Dental Assisting CHAPTER 3 THE DENTAL HEALTHCARE TEAM

Dental Assisting CHAPTER 3 ~ THE DENTAL HEALTHCARE TEAM

8/21/17 Bell Get a text book and turn to chapter 3 Name team the members of the dental healthcare

Key Terms Take notes on all key terms! You will be tested on these! We can use quizlet for these if you would like

The Dental Healthcare Team The goal of the dental healthcare team is to provide quality oral healthcare for patients in the practice. The Dentist is the individual who is legally responsive for the care of patients and the supervision of all the other members of the team. The dentist is known as the leader of the team.

The dental healthcare team cont. the dental healthcare team consist of the following: Dentist (general dentist or specialist) Dental assistant (clinical, expanded-functions, business) Dental hygienist Dental laboratory technician

Dentist Dentists trained in the US must graduate from a dental university approved by the commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association (ADA). Most have attained an undergraduate degree before they are admitted to a dental university. Dental education programs usually last 4 academic years. Before graduation the dentist must successfully pass the written National Board of Dental Examination (NBDE) and a state-specific clinical examination to obtain a license to practice dentistry in a particular state.

Dentist (2) Training in the dental university includes dental sciences and intensive clinical practice on patients in the university’s and intensive clinical practice on patients in the University’s clinic. When dentist graduate they are awarded the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or the Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD), depending on which dental school they attended. Before going into practice they must pass written national board examination in the state or region in which they choose to practice.

Dentists (3) Dentists have a variety of practice options available to them. Some will choose to practice alone, some may choose to have a partner, and others may enter a large group practice. Other options for dentists include the military, public health, community clinics, research, teaching, or returning to school for specialty training.

Dental Specialist The ADA recognizes 9 dental specialties Depending on the type of specialty, additional education is required to become a specialist. This can take an additional 2 -6 years to complete. Most dentists who specialize belong to a professional organization created for their specialty, in addition to maintaining membership to the ADA.

Bell 8/23 What is the minimal length of education for a dental hygiene licenses?

Registered Dental Hygienist Generally , a registered dental hygienist (RDH) removes deposits on the teeth, exposes radiographs, places topical fluoride and dental sealants, and provides patients with home care instructions. Duties delegated to the dental hygienist vary from state to state. It is important that you know the laws in for the state in which you are practicing!

RDH (2) Employment opportunities for RDHs can be found in private and specialty dental practices, research facilities, public health departments, and educational programs, as well as in the marketing and sales of dental products. The minimal education required for a registered dental hygienist is 2 academic years of college study and an associate’s degree in an ADA-accredited dental hygiene program. Dental hygiene is also offered in bachelor’s and master's degree programs.

RDH (3) The RDH must pass both written national or regional board examinations and clinical state board examinations to be licensed by the state in which he/she plans to practice in most states, the RDH is required to work under the supervision of a licensed dentist. The RDH may be a member their professional organization, the American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA). A good source for more information of dental hygiene: www. adha. org

Dental Assistant Dental Assistant~ Is able to assume many activities that do not require professional skill and judgement of the dentist. However, responsibilities assigned to a dental assistant are limited by the regulations of the dental practice act of the state in which the practice is located. Although not all states require formal education for dental assistants, minimal standards for schools accredited by the commission of dental accreditation require a program to approximately 1 academic year in length. Conducted in post -high school educational institution. Dental assistants can also receive training at vocational schools or proprietary schools accredited through the states' board of dentistry.

Clinical Dental Assistant Directly involved in patient care. The role of the clinical dental assistant is usually defined as the chairside or circulating assistant. Chairside Assistant~ Works primarily with the dentist who uses four handed dentistry techniques. The term four-handed dentistry describes the seated dentist and chairside assistant working as an efficient team. The chairside assistant will mix dental materials, exchanges instruments, and provides oral evacuation during dental procedures. An important role is to make the patient comfortable.

Clinical Dental Assistant (2) Circulating Assistant~ Serves as an extra pair of hands where needed throughout the clinical areas of the practice. This is referred to as six-handed dentistry in many practices. The circulating assistant is responsible for seating and dismissing patients, as well as preparing and caring for instruments and treatment rooms. Many dental assistants get involved in community work and work with non profit groups.

Sterilization Assistant In many offices this job is delegated to a specific individual. In other offices, all dental assistants share this important responsibility. The sterilization assistant efficiently and safely processes all instruments and manages biohazard waste. Other responsibilities include weekly monitoring of sterilizers, and maintenance of sterilization monitoring reports. They are responsible for selecting infection control products and for performing quality assurance procedures.

Expanded-Functions Dental Assistant An EFDA has received additional training and is legally permitted to provide certain intraoral patient care procedures beyond the duties traditionally performed by a dental assistant. Duties delegated to the EFDA vary according to the Dental Practice Act in each state.

Business Assistant Business Assistant~ can also be called admin. Assistant, secretarial assistant, receptionists. Primary responsibilities~ To help keep the business operation running smooth and efficiently. Duties~ scheduling appointments, communicating on the phone, coordinating financial arrangements with patients, and handling dental insurance claims. Not uncommon for chairside assistants to move into a business office position.

Dental Labortory Technician The lab tech is usually not working in the dental office with the other team members, although some dental offices have in house labs. Many dental lab techs choose to work in private labs In either case the lab tech can legally perform only those tasks specified by the written prescription of the dentist. Dental technicians make crowns, bridges, dentures from impressions taken by the dentist and sent to the dental laboratory. The dental assistant will often be in communication with the dental lab tech.

Supporting Services Often people in supporting service positions are former dental assistants dental hygienists, or dental laboratory technicians. Although not official members of the healthcare team, individuals in this group are important and provide necessary services and support to dental offices. This group includes people such as your dental supply person, detail person, and dental equipment tech.