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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

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

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

15. 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

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

17. 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

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

19. 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

20. 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 20

21. 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

22. 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

23. Homework #1
Bring Classroom contract signed