Chapter 3 The Dental Healthcare Team Introduction A

Chapter 3 The Dental Healthcare Team

Introduction A team is people working together for a common purpose. In dentistry the purpose, or mission, of the team is to provide quality oral health care for the people of the community. The dentist is legally responsible for the care of the patient and the supervision of all other members of the team.

Dentist (general/specialist) Members of the Dental Healthcare Team Dental assistant Trained on the job Formally educated Dental hygienist Dental laboratory technician

Before going into practice, all dentists must pass a written national board examination A dentist is required to take a clinical board examination in the state in which he or she chooses to practice Dentists have a variety of practice options available to them Most dentists are members of their professional organization, the American Dental Association (ADA) The Dentist

Education and Certification of the General Dentist A college degree (4 -year pre-dental education) Undergraduate dental education (4 years, with emphasis on basic sciences the first 2 years and clinical sciences the last 2 years) Passage of a written national examination and a clinical state board exam before permission to practice is granted

Responsibilities of the Chairside Dental Assistant

EDUCATION AS A GENERAL DENTIST MASTER’S PROGRAM IN THE SPECIALTY RANGING FROM 2 TO 6 YEARS, DEPENDING ON THE AREA OF SPECIALTY Education of the Dental Specialist IN SOME PROGRAMS, A PHD FOR ANOTHER 2 YEARS OF EDUCATION AND POSTDOCTORAL EDUCATION

The Registered Dental Hygienist The dental hygienist (RDH) is a licensed professional with specialized clinical and educational skills The minimal education required for a dental hygienist is 2 academic years of college study in an ADA-accredited dental hygiene program Dental hygiene is also offered in bachelor’s and master's programs The RDH is required to work under the supervision of a licensed dentist

Dental public health Endodontics Oral and maxillofacial radiology Dental Specialists Oral and maxillofacial surgery Oral pathology Orthodontics Pediatric dentistry Periodontics Prosthodontics

The Dental Assistant The duties assigned to the dental assistant are determined by the regulations of the Dental Practice Act of the state in which he or she practices The dental assistant is trained to perform many activities that are not required of the dentist The educational program for a dental assistant must include didactic, laboratory, and clinical content

Roles of the Dental Assistant Clinical dental assistants are directly involved in patient care in the following roles: Chairside assistant Circulating assistant Expanded-functions dental assistant Community work Sterilization assistant

Roles of the Chairside Assistant Pouring and trimming models and performing other laboratory procedures Providing patient education Providing postoperative instructions to patients Overseeing inventory control and ordering dental supplies Ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations

Dental Hygienist Performing an Oral Prophylaxis

Dentist and Chairside Dental Assistant Working Together

Chairside Dental Assistant and a Circulating Dental Assistant

A Sterilization Assistant Is an Important Member of the Team

Expanded-Functions Dental Assistant

Business assistants, also known as administrative assistants, secretarial assistants, and receptionists, are primarily responsible for the smooth and efficient operation of the business office The duties of a business assistant include: Scheduling appointments Communicating on the phone Coordinating financial arrangements with patients Handling dental insurance claims Roles of the Business Assistant

Patient Is Greeted by Business Assistant

The Dental Laboratory Technician The dental laboratory technician may legally perform only those tasks specified in the written prescription of the dentist Individuals who wish to become a certified dental technician (CDT) must pass a written examination Dental technicians may be members of their professional organization, the American Dental Laboratory Technician Association (ADLTA)

Dental Laboratory Technicians

Dentist’s Written Laboratory Prescription Posted on Work Plan

A 2 -year educational program (voluntary) is often undertaken Education of the Dental Laboratory Technician The prospective technician must pass a national examination to earn the credential of CDT Most lab technicians undergo apprenticeship training

Supporting Services The dental supply person is a representative from a dental supply company who routinely calls on dental offices The detail person is a representative of a specific company who visits dental offices to provide the dentist with information concerning that company's product The dental equipment technician is a specialist who installs and provides service for and repairs of dental equipment This service may be provided under a maintenance contract or on an asneeded basis

1 Never perform a task beyond your level of training 2 Avoid illegal tasks Legal and Ethical Implications 3 Join a professional organization

Soothing and peaceful atmosphere Scented candles Warm paraffin hand baths Massages Soft fleece blankets Large selection of videos Warm lemon-scented towels after a procedure is complete Dental Spas Offer a Variety of Amenities