Mr. Caputo Unit #1 Lesson #3 The Dental Team Mr. Caputo Unit #1 Lesson #3

Today’s Class Driving Question: Who are the members of the dental team? Learning Intentions: We will be able to describe the responsibilities and characteristics of dental assistants. Anchor: Explain the duties of the dental assistant

This Unit This unit focuses on the members of the dental team, including the dentist, dental hygienist, dental assistant, and the dental laboratory technician. Emphasis is placed on education, credentialing, and licensing requirements, as well as the individual responsibilities of members of the dental team. The purpose and importance of the individual state dental practice acts in reference to the practice of each of the dental professions is discussed. Professionalism and desirable characteristics of a dental assistant are described.

This Lesson This lesson focuses on the profession of dental assisting, including the responsibilities and characteristics of members of the dental team. The dental team is made up of several dental professionals, one of the most versatile being the dental assistant. What started as a “lady in attendance” has evolved to a valuable contributing member of the practice of dentistry. Formal education as well as various advanced credentials are available for the profession, including credentials from the Dental Assisting National Board, the American Medical Technologists, and the numerous state-governed expanded functions certifications.

Members of the Dental Team Dentist Dental hygienist Dental assistant Dental technician Support staff (office manager/assistant) 5

Dental Assistants Use of dental assistants started in 1880s Were known as “ladies in attendance” More males have now joined the profession 6

Responsibilities of the Dental Assistant Operatory setup and disassembling Operatory disinfection and instrument sterilization Seating and dismissal of patients 7

Responsibilities of the Dental Assistant Exposing, developing, and mounting dental radiographs Providing home care instructions Applying fluoride varnishes 8

Responsibilities of the Dental Assistant Alginate impressions and pouring diagnostic casts Inventory and ordering of supplies Documenting patient medical histories Practice management 9

Responsibilities of the Dental Assistant Applying topical fluorides Comforting patients during procedures Taking vital signs Assisting dentist during procedures Coronal polishing Placing sealants Charting patient information Click here for a question to consider 10

Question to Consider Whom should a dental assistant contact to learn about the legal requirements of a state pertaining to the dental assisting profession? 11

Characteristics of a Professional Dental Assistant Positive attitude Good personal hygiene Appropriate attire for work Attention to appearance Respectful attitude toward patient beliefs and cultures Click here for a question to consider 12

Question to Consider Why are both verbal and nonverbal communication important in dentistry? 13

Credentialing of the Dental Assistant Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) offers exam for certification American Medical Technologists (AMT) Association offers exam for registration 14

Dental Assisting National Board Written exam is offered three times a year for two consecutive days Computerized exam can be scheduled throughout the year DANB has three eligibility pathways to apply Formal DA education Current CPR card Onsite training Current CPR card DDS/DMD Current CPR card 15

Components of the DANB Exam Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) - 100 questions Infection Control Examination (ICE) - 100 questions General Chairside (GC) - 120 questions * All tests are comprised of only multiple-choice questions To get the application, visit http://www.danb.org 16

CDA Exam Click here for a question to consider Certified Dental Assistant Certification is good for one full year 12 continuing education units required each year to keep certification current Methods to keeping certification current: attend seminars/workshops, participate in community service, take courses online Click here for a question to consider 17

Question to Consider Why must a dental assistant keep his or her DANB certification current? 18

American Medical Technologists (AMT) States that do not recognize DANB exam usually require AMT exam Eligibility criteria: 18 years of age graduate from an accredited dental assisting school have three years of full-time work experience in a dental office hold current CPR certification 19

Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) Also known as Expanded Duties Dental Assistant (EDDA) Defined as individual who performs additional dental assistant functions Functions are defined by state practice act To learn about the state-recognized Expanded Functions for Dental Assistants, click here or go to http://www.danb.org/main/statespecificinfo.asp 20

Expanded Functions Packing gingival retraction cord Taking final impressions Packing and carving amalgams restorations Placing and finishing composite restorations Coronal polishing Placing and removing dental dams 21

Expanded Functions Applying varnishes, bases, and liners Removing sutures Placing and adjusting sealants Placing and removing provisional crowns Applying topical fluoride or topical anesthetic Placing and removing Tofflemire/matrix bands 22

Homework #1 Bring Classroom contract signed