1. Dental Health Team Dental Law and Ethics, DA119

2. Dental Health Team: Dentist, Dental Hygienist, Dental Assistant and Lab Tech are all governed by the State Dental Practice Act. The State Dental Practice Act is overseen by the State Department of Public Health. These professions are governed by the State Dental Board or Dental Board of Examiners.

3. The key to a successful dental practice starts with the Dentist. The happy, the professional, the Dentist!

4. The Dentist: Title: DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery), DMD (Doctor of Medical Dentistry) Primary Function: Diagnostic or restorative Education: 4 years of college + 4 years dental school; Specialty requires 2-4 years in addition Licensed: Governed by the State Dental Practice Act ◦ License granted by State Department of Public Health Professional Organizations: American Dental Association (ADA)

5. Dental Specialties Endodontics Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Orthodontics Pediatric Dentistry Periodontics Prosthodontics Dental Public Health Oral Pathology

6. Endodontics Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and injuries of the pulp and associated tissues Example: root canals

7. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery aka: Oral Surgeon Diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects of the mouth and maxillofacial region Example: extraction of third molars

8. Orthodontics Causes, prevention and treatment of malocclusion and irregularities of the teeth and arches Example: braces

9. Pediatric Dentistry aka: children’s dentist Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of dental disorders in children and some special needs adults Example: sealants

10. Periodontics Study, prevention and treatment of the tissues and bone supporting the teeth Example: gum surgery

11. Prosthodontics Replacement of missing teeth, or other missing or deformed oral structures, by artificial substitutes Example: crowns, bridges, dentures

12. Dental Public Health Prevention and control of dental diseases and promoting dental health through organized community efforts Example: fluoride in water

13. Oral Pathology Study of diseases which affect the hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity Example: biopsies

14. The Dental Hygienist

15. The Dental Hygienist: Title: RDH (Registered Dental Hygienist) LDH (Licensed Dental Hygienist) Primary Function: Prevention of dental disease Education: 2-4 years college study at an ADA accredited program Licensed: Governed by the State Dental Practice Act ◦ License granted by the State Department of Public Health Professional Organization: American Dental Hygiene Association (ADHA)

16. Productive Performance Any Dentist’s day will be much smoother with the assistance of a wonderful assistant!

17. The Dental Assistant Title: ◦ DA (Dental Assistant) ◦ CDA (Certified Dental Assistant) ◦ RDA (Registered Dental Assistant) ◦ COA (Certified Orthodontic Assistant) ◦ EFDA (Expanded Functions Dental Assistant) Primary Function: Assist the Doctor Education: High school diploma ◦ Some states require RHS (radiation health and safety exam) to expose radiographs ◦ Post-secondary dental assisting program Professional Organization: ADAA ◦ American Dental Assistants Association

18. DANB Certification Certification exam has three parts: ◦ Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) ◦ Infection Control Exam (ICE) ◦ General Chairside (GC) Prerequisites: ◦ RHS and ICE none ◦ GC = graduate from CODA-accredited school or 2 years full-time employment in a dental office with dentist’s verification current health-care level CPR certification

19. Certified Dental Assistant CDA To maintain: ◦ 12 continuing education credits/yearly ◦ Pay the renewal fee Continuing education credits: ◦ Renew CPRVolunteer activities ◦ Dental meetingsCollege courses ◦ Dental journalsClinical courses

20. The Lab Tech…. A competent dental lab technician combines both skill and artistry in their work

21. The Lab Tech: Title: CDT (Certified Dental Technician) Primary Function: Extra-oral construction of prosthetics Education: ◦ Apprenticeship with experienced lab technician ◦ Military training ◦ ADA accredited 2 year training (much emphasis on dental anatomy) No licensing is required

22. Front Desk Coordinator: Receptionist, business, collections, insurance Primary function: Business and financial Title: Office Manager, Practice Manager

23. The Patient: The most important team member! Without the patient, there would be no practice

24. Others that may be involved on the dental team: ◦ Dental Manufacturers ◦ Sales Representatives ◦ Equipment Technicians