closely with physicians, nurses, and lab technologists.

• Ensure timely delivery of accurate test results to support patient care

1. Patient Interaction:

• Explain procedures to patients to alleviate anxiety.

• Maintain a professional and empathetic demeanor.

Confidentiality

• Protect patient information in compliance with HIPAA.

• Avoid discussing results or patient details with unauthorized individuals.

1. Accuracy and Integrity:

• Double-check specimen labels and documentation.

• Report errors or inconsistencies immediately to supervisors.

1. Informed Consent:

• Ensure patients understand procedures before collection.

• Obtain consent as required by law.

Nurse Assistant Skills

• Nurse assistants provide essential support to nurses and healthcare teams by delivering direct patient care.

• Responsibilities focus on ensuring patient comfort, safety, and well-being while assisting with daily activities and basic medical tasks.

1. Personal Care Assistance:

• Help patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.

• Encourage patients to maintain as much independence as possible.

1. Health Monitoring:

• Take and record vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure.

• Observe and report changes in a patient’s condition to the supervising nurse.

1. Patient Mobility:

• Assist with ambulation, transfers, and positioning to prevent complications like pressure ulcers or contractures.

• Use mobility aids such as walkers, wheelchairs, or transfer belts as needed.

1. Nutritional Support:

• Help with feeding and monitoring dietary intake.

• Record fluid intake and output to ensure proper hydration.

1. Environmental Management:

• Keep patient areas clean, organized, and safe.

• Change bed linens regularly and assist with bed-making, including occupied beds.

1. Bathing and Hygiene:

• Provide bed baths, tub baths, or showers based on patient needs and preferences.

• Perform oral care, including for unconscious patients.

• Ensure proper perineal care to maintain hygiene and prevent infections.

1. Bed-Making:

• Learn proper techniques for making an unoccupied and occupied bed.

• Use draw sheets and waterproof pads to assist with patient comfort and cleanliness.

1. Positioning and Alignment:

• Use positions such as Fowler’s, supine, prone, and lateral to enhance patient comfort and prevent pressure sores.

• Reposition immobile patients at least every two hours.

1. Assisting with Elimination:

• Support patients in using bedpans, urinals, or commodes as needed.

• Follow protocols for catheter care and monitor output.

1. Standard Precautions:

• Follow hand hygiene and wear gloves when handling bodily fluids or contaminated materials.

Preventing Falls:

• Keep pathways clear and use nonslip footwear for patients.

• Assist with transfers and mobility to minimize fall risks.

1. Equipment Safety:

• Check equipment like lifts or wheelchairs for proper functioning before use.

• Report broken or malfunctioning equipment immediately.

1. Infection Control Measures:

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

• Use proper techniques for handling soiled linens and waste.

1. Effective Communication:

• Listen actively to patients and address their concerns empathetically.

• Use clear, simple language and adjust communication for patients with sensory or cognitive impairments.

1. Documentation:

• Accurately record patient care activities, vital signs, and observations in the patient chart.

• Report unusual findings or changes in condition to the supervising nurse promptly.

1. Promoting Emotional Well-being:

• Provide reassurance and companionship to reduce anxiety and improve mood.

• Respect patient preferences, cultural values, and privacy.

1. Elderly Patients:

• Be patient and considerate of age-related physical and cognitive changes.

• Monitor for signs of elder abuse or neglect.

1. Post-Surgery Patients:

• Assist with wound care and mobility during recovery.

• Follow pain management protocols and encourage light activity as recommended.

1. Patients with Disabilities:

• Adapt care techniques to meet individual needs and preferences.

• Ensure accessibility and comfort during all care activities.

1. End-of-Life Care:

• Provide comfort measures and emotional support to patients and families.

• Follow protocols for postmortem care when necessary.

1. Confidentiality:

• Protect patient information in compliance with HIPAA.

• Share patient details only with authorized personnel.

1. Patient Rights:

• Respect patient autonomy and the right to make decisions about their care.

• Ensure informed consent for all procedures.

