Module 1: Key Terms

Question 1

Professional organization that represents the profession of dental assisting on a national level.

Answer 1

American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA)

Question 2

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

Answer 2

Certified dental assistant (CDA)

Question 3

National agency responsible for administering the certification examination and issuing the credential of certified dental assistant.

Answer 3

Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)

Question 4

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

Answer 4

HIPAA

Question 5

Person who meets the standards of a profession.

Answer 5

Professional

Question 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.

Answer 6

Certified dental technician (CDT)

Question 7

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

Answer 7

Dental assistant

Question 8

Specialist who installs and maintains dental equipment.

Answer 8

Dental equipment technician

Question 9

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

Answer 9

Dental hygienist

Question 10

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.

Answer 10

Dental laboratory technician

Question 11

Specialty that promotes oral health through organized community efforts.

Answer 11

Dental public health

Question 12

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

Answer 12

Dental supply person

Question 13

Oral healthcare provider licensed to practice dentistry.

Answer 13

Dentist

Question 14

Dental specialty that diagnoses and treats diseases of the pulp.

Answer 14

Endodontics:

Question 15

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

Answer 15

Oral and maxillofacial radiology

Question 16

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

Answer 16

Oral and maxillofacial surgery

Question 17

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

Answer 17

Oral pathology

Question 18

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

Answer 18

Orthodontics

Question 19

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

Answer 19

Pediatric dentistry

Question 20

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

Answer 20

Periodontics

Question 21

Dental specialty that provides restoration and replacement of natural teeth.

Answer 21

Prosthodontics

Question 22

Self-determination.

Answer 22

Autonomy

Question 23

Never revealing any personal information about the patient.

Answer 23

Confidentiality

Question 24

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

Answer 24

Ethics

Question 25

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

Answer 25

Laws

Question 26

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

Answer 26

Abandonment

Question 27

Dental assistants, dental hygienists, and dental laboratory technicians.

Answer 27

Dental auxiliary

Question 28

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

Answer 28

Direct supervision

Question 29

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

Answer 29

Due care

Question 30

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

Answer 30

General supervision

Question 31

Contract that is established by actions, not words.

Answer 31

Implied consent

Question 32

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

Answer 32

Informed consent

Question 33

Professional negligence.

Answer 33

Malpractice

Question 34

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

Answer 34

Reciprocity

Question 35

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.

Answer 35

Res gestae

Question 36

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

Answer 36

Respondeat superior

Question 37

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

Answer 37

Standard of care

Question 38

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

Answer 38

State Dental Practice Act

Question 39

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

Answer 39

Written consent