Dental Test
Dental Academy Final Study Guide: 100 Questions
General Information
Total Points Available: 140
Topic: Charting
Importance: Understanding various concepts and definitions related to dental practice is crucial for performance in examinations and future practice.
Key Terms and Definitions
Articulating Paper
Introduced as a carbon-like paper used to check the bite.
Enamel
The first layer of the tooth.
Dentin
The second layer of the tooth.
Amalgam
A silver filling material used in dentistry.
Onlays
Cast restoration that covers the cusps of posterior teeth.
Inlays
Cast restoration covering the occlusal surface and/or proximal surfaces of posterior teeth.
Nitrous Oxide
Commonly known as laughing gas, used for sedation in dental procedures.
Anterior
Refers to the front of the mouth.
Posterior
Refers to the back of the mouth.
Autoclave
A machine utilized to kill spores through steam.
Maxilla
Refers to the upper arch of the mouth.
Mandible
Refers to the lower arch of the mouth.
HIPAA
A federal act that protects the privacy of a patient’s health information.
High-Speed Handpiece
A type of dental handpiece where a friction grip bur is used.
Low-Speed Handpiece
A type of dental handpiece suitable for latch-type burs.
Endodontics
A dental specialty that focuses on root canal treatments.
3-Unit Bridge
A bridge consisting of two crowns on either side with a pontic (false tooth) in the middle.
Buccal Surface
The surface of the posterior tooth that is closest to the cheek.
Composite
A tooth-colored filling material.
Contact Point
The point where the mesial and distal surfaces of adjacent teeth touch.
Distal Surface
Refers to the surface of a tooth that is away from the midline.
Matrix Band
A metal band used to hold amalgam in place while it hardens.
Pontic
The missing tooth in a bridge.
Interproximal
Referring to the space between the teeth.
Sharps
Tools such as needles, orthodontic wires, blades, and scalpels.
Supine Position
Laying down position where the patient's head and knees are at the same level.
Subsupine Position
Laying down position where the patient's head is lower than the feet.
Supragingival
Above the gums.
Subgingival
Below the gums.
Vasoconstrictor
Most commonly used in anesthetic equipment for procedures.
Needle Size for Tooth #27
A long needle is used.
Needle Size for Tooth #7
A short needle is used.
Ultrasonic Cleaner
Does not sterilize instruments.
Ultrasonic Cleaner Solution
Enzymatic solution is used in the ultrasonic cleaner.
Charting
Hygienists measure periodontal pocket depth.
Red Biohazard Container
Designated for disposal of sharps.
Autoclaving Process
Kills spores via steam (heat) and pressure.
Vital Signs
Measures such as pulse (beats of the heart), respiration (breathing), and temperature (body heat).
Blood Pressure
Indicates the amount of work it takes to pump blood throughout the body.
Oxygen Tank Color
Identified by a green color.
Modified Bass Technique
The name for the proper brushing method.
Flossing Shape
Should be in a C-shaped manner.
Build-up
Used when little tooth structure remains.
Matrix Band Function
Helps restore proper interproximal contour of a restoration to ensure proper contact.
Impression Tray Preparation
Adhesive is placed in the impression tray before loading the alginate.
Universal Precautions
Treat all patients' fluids as if they are infectious and/or contain HBV, HCV, HIV.
Waste Classifications
General Waste
Classification includes items like paper mixing pads, paper towels, and empty containers.
Infectious Waste includes blood-soaked gauze.
Alginate Impression Management
Alginate Impression Storage
Store wrapped in a damp paper towel (100% humidity) and placed in a block bag until poured.
Tooth Condition Charting
#1: Impacted - Blue
#2: Missing - Blue
#4: Decay on occlusal - Red
#5: Decay on mesial and occlusal - Red
#10: Existing MI composite - Blue
#11: Existing I composite - Blue
#12: Decay on distal and occlusal - Red
#14: Existing MOD amalgam - Blue
#16: Impacted - Blue
#17: Impacted - Blue
#18: 3-unit bridge with #19 missing - Blue
#29: Root canal needed - Red
#30: Existing sealant - Blue
#31: Existing sealant - Blue
#32: Missing - Blue
Signs of Fainting/Syncope
Shortness of Breath
Pale Face
Irregular Pulse
Blurred/Darkened or Tunnel Vision
Signs of Allergic Reaction
Redness/Rash/Hives/Swelling
Vomiting
Trouble Breathing
Emergency Protocols
Give Sugar For:
Allergic Reaction
Stroke
Diabetic Emergency
Loss of Consciousness
Injection Protocols
Topical Gel
Benzocaine used prior to injection.
