Introduction to Dentistry and Teamwork
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is the main responsibility of the dentist in a dental team?

  • Handling technical laboratory procedures (correct)
  • Assisting with patient treatment
  • Sorting dental instruments
  • Being responsible and accountable for everything in the dental office
  • Dental auxiliaries are licensed dental professionals.

    False (B)

    What role does a non-operating auxiliary perform in a dental practice?

    Assists the dentist but does not carry out independent procedures.

    The dentist is typically referred to as a licensed Doctor of dental surgery (DDS) or __________.

    <p>Doctor of medicine in dentistry (DMD)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following roles with their corresponding functions in dentistry:

    <p>Dental Auxiliary = Assists the dentist Non-Operating Auxiliary = Does not perform independent procedures Operating Auxiliary = Handles procedures in the oral cavity Laboratory Assistant = Carries out technical procedures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of a Dental Secretary/Receptionist?

    <p>Assists the dentist with secretarial work and patient reception duties (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A Dental Laboratory Technician works directly with patients.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one responsibility of a Dental Health Educator?

    <p>Instructing in the prevention of dental disease</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A _____ is an operating auxiliary who can prepare cavities and restore teeth under a dentist's supervision.

    <p>Dental Therapist</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following dental roles with their primary responsibility:

    <p>Dental Hygienist = Scaling and polishing of teeth Dental Assistant = Assists the dentist in patient treatment Dental Laboratory Technician = Fabricates oral appliances Dental Health Educator = Instructs in preventing dental disease</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    What is dental teamwork?

    A group of individuals working collaboratively to provide high-quality dental care.

    Who is the dentist?

    The leader of the dental team, responsible for overall care and decision-making. They are licensed with a DDS or DMD.

    What is a dental auxiliary?

    A general term for individuals who assist dentists in patient care, ranging from basic tasks to more complex procedures.

    Who is an operating dental auxiliary?

    A type of dental auxiliary who works directly in the oral cavity, assisting the dentist during procedures.

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    Who is a non-operating dental auxiliary?

    A type of dental auxiliary who assists the dentist in the clinical setting but does not perform independent procedures in the mouth.

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    Dental Health Educator

    A dental professional who focuses on preventing dental disease, providing oral health education, and applying preventive treatments like fluoride.

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    Dental Assistant

    A dental professional who assists the dentist with various tasks, including preparing instruments, assisting with procedures, and preparing the patient for treatment.

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    Clinical Dental Hygienist

    A dental professional who performs specific clinical tasks like scaling, polishing, and applying fluoride under a dentist's supervision.

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    Public Health Dental Hygienist

    A dental professional who focuses on public health, educating communities, screening patients, and referring them to dentists for treatment.

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    Dental Therapist

    A dental professional who is permitted to perform certain procedures like preparing cavities and restoring teeth, working under the supervision of a dentist.

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    Study Notes

    Introduction to Dentistry

    • Dentistry is a skilled, technical, and sometimes stressful profession.
    • Patient health and safety are paramount.
    • All individuals involved in dental care should be respected, valued, and work effectively as part of a team.

    Dental Teamwork

    • A dental team consists of a group of people working together to provide high-quality dental care.
    • The dental team's structure can vary based on patient needs.
    • Teamwork is not just limited to those in the same dental practice.

    Members of the Dental Team

    • Dentist: The head of the dental team, responsible for everything in the dental office. Licensed as a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry).
    • Dental Auxiliaries/Ancillaries: A generic term for individuals who assist dentists. Their duties range from simple tasks to complex procedures as part of patient treatment. Not qualified with a dental degree.
      • Non-Operating Auxiliary: Assists the dentist in clinical work but doesn't perform independent procedures in the oral cavity. Can include tasks like dental secretary/receptionist, dental health educator, dental surgery assistant, and dental laboratory technician.
      • Operating Auxiliary: Not a dentist; permitted to perform certain treatment procedures in the mouth under the direction and supervision of a professional. Includes dental hygienists, dental therapists, school dental nurses & expanded function dental auxiliaries
        • Dental Hygienist: Performs scaling, polishing of teeth, topical fluoride applications, and dental health education.
          • Clinical Dental Hygienist: Usually focuses on individual patient care.
          • Public Health Dental Hygienist: Screens and examines patients, refers patients for treatment, and does classroom teaching.
        • Dental Therapist: An operating auxiliary that carries out preventive and treatment measures under a supervising dentist, including cavity preparation and filling/restoration. Not permitted to diagnose or plan dental care.
        • Expanded Function Dental Auxiliaries: Have received additional training to perform related duties under the supervision of a dentist; can perform reversible procedures, which are correctable without harming the patient.
      • Operating Auxiliary Functions: Includes placing & removing rubber dams, placing & removing temporary restorations, placing & removing matrix bands, placing acrylic restorations in prepared teeth, condensing & carving amalgam restorations in prepared teeth, and applying a final finish & polish to restorations.
      • Dental Laboratory Technician (Dental Mechanic): Fabricates oral appliances (dentures, bridges, crowns, splints, orthodontic appliances). Typically works in a separate commercial laboratory, rather than a dental office.

    Dental Organizations

    • American Dental Association (ADA): Founded in 1859 at Niagara. Their publication is the Journal of the American Dental Association. Their mission is to serve the public and the profession of dentistry by promoting public health through the commitment of member dentists, enhancing the integrity and ethics of the profession, and strengthening the patient/dentist relationship.
    • British Dental Association (BDA): Provides legal, health, and safety, and educational advice to members and influences government policy in the UK.
    • British Dental Health Foundation: Aims to help people improve their oral health through projects, information, and oral health education and promotion.
    • General Dental Council: Regulates dental professionals in the United Kingdom.
    • World Health Organization (WHO): The directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system.
    • World Dental Federation (FDI): Develops and disseminates policies, standards, and information related to oral health worldwide, publishing FDI policy statements.
    • Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Ensures the safety of America's food and medical supplies (imported or produced domestically). Assures the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinarian drugs, biological products, medical devices, cosmetics, and products emitting radiation. Also advancing public health.
    • American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD): Represents the specialty of pediatric dentistry; composed of 7,000 members serving millions of children from infancy through adolescence.
    • American Academy of Periodontology (AAP): Represents dental professionals specializing in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum diseases and supporting structures of the teeth. Includes periodontists and general dentists.

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    Description

    Explore the fundamentals of dentistry, focusing on the importance of patient health and safety, and the collaborative nature of the dental team. Learn about the roles of various team members, including the dentist and dental auxiliaries, and how they work together to provide high-quality dental care.

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