The Dental Team Flashcards
what is the main role of a dental technician
to advise, repair and be responsible for manufacturing various dental appliances including bridges, crowns, dentures and orthodontic appliances
what is involved in dental technology
- design, construction, repair or alterations of dental prosthetics - both fixed and removable
what does dental technology require
critical analysis of materials, design and processes within the dental environment
what are some specialist areas within dental technology
- prosthodontics
- orthodontics
- conservation
- maxillofacial
what is prosthodontics
specialisation in removable prosthodontics. requires design and construction of complete and partial dentures to replace the patient’s missing natural teeth
what is orthdontics
braces
what is conservation
fixed prosthodontics, custom made dental applicances like crowns and bridges. only an option if the tissue is healthy
what is maxillofacial
oral surgery for things like burns and cancer - reconstruction of the face damaged by disease or accident. construction of eye, ear and nose prosthetics
where do dental technicians work
commercial dental labs, hospitals, general practice, armed forces
what materials are used by dental technicians
- titanium
- gold
- porcelain
- stainless steel
- acrylic
what is involved in communication within the dental team
prescriptions
what is important in relation to prescriptions
they have to detail the design and materials requested to fabricate appliances for patients. hand written prescription delivered to labs with verbal communication if in the same building. if remote, then mail delivery can be used in correspondence with telephone or email communication as well as the written prescription
what is involved in the digital workflow of dentistry
- diagnostics
- treatment planning
- design
- fabrication
- delivery
what is a dental nurse
someone who is a registered dental professional who provides clinical and other support to registrants and to patients
what are the responsibilities of a dental nurse
- they must be qualified or in training
- must register with the GDC
- they are duty bound to continue their education by CPD
- must be indemnified
what does indemnified mean
someone is liable to compensate for any harm or loss
what does CPD mean
continuing professional development
what are the roles of a dental nurse
- stock control and ordering
- handling complaints
- liase with labs
- maintain the clinical environment
- act as a chaperone
- prepare the clinical environment
- IT
- train and metor unqualified nursing staff
- decontamination
what does the role of aspiration of a dental nurse involve
keep oral cavity clear of blood, saliva and debris
retract the soft tissues
extra oral illumination
wash and dry teeth, cavities and the mouth mirror
keep instruments clean and fit for purpose
when does teamwork fail
if there is poor communication or lack of respect
how do you maintain good teamwork
listen, communicate, be honest, support, trust and reflect
what does scope of practice mean
this is a way of describing what you are trained and competent to do. it describes the areas in which you have the knowledge, skills and experience to practice safely and effectively in the best interests of patients
what do dental therapists usually work in
periodontal, restorative and preventative dentistry
what are the main concerns of dental hygienists
- maintaining and managing aspects of oral and dental health and preventing oral and dental diseases
- requires an understanding of the whole body, knowledge of the mouth, and an appreciation of social influences, as well as precise manual skills
- involved in both periodontal and restorative treatment and oral health promotio duties