Anesthetic for Patients with Heart Conditions
Use anesthetic without epinephrine (epi).
PPE Order
Gown, mask, goggles, gloves.
Vasoconstrictor Effects
Prolongs anesthetic action and reduces bleeding.
Topical Anesthesia Focus
Topical anesthetic does not numb the pulp; it only affects the gingiva.
Effects of Numbing Tooth #8
Does not numb the mandibular lip as well.
Effects of Numbing Tooth #29
Numbs the right cheek, lower lip up to midline, and the right side of the tongue.
Periodontist’s Specialty
Focuses on gum surgery.
Pedodontist’s Specialty
Works predominantly with children.
Latex Allergy in Gloves
Most dental gloves are made from latex, which can cause allergic reactions.
HIPAA Violation Example
Sharing private patient information outside the office.
Sterility Indicator for Instrument Packs
The color change of the indicator indicates sterility.
Autoclave Monitoring
Checks are performed to ensure that the autoclave is functioning properly using spore tests.
Frequency of Autoclave Monitoring
The procedure is performed weekly.
Tooth #27 Quadrant Location
Located in the lower right (LR) quadrant of the mouth.
Human Body Temperature
A healthy body temperature is approximately 98.6°F.
Etchant Duration
Etchant should remain on the tooth for 15-20 seconds.
Etchant Purpose
It roughens tooth surfaces to create a better bond with restorative materials.
Cavity Varnish Function
Seals dentinal tubules in treated teeth.
Opposing Impression Definition
Refers to the opposite arch of the tooth being treated.
Tools Used by Endodontist
Uses endodontic files to clean the pulp canal.
Fill Material for Pulp Canal
Gutta-percha is used to fill the canal after cleaning.
Root Canal Numbness Issues
Difficulty in achieving numbness may arise if there is excessive inflammation at the apex of the root.
Coronal Polishing Certification Requirement
A dental assistant needs certification to perform coronal polishing legally.
Periodontal Pocket Depth Measurement
Measured in millimeters (mm).
Unhealthy Periodontal Pocket Depth
Anything greater than 4 mm is considered unhealthy.
Healthy Periodontal Pocket Depth
A pocket depth of 1-3 mm is deemed healthy.
Ultrasonic Scaler Use
Used by dental hygienists to remove calculus and difficult stains.
Scaling and Root Planing Procedure
Performs calculus and bacteria removal subgingivally to reduce the depth of periodontal pockets.
Osseous Surgery Purpose
Surgery aimed at removing defects and restoring normal contours of the bone.
Dry Socket Condition
A condition resulting if a blood clot does not form after a tooth extraction.
Remedy for Dry Socket
Treatment involves rinsing with saline solution and packing with medicated gauze.
Suture Type
Black silk sutures are typically non-absorbable.
Suture Sterility
Non-absorbable sutures are already sterile by the time they are used.
Suture Removal Timeline
Non-absorbable sutures are typically removed 6-7 days after surgery.
Post-Operative Use of Ibuprofen
Used for pain reduction and to decrease inflammation/swelling after surgery.
Bone File Use
A bone file is utilized to smooth the bone edges after surgical procedures.
Rongeur Purpose
Tools designed for trimming or cutting bone.
Orthodontic Correction Methods
Methods include the use of headgear, braces, Invisalign, ligature ties, rubber bands, spacers, and expanders.
Post-operative Instructions for Simple Extraction
Control Bleeding
Avoid strenuous work for a few days.
Avoid - Swishing, Smoking, Sucking (Straws), Spitting
Use Ibuprofen after surgery.
Apply cold pack for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off in the first 24 hours.
After one week, rinse with warm saltwater.
Use pressure pack gauze over the socket (change every 4-20 minutes as it becomes saturated).
Apply hot compress after the first 24 hours to enhance blood flow and promote healing.