Modern Dental assisting book Chapter 33

Delegate

to authorize another person to perform a specific skill or procedure.

Expanded function

specific intraoral functions delegated to an auxiliary that requires advanced skill, training, and credentialing.

Four handed dentistry

process by which the operator and the assistant work together to perform clinical procedures in an ergonomically structured environment.

Fulcrum

Finger rest used when one holds an instrument or handpiece for a specified time.

grasp

the correct was for an instrument or handpiece to beheld.

indirect vision

viewing an object with the use of a mirror

operating zones

Concept by which the face of a clock is used to position the dental team, equipment, and supplies

State two goals of the dental team that would simplify dental treatment in the dental office.

Four handed dentistry, use correct dental equipment.

What distance should operators face be to the patients when positioned correctly?

The patients face and the operators face should be approximately12 to 14 inches when positioned correctly.

How should the assistant be positioned when seated correctly?

Seated back on stool, feet resting when seated correctly, maintain a neutral posture. eye level 4 to 6 inches above the operator, positioned as close as possible to the patient's oral cavity.

In relation to the operator, should the assistant be positioned lower or higher when seated properly?

higher, 4 to 6 inches above the operator.

How should the operator maintain their forearms when providing dental treatment on a patient?

parallel to the floor when bent at the elbow

Classified motions

motions are classified into 5 categories according to extent movement.

Class I

Movement of fingers only. Examples include picking up an instrument or a single object from a flat surface, or picking up a pencil or a pen to write with

Class II

Movement of fingers and wrist. Example typing on a keyboard.

Class III

Movement of fingers, wrist, and elbow. Transferring an instrument to the operator from the tray.

Class IV

Use of the entire arm and shoulder. Examples include reaching for items within mobile unit.

Class V

use of the entire upper torso. Example, bending over to see intraorally, retrieving dental materials from a tub or drawer.

operating zones

Working positions of dental team members; based on a "clock concept"

Operators zone right-handed

7 o'clock to 12 o'clock, is the area where the person who completed the procedure is seated.

Operators zone left-handed

12 o'clock to 5 o'clock, is the area where the person who completed the procedure is seated.

Transfer zone right-handed

4 o'clock to 7 o'clock, is the area where instruments and dental materials are exchanged.

Transfer zone left-handed

5 o'clock to 8 o'clock, is the area where instruments and dental materials are exchanged.

Assistant zone right-handed

2 o'clock to 4 o'clock, is the area where the dental assistant is positioned.

Assistant zone left-handed

8 o'clock to 10 o'clock, is the area where the dental assistant is positioned.

Static zone right-handed

12 o'clock to 2 o'clock, is located directly behind the patient.

Static zone left-handed

10 o'clock to 12 o'clock, is located directly behind the patient.

Transfer zone

is the area that instruments, and dental material are exchanged between the dentist and the dental assistant.

Pen grasp

The instrument is held in the same manner as a pen

Palm grasp

The instrument is held securely within the palm of the hand

Palm-thumb grasp

The instrument is held in the palm, and the thumb is used to stabilize and guide the instrument

Single handed transfer technique

applies to hand instruments, dental handpieces, and air water syringes.

Two handed exchange

When beginning a procedure, the dentist will signal that the procedure is about to begin by placing one hand on each side of the patients mouth ready to receive the mirror and explorer. The clinical DA will simultaneously deliver the mirror and the explorer using a

Should the assistant use one hand or both hands to transfer a single instrument?

one hand

Which hand is used primarily to transfer instruments to a right-handed dentist?

left hand

What expanded-function dental assistant (EFDA)?

is a clinical assistant who has acquired advanced education, training, and certification in reversible, intraoral procedures and additional tasks that have been approved by the Dental Practice Act within the state in which the EFDA is practicing

RDA (registered assistant)

is a clinical dental assitant with a licensed credential.

Expanded function

is the term used to refer to a specific intraoral skill that is completed as a procedure or as part of a procedure by the clinical dental assistant.

Fulcrum

is a finger rest, that stabilizes the hand.

intraoral fulcrum

is established within the mouth.

What is indirect vision?

viewing an object through the use of a mirror