The dental healthcare team consists of:
Dentist
Dental assistant
Dental Hygienist
Dental laboratory technician
9 dental specialties
Dental public health Endodontics Oral maxillofacial radiology Oral and Maxillofacial surgery Oral pathology Orthodontics Paediatric dentistry Periodontics Prosthodontics
What is dental Public Health
Working in schools and communities
What is endodontics?
Root canals
What is Oral and maxillofacial surgery?
Wisdom teeth and any surgery in the mouth.
What is Oral pathology?
Cancer
What is paediatric dentistry?
Working with kids
What is orthodontics?
Braces
What is periodontics?
Working with the gums.
What is prosthodontics?
Working with dentures.
Clinical dental assistant is usually defined as:
A chair side or circulating assistant
Chairside assistant
Works with the dentist Mixes dental materials Exchanges instruments Provide oral evacuation during dental procedures To ensure patient comfort 4 handed dentistry techniques
The circulating assistant
Extra pair of hands when needed
Referred to as six handed dentistry
The sterilization assistant
Responsible for sterilization procedures
Efficiently and safely processes all instruments
Manages biohazard waste
Expanded functions assistant (EFDA)
Received additional training
Legally permitted to provide certain intro oral patient care procedures
Beyond the duties traditionally performed by dental assistant
The business assistant or administrative assistant
Responsible for smooth and efficient operation of the business office
Controlling appointments
Communicating on the phone
Coordinating financial agreements with patients
Handling dental insurance claims
Laboratory technician
Doesn’t work in the dental office
Only perform tasks by written prescription of the dentist
Makes: crowns, bridges and dentures from impressions
To become a CDT must Pass written examination
Dental supply person
Representative from a dental supply company routinely calls on dental offices
Takes orders for supplies
Providing new product information
Helping to arrange for service and repairs
Detail person
Representative of a specific company often a drug dental product manufacturer
Visits dental office to provide the dentist with information concerning the specific company’s products
Dental equipment technician
Specialist who installs and maintains dental appointment
Provided under a maintenance contract or on an as needed basis
Registered dental hygienist (RDH)
Remove deposits on the teeth
Exposes radiographs
Places topical fluoride and dental sealants
Provides patients with home care instructions
Required to work under the supervision of a licensed dentist