1. The Professional Dental Assistant
Chapter 2
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 1

2. Chapter 2 Lesson 2.1
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 2

3. Learning Objectives Pronounce, define, and spell the Key Terms.
Discuss the concept of professionalism.
Demonstrate the characteristics of a professional dental assistant.
Identify the purpose of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
(Cont’d)
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 3

4. Learning Objectives
(Cont’d)
Demonstrate the personal qualities of a professional dental assistant.
Describe the role and purpose of the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA).
Describe the benefits of membership in the ADAA.
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 4

5. Learning Objectives
(Cont’d)
Describe the role of the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
Explain where to obtain information about the DANB.
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 5

6. Introduction
A highly skilled dental assistant is a vital member of the dental healthcare team.
Dental assisting is a career that requires dedication, personal responsibility, integrity, and a commitment to continuing education.
(Cont’d)
What does a typical day for a dental assistant entail?
Why do we need continuing education (CE)?
What is professionalism, and what does it mean for the professor of dental assisting?
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 6

7. Introduction
(Cont’d)
Becoming a dental assistant is more than acquiring the knowledge and developing the skills; it is about becoming a professional person.
Professionalism is an attitude that is apparent in everything you say and do, in and out of the dental office.
Why is it important to be professional in dentistry?
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 7

8. Characteristics of a Professional Dental Assistant
Professional appearance
Good grooming
Good health
Appropriate dress
How do you stay in good health?
What does good grooming involve?
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 8

9. Fig. 2-1 The dental assistant is an important member of the dental healthcare team.
Does this dental assistant have a professional appearance?
Does she have good grooming?
Does she appear to be in good health?
And is she wearing appropriate dress for practice?
Would she promote confidence in this dental office and improve the patient’s dental experience?
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 9

10. Professional Appearance
Clean, pressed uniform
Clean shoes
Hair pulled back or up and out of the face
Minimal jewelry
Fingernails clean and short
Good hygiene
What might a patient think on seeing a dental assistant with a messy uniform, hair in the face, dirty shoes, and dirty nails?
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 10

11. Fig. 2-2 Dental assistants in professional attire for chairside procedures.
What is the appropriate attire for a dental assistant?
Note that the first dental assistant (on the left) is in scrubs, which is basic acceptable wear at all times. The second one is in full personal protective wear, which is indicated for chairside procedures. The third assistant wears a surgical gown, which is indicated for surgery or hospital dentistry.
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 11

12. Teamwork Together Everyone Accomplishes More What does teamwork mean?
Should a dental assistant have both front-desk and chairside background?
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 12

13. Responsibility and Initiative
Arrive on time and don’t leave early.
Volunteer to help other staff members.
Be willing to learn.
Find things to do.
Never discuss personal problems with patients or other staff members.
How should a dental assistant act with patients?
How do you maintain a relationship with your dentist employer?
What does confidentiality mean in the dental office?
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 13

14. Confidentiality
Everything that is said in a dental office must remain confidential.
Breaches of confidentiality can result in lawsuits against all involved.
Never reveal any information about patients.
Never discuss patients outside the office.
Federal legislation called HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) affects all types of healthcare providers, setting forth the measures that must be taken to ensure that patient privacy is protected while health information is shared among healthcare providers.
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 14

15. Review Your Personal Qualities
How do I interact with patients?
Am I friendly? Do I have a pleasant attitude?
Do I listen more than I talk?
Am I courteous?
Am I considerate, respectful, and kind?
Do I control my temper?
Do I try to see the other person’s point of view?
(Cont’d)
Most people do not enjoy a visit to the dentist, and many are stressed or intimidated. How would you like to be treated by a dental assistant if you were stressed?
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 15

16. Review Your Personal Qualities
(Cont’d)
Am I responsible?
Am I dependable?
Am I attentive to details?
Am I calm in an emergency?
Am I responsible for my own actions?
Do I tend to blame others or find fault with others?
Take time to answer each question and see which areas of professionalism you need to work on.
Your conduct in a professional capacity ultimately establishes your status as a professional.
By striving to be a professional, you can make a significant contribution to dentistry, society, and the patients you serve.
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 16

17. The American Dental Assistants Association
The ADAA is the organization that represents the profession of dental assisting.
The ADAA was formed in 1924 by Juliette A. Southard.
Southard’s vision was “an educated, efficient dental assistant with her own place in the profession of dentistry.”
Why would you join the ADAA?
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 17

