The Dental Team Mr. Caputo Unit #1 Lesson #4

Today’s Class Driving Question: Who are the members of the dental team? Learning Intentions: We will be able to define the steps for becoming a dentist. We will be able to explain the responsibilities of the dental hygienist Anchor: Why should a dental assistant become certified?

This Lesson This lesson focuses on the profession of dentistry, including the required educational process and the possible dental degrees of DDS and DMD. The profession of dentistry has nine ADA-recognized dental specialties. The education requirements vary, as well as the procedures and dental assisting requirements. Depending on individual dental school curriculum requirements, a dentist may graduate with a DDS, Doctor of Dental Surgery, or a DMD, Doctor of Dental Medicine, degree.

This Lesson This lesson focuses on the professions of dental hygiene, dental laboratory technology, and the dental office support staff. The education requirements for dental hygienists and dental laboratory technologists are discussed, including their individual credentialing requirements and responsibilities as part of the dental team. The dental assistant also has an important role as a member of the dental support staff, including office manager, administrative assistant, and dental aide. The dental technician and the dental supply salesperson are included as members of the dental team because of the support their professions provide for the efficient running of the dental practice.

Dentist A health care professional qualified to practice dentistry Must graduate with one of the following degrees: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) Bachelor of Dentistry Bachelor of Dental Science Bachelor of Dental Surgery To learn about dental education in the United States, click here or go to

Dental Specialists There are nine recognized dental specialties Many specialty programs have optional or required advanced degrees Click here for a question to consider

Question to Consider What is forensic dentistry?

Pedodontics Dentist specializing in this field is known as a pedodontist Involves oral care of: children 0 to 17 years individuals with physical challenges the mentally challenged Click here for a question to consider

Question to Consider Why would mentally challenged patients be seen in a pediatric dental clinic?

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) Recognized international surgical specialty Maxillofacial surgeons are often referred to as oral surgeons Involves surgery to correct: injuries and defects in the head diseases of the neck, face, and jaw conditions of the hard and soft tissues of oral and maxillofacial region

Endodontics Dentists in this specialty are referred to as endodontists Specialty of dentistry that deals with diseases of pulp and tissues around the pulp Endodontic procedures include: root canal treatment retrograde fillings periapical surgeries

Prosthodontics Prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in prosthodontics Emphasis on implants and esthetic and reconstructive dentistry Includes procedures involving placement of crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, and partial and complete dentures

Periodontics Periodontist is a specialist that treats diseases of supporting structures of teeth Includes all types of gum problems

Dental Public Health Officials Provide oral hygiene education to the general public/community Maintain records and statistics of dental diseases and treatment rendered

Orthodontics Field dealing with correcting improper occlusion and misaligned teeth Dentist specializing in this field is called an orthodontist

Oral Pathologist Deals with nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting oral and maxillofacial regions

General Dentists Typically do not focus their clinical practice on any particular discipline within dentistry Provide basic care within a variety of disciplines

Registered Dental Hygienist Plays a key role in the dental office Provides oral hygiene care for patients Has a two- or four- year degree in accredited dental hygiene program Obtains certification through National Dental Hygiene Board

Responsibilities of a Dental Hygienist Home care instructions Scaling/removing calculus Intraoral and extraoral radiographs Coronal polishing, sealants, and fluorides Sterilizing instruments Charting and scheduling Alginate impressions and local anesthesia (in some states)

Dental Laboratory Technician Manipulates dental materials to create appliances and indirect restorations Materials include: gold precious metals dental porcelain acrylics

Support Staff in the Dental Office Consists of: Office manager (CDPMA) Administrative assistant Dental aide (sterilization technician/ hygiene assistant) Equipment technician Dental supply salesperson

Check Your Understanding 1.Which is a nationally recognized testing agency for front-office professionals or chairside assistants? 2.Why is it important for a dental assistant to practice good oral hygiene habits? 3.What field deals with correcting improper occlusion and misaligned teeth? Click here to check your answers

Answers to Check Your Understanding 1.DANB 2.As it can positively or negatively impact what the dental assistant is saying to his or her patients 3.Orthodontics

Homework #2 Create a chart on the 9 dental specialties