The Dental TeamMr. Caputo

Unit #1 Lesson #4

Today’s ClassDriving 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 LessonThis 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 LessonThis 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 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_of_Dental_Surgery

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 ConsiderWhat 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 ConsiderWhy 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 headdiseases of the neck, face, and jawconditions 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 fillingsperiapical 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 DentistsTypically 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: goldprecious metalsdental porcelainacrylics

Support Staff in the Dental Office

Consists of:Office manager (CDPMA)Administrative assistantDental aide (sterilization technician/ hygiene assistant)Equipment technicianDental supply salesperson

Check Your Understanding1. 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 #2Create a chart on the 9 dental specialties