What is the responsibility of the dental team in delivering dental care?
The delivery of dental care is the responsibility of the dental team.
What topics should be discussed prior to patient care for the day?
- Changes in schedule or procedure
- Changes in the patient’s health
- Additional supplies or equipment needed
- Preparation for apprehensive patients
- Assignment of expanded functions
What specific areas of the patient record should be reviewed prior to seating the patient?
- Changes in personal information
- Health problems that may alter treatment
- Medical alerts
- Progress notes for planned treatment
What is the concept of team (four-handed) dentistry?
Team dentistry, or four-handed dentistry, involves coordination between the dentist and dental assistant to enhance efficiency and minimize stress.
List the basic goals of four-handed dentistry.
- 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
What are the principles of positioning the patient during dental care?
- 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)
What are the five classifications of motion in dentistry?
- 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
What are the four operating zones in dentistry?
- Operator’s zone
- Transfer zone
- Assistant’s zone
- Static zone
What are the objectives for efficient instrument transfer?
- Understand sequence of procedures
- Anticipate when transfer is required
- Transfer with the left hand
- Minimize motion during transfer
- Position instruments for easy grasp
What are the three types of grasps used by the operator?
- Pen grasp
- Palm grasp
- Palm-thumb grasp
What is the role of the Expanded-Function Dental Assistant (EFDA)?
The EFDA performs specific intraoral procedures delegated by the dentist.
What are the advantages of using an EFDA?
- Increased productivity
- Less stress on the dentist
- More patients seen
- Team members focus on specific tasks
- Increased job satisfaction
What is direct supervision in dental practice?
Direct supervision requires the dentist to be in the same treatment area as the EFDA.
What is indirect supervision in dental practice?
Indirect supervision allows the dentist to be in the dental office area but not necessarily present in the same room as the EFDA.
Fill in the blank: The correct distance for positioning the patient should be approximately _______.
12 to 14 inches
True or False: The dental assistant should be positioned as close as possible to the dental chair.
True
How should the dental assistant position themselves while assisting?
Seated well back on the stool with feet on the base or foot ring.
What should be done to prepare the treatment area before seating the patient?
- Clean and disinfect treatment room
- Ensure patient records and radiographs are in place
- Sterile preset tray and supplies ready
- Position dental chair
What should be checked by administrative staff in the patient record?
Changes in personal information, such as address or phone number change.
What should be done when greeting and seating the patient?
- Greet the patient by name
- Escort to the treatment area
- Place personal items safely
- Initiate conversation about treatment
What is the importance of evaluating clinical skills with the dentist?
It ensures accountability and improvement in practice.
