The Dental Healthcare Team Chapter 3 Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chapter 3 Lesson 3.1 Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Learning Objectives  Pronounce, define, and spell the Key Terms.  Name the members of the dental healthcare team and describe their roles.  Name and describe each of the recognized dental specialties.  Describe the various roles and responsibilities of a dental assistant. (Cont’d) Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Learning Objectives (Cont’d)  Identify the minimal educational requirements for each member of the dental healthcare team.  Describe the supportive services provided by other members of the dental healthcare team. Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Introduction A team is people working together for a common purpose. In dentistry, the purpose, or mission, of the team is to provide quality oral health care for the people of the community. The dentist is legally responsible for the care of the patient and the supervision of all other members of the team. Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Members of the Dental Healthcare Team  Dentist (general/specialist)  Dental laboratory technician  Dental hygienist  Dental assistant  Trained on the job  Formally educated Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Dentist  Before going into practice, all dentists must pass a written national board examination.  A dentist is required to take a clinical board examination in the state in which he or she chooses to practice.  Dentists have a variety of practice options available to them.  Most dentists are members of their professional organization, the American Dental Association (ADA). Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Education and Certification of the General Dentist  A college degree (4-year predental education)  Undergraduate dental education (4 years, with emphasis on basic sciences the first 2 years and clinical sciences the last 2 years)  Passage of a written national examination and a clinical state board exam before permission to practice is granted Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Education of the Dental Specialist  Education as a general dentist  Master’s program in the specialty ranging from 2 to 6 years, depending on the area of specialty  In some programs, a PhD for another 2 years of education and postdoctoral education Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dental Specialties  Dental public health  Endodontics  Oral and maxillofacial radiology  Oral and maxillofacial surgery  Oral pathology  Orthodontics  Pediatric dentistry  Periodontics  Prosthodontics Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Dental Hygienist  The dental hygienist (RDH) is a licensed professional with specialized clinical and educational skills.  The minimal education required for a dental hygienist is two academic years of college study in an ADA-accredited dental hygiene program. Dental hygiene is also offered in bachelor’s and master's programs.  The RDH is required to work under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fig. 3-1 Dental hygienist performing oral prophylaxis. Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Dental Assistant  The duties assigned to the dental assistant are determined by the regulations of the dental practice act of the state in which he or she practices.  The dental assistant is trained to perform many activities that are not required of the dentist.  The educational program for a dental assistant must include didactic, laboratory, and clinical content. Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Roles of the Dental Assistant  Clinical dental assistants are directly involved in patient care in the following roles:  Chairside assistant  Circulating assistant  Sterilization assistant Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fig. 3-2 Dentist and chairside dental assistant working together. Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fig. 3-3 Chairside dental assistant supported by a circulating dental assistant. Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fig. 3-5 The sterilization assistant is an important member of the team. Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fig. 3-6 Expanded-function dental assistant removing excess cement. (Courtesy of Pamela Landry, RDA.) Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fig. 3-7 The patient is greeted by the business assistant before meeting the dental hygienist. (Courtesy of Dr. Peter Pang, Sonoma, Calif.) Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Dental Laboratory Technician  The dental laboratory technician may legally perform only those tasks specified in the written prescription of the dentist.  Individuals who wish to become a certified dental technician (CDT) must pass a written examination.  Dental technicians may be members of their professional organization, the American Dental Laboratory Technician Association (ADLTA). (Cont’d) Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Education of the Dental Laboratory Technician (Cont’d)  A two-year educational program (voluntary) is often undertaken.  The prospective technician must pass a national examination to earn the credential of CDT.  Most lab technicians undergo apprenticeship training. Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fig. 3-8 Dental laboratory technicians working in a large commercial dental laboratory. Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fig. 3-9 Laboratory dental cases are stored in work pans. The dentist’s written laboratory prescription is posted on the work pan. Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Supporting Services  The dental-supply person is a representative from a dental-supply company who routinely calls on dental offices.  The detail person is a representative of a specific company who visits dental offices to provide the dentist with information concerning that company's product.  The dental-equipment technician is a specialist who installs and provides service for and repairs of dental equipment. This service may be provided under a maintenance contract or on an as-needed basis. Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dental Spas Offer a Variety of Amenities  Soothing and peaceful atmosphere  Scented candles  Warm paraffin hand baths  Massages  Soft fleece blankets  Large selection of videos  Warm lemon-scented towels after a procedure is complete Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Future for Allied Dental Personnel The Bureau of Health Professions has projected that the number of jobs for allied dental personnel will increase at a rate twice that of jobs for dentists in the near term. Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.