1. PowerPoint® Presentation for Introduction to Dental Assisting
Module:
The Dental Profession: An Overview
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2. Module: The Dental Profession: An Overview
Part A:
The Dental Team
Part B: Communication
Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

3. Module: The Dental Profession: An Overview
Learning Objectives
1. Define the Key Terms.
2. Define for what DDS and DMD stand.
3. Identify the nine dental specialties of dentistry.
4. Identify the three steps involved in
communication.
5. List the education requirements for, and the professional organizations that represent each, dental profession.
Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

4. Module: The Dental Profession: An Overview
Learning Objectives
6. Describe the skills performed by dental
hygienists, dental assistants, and dental
laboratory technicians.
7. Demonstrate the skills used in listening.
8. Recognize verbal and nonverbal
communication.
Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

5. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Key Terms
ADA
ADAA
CDA
DANB
Dental public health
Endodontics
Oral and maxillofacial surgery
Oral and maxillofacial Radiology
Oral and maxillofacial Pathology
Orthodontics
Pediatric dentistry
Periodontics
Prosthodontics
Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

6. Part A: The Dental Team The Dentist: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD)
American Dental Association
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7. The Dental Specialties
Dental Public Health
Endodontics
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Pediatric Dentistry
Periodontics
Prosthodontics
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8. Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Graduate of two- or four-year dental
hygiene school
Must pass written and practical tests
Granted state licenses
Specialize in providing dental prophylaxis,
including the removal of plaque, stains, and
calculus from the teeth, and patient education
ADHA
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9. Dental Laboratory Technician
May be trained on the job or graduate from a two-year dental laboratory technician program
Require extensive knowledge of dental
anatomy and materials, along with
development of detailed mechanical skills
ADLTA
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10. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Dental Assistant
Training includes didactic, laboratory, and
clinical content
Governed by state requirements
Comprehensive written exam offered by
DANB
CDA
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11. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Part B: Communication
Critical to understand the patient’s attitude toward dentistry
Areas that influence communication:
Past dental experiences
Life experiences
Cultures, customs, traditions, and beliefs
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12. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Communication
The act of passing along information - the message
Transmitting an idea - receiving the message
Connecting with another individual - providing feedback
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13. Assessment Questions For what does ADA stand? For what does DDS stand?
What are the three parts of communication?
American Dental Association
Doctor of Dental Surgery
The Message
Receiving the Message
Providing Feedback
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14. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Summary of Module
Key Terms
The dental team
Communications in the dental office
Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.