Dental Unit:

Handpiece - formally known as drill

The dental unit can be mounted on the floor, the wall, or, most often, the side of the dental chair

Front delivery:

Positioned over the patient’s chest

Side delivery:

Positioned at either side of the patient’s chair

Rear delivery:

Positioned behind the dental chair

Rheostat - fancy foot paddle for handpieces

switch on rheostat is for water

Amount of pressure used on rheostat is how speed is controlled

Waterlines:

-A dental unit is designed with waterlines that carry the water through the air-water syringe and dental handpieces

-The use of water during a dental procedure is crucial for keeping the tooth clean and cooled against the heat caused by mechanical removal of tooth structure

-Maintenance and cleanliness are high priorities in the use of waterlines

- is the number one place for Bactria, must stay cleaned

Between each patient we are going to run a water line (purge)

Once a day run a disinfect water lines

Air water syringe:

Also known as a tri-syringe

Attached to the dental unit, essential for every procedure

Functions in three ways:

1. Delivers a stream of   

     water

2. Delivers a stream of air

3. Delivers a combined

    spray of air and water

Central Air Compressor:

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

Because of the noise level and for safety reasons, the compressor is placed away from the clinical setting

Maintenance includes changing filters and occasionally checking for condensation in the lines

Operating light:

Once the patient is seated and the assistant gloved, the assistant will position the light on the patient’s chest approximately 25 to 30 inches below the patient’s chin

The light is turned on and then is slowly adjusted upward to illuminate the oral cavity

The light is cleaned only when it has cooled

Halogen bulbs are to be replaced with a gloved hand

Oral Evacuation System:

Gets cleaned between each patient (disinfection)

A means of removing water, saliva, blood, and other fragments during a dental procedure

Two types of evacuation systems

Saliva ejector

Provides removal of the patient’s excess fluids from the mouth

High-volume evacuator (HVE)

More powerful than the saliva ejector and helps to maintain a “clear field”

Central Vacuum Compressor:

Provides the suction needed for the oral evacuation systems

Consists of two parts:

Compressor, which creates the flow of air

Vacuum tank, which screens the flow of air to create suction

Once a week clean suction trap, take cap off take screen out either clean or throw out the screen

More frequently as needed

Curing Light:

Test the light before using it to make sure it is strong enough

Need the light cover so you don't look at the light and damage your eyes

Amalgamator: or Triturate

An electrical machine used to triturate dental materials by means of vigorous shaking of the capsule that holds the ingredients

The amalgamator can be mounted under a countertop or the edge of a mobile cabinet or stored in the top drawer of a mobile cabinet

Specific settings on the amalgamator will correspond to the manufacturer’s directions regarding mixing of that specific dental material

Dental Imaging (Radiographic) Unit

The master switch of the unit may be turned on safely at the beginning of the day and may be left on throughout the day

If the radiography unit requires maintenance, it first must be disconnected from its electrical source

Digital Imaging = safer and “greener”

Computer Monitor

LCD monitors

Allow for dentists or dental team member to enter information in a patient record; schedule a follow-up appointment

Provide a means for treatment planning, patient education, and reviewing dental images for diagnosis

Act as a patient entertainment hub to display movies or TV shows and play music

Follow proper infection control methods with monitor properly covered and cleaned and disinfected after use

Care of Dental Equipment:

•Dental equipment is expensive, complex, and delicate

•It must be used carefully and maintained properly according to the manufacturer’s instructions

Business assistant, clinical assistant, dental hygienist, and dentist must follow a specific routine

•Review the patient record

•Have knowledge of upcoming procedures

•Have supplies and equipment ready

Team dentistry – four handed dentistry

The correct working distance should be approximately 12 to 14 inches between the patient’s and operator's faces

Eye level 4 to 6 inches above the eye level of the operator

Want your legs to be parallel with the patient's 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 (try to limit)

•Class V: Use of the entire upper torso (try to limit)

Zones

•Operator’s zone

•Transfer zone

•Assistant’s zone

•Static zone

An ergonomically sound way to practice dentistry using the skills of the dental assistant while including work simplification techniques

An ergonomically sound way to practice dentistry using the skills of the dental assistant while including work simplification techniques

Requires coordination, communication, and practice between the dentist and the dental assistant (work on accuracy, speed will come)

Understand sequence of procedures and anticipate when instrument transfer is required

Transfer dental instruments and dental materials with the left hand

Instruments are transferred in their position of use

An instrument being transferred must be positioned firmly in the dentist’s hand

Three basic grasps:

Pen grasp: The instrument is held in the same manner as a pen

Palm grasp: The instrument is held securely in the palm of the hand

Palm-thumb grasp: The instrument is held in the palm of the hand and the thumb is used to stabilize and guide the instrument

Dental assistant uses a specific, single-handed technique for efficiency

Applies to hand instruments, dental handpieces, and air-water syringes

When passing mirror and explorer the explorer goes into dominate hand of doctor

When passing cotton pilers pinch the end stays pinched together while passing

Instruments with hinges direct handle to operators palm open so they can place hand inside the handles

Double ended instrument hand them the correct end that they are using

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

Fulcrum (used for safety): finger rest, hard spot like the teeth or chin NOT the cheek

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

Always read manufactures instructions

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the adaptation of the work environment to
the human body
The goal of ergonomics

Risk Factors in the
Workforce: Posture

Any position will eventually become fatiguing and may
lead to lower-back pain-stay in neutral , flat feet or on foot ring

-There is a tendency for the dental assistant to deviate from the neutral position while assisting the dentist

Keep the air-water syringe, handpiece, saliva ejector,
and high-volume oral evacuator within a “normal
horizontal reach”

Keep the operatory light within a safe “maximum
vertical reach”

Other supplies used less frequently should be placed
within the “maximum horizontal reach”

When turning is necessary, rotate the chair rather than twisting your body

risk of cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs)

One common CTD is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)- 8 bones in this tunnel

Use of ambidextrous gloves (gloves that are worn on either hand) can exert excessive tension on the thenar eminence – base of the thumb

Resting the hands frequently is believed to be one of the most important factors in preventing CTS

Assignment #1 chair side muddiest points

Thumb bone: thenar eminence