Operator and Patient Positioning Flashcards
What position should the dentist and nurse be in?
Balanced position
What chair should the dentist and nurse be in?
Nurse- chair with support ring
Dentist- chair without support ring
How should you be sitting in the chair?
Feet flat on the floor
Feet and things should be parallel to the floor
Never cross your legs.
How much higher should the dental nurse be compared to the dentist?
2-4 inches higher.
This enables them to see over the head of the operator into the oral cavity.
Where should instruments be transferred over?
Transfer zone- do this with your left hand.
What is the acronym for nurses and dentists?
NAFAL
Nurse always first and last
- nurse should always be the first one into the oral cavity and the last one to leave it.
How does the nurse protect the soft tissues?
3 in 1 to retract the lip
Aspirator tip to retract the cheek or tongue depending on where in the mouth you are working
Aspirator in the dominant hand.
What instruments can be used for retraction?
Aspirator
3 in 1
Mirror
Tongue depressor
Cheek retractor
Orla surgery instruments
Cotton wool roll?
What is the role of the nurse during a dental procedure?
Retract soft tissues
Watch the patient to check they’re alright
Keep mirror dry and free from debris so that the dentist can see
Wash and dry cavities using the 3 in 1
Pass the operator instruments
Pass the operator materials
Adjust the light accordingly
Ensure tissues and fresh mouthwash are available for the patient
Give the patient PPE
Describe the operator seating position?
Operator should be in the balanced position.
Feet flat on the floor, 90 degree angle at the hips and a 90 degree angle at the kee.
Thighs parallel to the floor
Back and neck upright
Elbows close to your body
Bottom should be at the back of the chair and lower back fully supported
Describe the different zones of operating?
Operating zone- 7-11 oclock
- Area for delivering treatment
Static zone- 11-2 oclock
- Area across the patients eyes.
Nurses zone- 2-4 oclock
- The area where the dental nurse assists
Transfer zone- 4-7 oclock
- Transfer of instruments and medicaments form the nurse to the operator.
- Never do this over the patients face or eyes.
Describe the position of the patient?
Always tell the patient you are going to move the dental chair.
Patient’s head should be at 12 o’clock.
Dental chair and patient should be in the supine position.
Operator should position the mid-chest of the patient about 12-14 inches between the operators nose and the patients mouth.
Dental chair headrest should be 1-2 inches above your lap.
What is the order for putting on PPE?
Hand hygiene
Apron
Mask
Visor
Gloves
What is the order for taking off PPE?
Gloves
Apron
Visor
Mask
Hand hygiene
