Module 1: Key Terms

Question 1

American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA):

Answer 1

Professional organization that represents the

profession of dental assisting on a national level.

Question 2

Certified dental assistant (CDA):

Answer 2

The nationally recognized credential of the dental assistant who has passed the DANB certification examination and keeps current in practice through continuing education.

Question 3

Dental Assisting National Board (DANB):

Answer 3

National agency responsible for administering the

certification examination and issuing the credential of certified dental assistant.

Question 4

HIPAA:

Answer 4

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 specifies federal regulations that ensure privacy regarding a patient’s healthcare information.

Question 5

Professional:

Answer 5

Person who meets the standards of a profession.

Question 6

Certified dental technician (CDT):

Answer 6

A dental laboratory technician who has passed a written national
examination and who performs dental laboratory services such as fabricating crowns, bridges, and dentures, as specified by the dentist’s written prescription.

Question 7

Dental assistant:

Answer 7

Oral healthcare professional trained to provide supportive procedures for the dentist
and for patients.

Question 8

Dental hygienist:

Answer 8

Licensed oral healthcare professional who provides preventive, therapeutic, and
educational services.

Question 9

Dental laboratory technician:

Answer 9

Professional who performs dental laboratory services such as fabricating crowns, bridges, and dentures, as specified by the dentist’s written prescription. Most frequently trained on the job as an apprentice.

Question 10

Dental public health:

Answer 10

Specialty that promotes oral health through organized community efforts.

Question 11

Dental supply person:

Answer 11

Representative of a dental supply company who provides dental supplies, product information, services, and repairs.

Question 12

Dentist:

Answer 12

Oral healthcare provider licensed to practice dentistry.

Question 13

Endodontics:

Answer 13

Dental specialty that diagnoses and treats diseases of the pulp.

Question 14

Oral and maxillofacial radiology:

Answer 14

Dental specialty that deals with the diagnosis of disease through various forms of imaging, including x-ray films (radiographs).

Question 15

Oral and maxillofacial surgery:

Answer 15

Dental surgical specialty that diagnoses and treats conditions of the mouth, face, upper jaw (maxilla), and associated areas.

Question 16

Oral pathology:

Answer 16

Dental specialty that diagnoses and treats diseases of the oral structures.

Question 17

Orthodontics:

Answer 17

Specialty within dentistry that focuses on preventing, intercepting, and correcting skeletal and dental problems.

Question 18

Pediatric dentistry:

Answer 18

Dental specialty concerned with neonatal through adolescent patients, as well as patients with special needs in these age groups.

Question 19

Periodontics:

Answer 19

Dental specialty involved with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting
tissues.

Question 20

Prosthodontics:

Answer 20

Dental specialty that provides restoration and replacement of natural teeth.

Question 21

Autonomy:

Answer 21

Self-determination.

Question 22

Confidentiality:

Answer 22

Never revealing any personal information about the patient.

Question 23

Ethics:

Answer 23

Moral standards of conduct; rules or principles that govern proper conduct.

Question 24

Laws:

Answer 24

Minimum standards of behavior established by statutes for a population or profession.

Question 25

Abandonment:

Answer 25

Withdrawing a patient from treatment without giving reasonable notice or providing a
competent replacement.

Question 26

Dental auxiliary:

Answer 26

Dental assistants, dental hygienists, and dental laboratory technicians.

Question 27

Direct supervision:

Answer 27

Level of supervision in which the dentist is physically present when the dental
auxiliary performs delegated functions.

Question 28

Due care:

Answer 28

Just, proper, and sufficient care, or the absence of negligence.

Question 29

General supervision:

Answer 29

Level of supervision in which the dental auxiliary performs delegated functions
according to the instructions of the dentist, who is not necessarily physically present.

Question 30

Implied consent:

Answer 30

Contract that is established by actions, not words.

Question 31

Informed consent:

Answer 31

Permission granted by a patient after he or she is informed about the details of a
procedure.

Question 32

Malpractice:

Answer 32

Professional negligence.

Question 33

Reciprocity:

Answer 33

System that allows individuals in one state to obtain a license in another state without
retesting.

Question 34

Res gestae:

Answer 34

Latin for “things done.” Statements made by a person present at the time of an alleged
negligent act that are admissible as evidence in a court of law.

Question 35

Respondeat superior:

Answer 35

Latin for “Let the master answer.” Legal doctrine that holds an employer liable for
the acts of the employee.

Question 36

Standard of care:

Answer 36

Level of knowledge, skill, and care comparable with that of other dentists who are
treating similar patients under similar conditions.

Question 37

State Dental Practice Act:

Answer 37

Document of law that specifies legal requirements for practicing dentistry in a
particular state.

Question 38

Written consent:

Answer 38

Consent that involves a written explanation of diagnostic findings, prescribed
treatment, and reasonable expectations about treatment results.