Dental Assisting DNT-354By: Dr. Kifaya Ifthikar

TOPICS

1. Definition of dental supporting team.2. Members of dental supporting team:-• 2.1 Dental Hygienist• 2.2 Dental assistant• 2.3 Dental nurse• 2.4 Dental technician• 2.5Dental therapist3. Ethics of Dental assistant4. Importance of dental assistant5. Job description of Dental assistant(discussed later)

Dental Supporting Team• 1. Definition: A dental supporting team is a group of people

who assists the dentist in dental treatment and other official work. They are always under the supervision and observation of the dentist.

Members of the Dental supporting team(Dental Auxiliaries)

• 2.1 Dental Hygienist:- Licensed dental professionals, who work independently, or alongside a dentist, for the prevention of oral disease, and they also deal with primary dental healthcare. They are allowed to do scaling, polishing, topical fluoride, pits and fissure sealants.

• 2.2 Dental Nurse:- they are licensed, highly skilled professionals, who work as a part of the dentist supporting team in hospitals, and clinics.

2.3 Dental Assistants:- They are licensed dental assistants who can only work under the supervision of the dentist. They take care of the dental office (scheduling appointments, preparing dental room for patient, arranging dental instruments, etc.), and they also assist the dentist.

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2.4 Dental Technician:- They are the laboratory technicians who involve in making prosthodontics (dentures, crowns, brides) using dental technology, and working under dentist prescription. They have completed a recognized course, and have training as a Dental Technician.

2.5 Dental Therapist:- They carry out limited dental services related to the prevention and treatment of diseases and disorders of the teeth and mouth

3. Ethics of Dental assistant• As the patient will meet the dental assistant before the doctor • a) Always dental assistant should have welcoming behavior

towards the patient• b) should have good tolerance.• c) Friendly with the patient, to make a fear free environment.• d) Regular,ontime and follow up with the patient.

• 4. Importance of dental assistant• Dental Assistants are important to the Dentist because • a)Dentist simply cannot do everything himself in the dental

clinic.• b) Preparing the patient for dental procedure.• c) Dental assistant helps the Dentist with suctioning.• d) Passing Instrument to the doctor.• e) Sterilizing the instruments.• f) Scheduling the follow up of patient• Dental Assistants are important to the patient because• a) Explain the dental procedure to the patient• b) Make the patient comfort in dental chair.

• 5. Job description of Dental assistant(discussed later)