Module 1 Chapter 33

Question 1

What is the responsibility of the dental team in delivering dental care?

Answer 1

The delivery of dental care is the responsibility of the dental team.

Question 2

What topics should be discussed prior to patient care for the day?

Answer 2

• Changes in schedule or procedure
• Changes in the patient’s health
• Additional supplies or equipment needed
• Preparation for apprehensive patients
• Assignment of expanded functions

Question 3

What specific areas of the patient record should be reviewed prior to seating the patient?

Answer 3

• Changes in personal information
• Health problems that may alter treatment
• Medical alerts
• Progress notes for planned treatment

Question 4

What is the concept of team (four-handed) dentistry?

Answer 4

Team dentistry, or four-handed dentistry, involves coordination between the dentist and dental assistant to enhance efficiency and minimize stress.

Question 5

List the basic goals of four-handed dentistry.

Answer 5

• Use ergonomically correct dental equipment
• Use preset trays during procedures
• Minimize stress and fatigue
• Follow principles of motion economy
• Use appropriate moisture control techniques
• Delegate expanded functions as legally defined

Question 6

What are the principles of positioning the patient during dental care?

Answer 6

• Lowered to the supine position
• Slide up in the chair
• Turn head for easier access
• Final adjustments made for proper working distance (12 to 14 inches)

Question 7

What are the five classifications of motion in dentistry?

Answer 7

• Class I: Movement of fingers only
• Class II: Movement of fingers and wrist
• Class III: Movement of fingers, wrist, and elbow
• Class IV: Use of the entire arm and shoulder
• Class V: Use of the entire upper torso

Question 8

What are the four operating zones in dentistry?

Answer 8

• Operator’s zone
• Transfer zone
• Assistant’s zone
• Static zone

Question 9

What are the objectives for efficient instrument transfer?

Answer 9

• Understand sequence of procedures
• Anticipate when transfer is required
• Transfer with the left hand
• Minimize motion during transfer
• Position instruments for easy grasp

Question 10

What are the three types of grasps used by the operator?

Answer 10

• Pen grasp
• Palm grasp
• Palm-thumb grasp

Question 11

What is the role of the Expanded-Function Dental Assistant (EFDA)?

Answer 11

The EFDA performs specific intraoral procedures delegated by the dentist.

Question 12

What are the advantages of using an EFDA?

Answer 12

• Increased productivity
• Less stress on the dentist
• More patients seen
• Team members focus on specific tasks
• Increased job satisfaction

Question 13

What is direct supervision in dental practice?

Answer 13

Direct supervision requires the dentist to be in the same treatment area as the EFDA.

Question 14

What is indirect supervision in dental practice?

Answer 14

Indirect supervision allows the dentist to be in the dental office area but not necessarily present in the same room as the EFDA.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: The correct distance for positioning the patient should be approximately _______.

Answer 15

12 to 14 inches

Question 16

True or False: The dental assistant should be positioned as close as possible to the dental chair.

Answer 16

True

Question 17

How should the dental assistant position themselves while assisting?

Answer 17

Seated well back on the stool with feet on the base or foot ring.

Question 18

What should be done to prepare the treatment area before seating the patient?

Answer 18

• Clean and disinfect treatment room
• Ensure patient records and radiographs are in place
• Sterile preset tray and supplies ready
• Position dental chair

Question 19

What should be checked by administrative staff in the patient record?

Answer 19

Changes in personal information, such as address or phone number change.

Question 20

What should be done when greeting and seating the patient?

Answer 20

• Greet the patient by name
• Escort to the treatment area
• Place personal items safely
• Initiate conversation about treatment

Question 21

What is the importance of evaluating clinical skills with the dentist?

Answer 21

It ensures accountability and improvement in practice.