1. Professional Boundaries:

• Maintain a professional relationship while providing compassionate care.

• Avoid inappropriate personal involvement with patients or their families.

 Physical Therapy Skills

• Physical therapists and their assistants focus on improving mobility, relieving pain, and restoring function in patients recovering from injury or illness.

• Physical therapy incorporates exercises, manual therapy, and the use of specialized equipment.

1. Patient Assessment:

• Assist in evaluating patient mobility, strength, and range of motion.

• Record patient history and observe functional limitations.

1. Therapeutic Exercises:

• Guide patients through prescribed exercises to improve strength, balance, and endurance.

• Ensure proper technique to prevent injury and maximize benefits.

1. Use of Equipment:

• Operate and maintain physical therapy devices, such as treadmills, resistance bands, and therapeutic balls.

• Educate patients on the safe use of assistive devices, including walkers, crutches, and braces.

1. Patient Education:

• Teach patients about home exercise programs and techniques for preventing further injury.

• Encourage compliance with therapy plans for optimal recovery.

1. Manual Therapy:

• Include massage, joint mobilization, and stretching to reduce pain and improve flexibility.

• Common techniques:

  • Soft tissue mobilization.

  • Myofascial release.

Heat Therapy

• Increases blood flow and relaxes muscles.

Cold Therapy

Reduces inflammation and numbs pain.

Ultrasound Therapy

Promotes tissue healing with sound waves

Electrical Stimulation (E-stim)

• Stimulates muscles and nerves for pain relief and strength recovery.

1. Balance and Coordination Training:

• Use wobble boards, parallel bars, and balance balls to improve stability.

1. Gait Training:

• Assist patients in regaining the ability to walk using parallel bars or assistive devices.

• Focus on proper posture and weight distribution.

1. Restoring Function:

Focus on returning patients to their previous level of activity

1. Improving Quality of Life:

• Address physical limitations to enhance independence and daily living.

1. Pain Management:

• Use non-invasive techniques to alleviate discomfort during recovery.

1. Post-Surgical Patients:

• Support recovery after joint replacements, ligament repairs, or spinal surgeries.

1. Patients with Neurological Conditions:

• Provide therapy for stroke survivors, individuals with multiple sclerosis, or those recovering from spinal cord injuries.

1. Geriatric Patients:

• Address age-related mobility issues and prevent falls.

1. Athletes:

• Help athletes recover from sports-related injuries and enhance performance.

1. Accurate Record-Keeping:

• Document patient progress, exercise routines, and responses to therapy.

1. Team Collaboration:

• Communicate effectively with physical therapists, nurses, and physicians to adjust care plans.

1. Patient Feedback:

• Encourage patients to express concerns and provide input on therapy goals.

Business and Accounting in Health Care

• Health care facilities operate like businesses and require effective management of finances, resources, and personnel.

• Business and accounting skills are essential for ensuring operational success and regulatory compliance.

1. Financial Management:

• Track revenue and expenses to maintain a balanced budget.

• Prepare financial reports for stakeholders.

1. Human Resources:

• Handle hiring, training, and managing personnel.

• Ensure compliance with labor laws and workplace policies.

1. Operations Management:

• Coordinate the use of resources like equipment and supplies.

• Develop efficient workflows to enhance productivity.

• Balance Sheet:

• Provides an overview of assets, liabilities, and equity.

• Income Statement:

• Summarizes revenue and expenses over a period.

• Cash Flow Statement:

• Tracks the inflow and outflow of cash.

Budgeting

• Develop budgets to allocate resources effectively.

• Monitor expenses to prevent overspending.

1. Billing and Coding:

• Use standardized codes (e.g., ICD, CPT) for insurance claims.

• Ensure accurate billing to reduce claim rejections.

1. Patient Registration:

• Collect demographic and insurance information.

• Verify insurance eligibility and benefits.

1. Charge Capture:

• Accurately record services rendered for billing purposes.

1. Claims Processing:

• Submit insurance claims and follow up on denials.

1. Accounts Receivable:

• Monitor and manage payments from patients and insurers.