18. Fig Juliette A. Southard, founder of the American Dental Assistants Association. (Courtesy of the ADAA.)
The Juliette A. Southard/Oral-B Scholarship is awarded annually to 10 students enrolled in dental-assisting programs or applicable courses aimed at furthering a career in dental assisting.
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 18

19. Fig. 2-4 The seal of the American Dental Assistants Association
Fig The seal of the American Dental Assistants Association. (Courtesy of the ADAA.)
When is Dental Assistant Recognition Week (DARW)? (First full week in March.)
What are the advantages of a dental-assisting career? (Variety, flexibility, excellent working conditions, and personal satisfaction.)
Is there a national test by which dental assistants become certified?
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 19

20. Dental Assisting National Board
The DANB is the agency responsible for testing dental assistants and issuing the credential of Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).
To become a CDA, you must take and pass a written examination administered by the DANB.
Successful completion of the DANB examination gives an assistant the right to use the credential of CDA, to wear the official certification pin, and to display the certificate.
Why would you want to become a CDA?
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 20

21. Fig. 2-5 Official logo of the Dental Assisting National Board
Fig. 2-5 Official logo of the Dental Assisting National Board. (Courtesy of the DANB.)
How many states recognize the DANB? (Certification through the DANB is recognized or required in more than 30 states.)
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 21

22. Fig. 2-6 Official certificate of a certified dental assistant (CDA)
Fig. 2-6 Official certificate of a certified dental assistant (CDA). (Courtesy of the DANB.)
What topics are covered on the national board examination? (Three major categories: radiology, infection control, and general chairside procedures.)
The applicant must pass all three categories to become a CDA.
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 22

23. Specialty Certification
The DANB also issues specialized certifications, such as:
Certified Dental Practice Management Assistant (CDPMA)
Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA)
How do the responsibilities of a CDPMA differ from those of a COA?
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 23

24. Dental Assisting National Board, Inc.
For more information, contact the DANB:
676 North St. Clair Street, Suite 1880 Chicago, IL (800-FOR-DANB)
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 24

25. The Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
Registration is a credential issued by some states.
It is recognized only by the state that issued the registration.
A dental assistant may be a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) as well as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).
Each state with registration for dental assistants establishes its own requirements for RDA eligibility, including education or work experience, testing, and continuing education.
What are the regulations imposed on dental assistants in our state? (Instructor: check with the dental board/commission in your state, which you can find on the ADA’s web site,
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 25

26. Responsibilities of the Chairside Dental Assistant
Primary responsibilities in this role include but are not limited to:
Seating and preparing for patients
Charting
Instituting infection-control procedures
Mixing and passing dental materials
Assisting the dentist during procedures
Ensuring patient comfort
Exposing and processing radiographs
What are the responsibilities of the chairside dental assistant?
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 26

27. Roles of the Chairside Assistant
Pouring and trimming models and performing other laboratory procedures
Providing patient education
Providing postoperative instructions to patients
Overseeing inventory control and ordering dental supplies
Ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations
What does OSHA stand for? (Occupational Safety and Health Administration.)
What is OSHA’s mission? (To ensure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health.)
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 27

28. Responsibilities of the Expanded-Function Assistant
Delegation of the following functions varies from state to state, depending on the individual state’s dental practice act:
Placing dental sealants
Taking impressions
Fabricating temporary crowns and bridges
Placing retraction cord
Applying fluoride
Applying topical anesthetic
Placing and removing dental dams
Placing and removing matrices and wedges
(Cont’d)
Why do some states allow expanded functions for dental assisting? (The program is designed to provide current dental assistants with advanced training, increasing the dentist’s overall productivity.)
What are the roles of the expanded-function assistant?
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 28

29. Responsibilities of the Expanded-Function Assistant
(Cont’d)
Applying liners, varnishes, and bases
Placing, carving, and finishing amalgam or composite restorations
Removing sutures
Placing and removing periodontal dressings
Performing additional functions as specified in the dental practice act of the state in which the dental assistant is employed
It is important to be aware of the laws of the state in which you practice.
(Tie this in with Chapter 5: Dentistry and the Law and its discussion of state dental boards.)
Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 29