The Dental Team

Question 1

what is the main role of a dental technician

Answer 1

to advise, repair and be responsible for manufacturing various dental appliances including bridges, crowns, dentures and orthodontic appliances

Question 2

what is involved in dental technology

Answer 2

• design, construction, repair or alterations of dental prosthetics - both fixed and removable

Question 3

what does dental technology require

Answer 3

critical analysis of materials, design and processes within the dental environment

Question 4

what are some specialist areas within dental technology

Answer 4

• prosthodontics
• orthodontics
• conservation
• maxillofacial

Question 5

what is prosthodontics

Answer 5

specialisation in removable prosthodontics. requires design and construction of complete and partial dentures to replace the patient’s missing natural teeth

Question 6

what is orthdontics

Answer 6

braces

Question 7

what is conservation

Answer 7

fixed prosthodontics, custom made dental applicances like crowns and bridges. only an option if the tissue is healthy

Question 8

what is maxillofacial

Answer 8

oral surgery for things like burns and cancer - reconstruction of the face damaged by disease or accident. construction of eye, ear and nose prosthetics

Question 9

where do dental technicians work

Answer 9

commercial dental labs, hospitals, general practice, armed forces

Question 10

what materials are used by dental technicians

Answer 10

• titanium
• gold
• porcelain
• stainless steel
• acrylic

Question 11

what is involved in communication within the dental team

Answer 11

prescriptions

Question 12

what is important in relation to prescriptions

Answer 12

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

Question 13

what is involved in the digital workflow of dentistry

Answer 13

• diagnostics
• treatment planning
• design
• fabrication
• delivery

Question 14

what is a dental nurse

Answer 14

someone who is a registered dental professional who provides clinical and other support to registrants and to patients

Question 15

what are the responsibilities of a dental nurse

Answer 15

• 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

Question 16

what does indemnified mean

Answer 16

someone is liable to compensate for any harm or loss

Question 17

what does CPD mean

Answer 17

continuing professional development

Question 18

what are the roles of a dental nurse

Answer 18

• 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

Question 19

what does the role of aspiration of a dental nurse involve

Answer 19

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

Question 20

when does teamwork fail

Answer 20

if there is poor communication or lack of respect

Question 21

how do you maintain good teamwork

Answer 21

listen, communicate, be honest, support, trust and reflect

Question 22

what does scope of practice mean

Answer 22

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

Question 23

what do dental therapists usually work in

Answer 23

periodontal, restorative and preventative dentistry

Question 24

what are the main concerns of dental hygienists

Answer 24

• 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

Question 25

what do the duties of dental hygienists include

Answer 25

• oral hygiene advice
• scaling and polishing
• more intensive treatment for established periodontal disease
• fluoride advice and application
• restoring teeth using a variety of materials
• pulp therapy in children
• per formed crowns for deciduous teeth
• radiographs and impressions
• local anaesthetic
• impressions
• oral cancer screening
• recementing crowns
• placing temporary dressings