“How do I meet state requirements for dental assistants when moving from one state to another?” is one of the most frequently asked questions that the Dental Assistant National Board (DANB) receives from dental assistants across the U.S. The requirements for dental assistants vary in...
In the opioid epidemic, dentists play an important role that can affect change. Prescribing opioids is far too easy, and dentists are among the leading opioid prescribers. A dentist would often prescribe them as a “just in case medication,” so the patient doesn’t call over...
When choosing a sedative or the technique of administration, we must always base our choice on selecting the right drug for the patient’s needs. After determining that a patient would benefit from sedation, we should proceed to choose the right sedation. Nitrous oxide is just...
According to UNICEF, it is projected that about 360,000 adolescents will die between 2018 and 2030 of AIDS-related diseases. Without additional investments in HIV testing, treatment, and prevention programs, that means 76 deaths per day. The number of people newly infected with HIV (age range...
Regardless of the confirmed or suspected infection status of a patient, there are minimum infection prevention practices (known as Standard Precautions) that apply to all patient care. These practices serve their purpose of protecting healthcare personnel (including Dental Healthcare Personnel) and preventing them from spreading...
Hepatitis is a slowly-developing inflammation of the liver tissue. There are five types of hepatitis (type A, B, C, D, and E). The infection can be acute and chronic, and every kind of hepatitis is a different type of virus. Types B and C are...
Dental personnel, including auxiliaries, are always at risk from cross-infection. The mouth is a permanent source of microorganisms that can be transmitted and infect others. The dental profession has traditional standards for cross-infection control, but with more recent concerns by the public and the profession,...
As a dental assistant, you'll be working under the direct supervision of a dentist. Your duties will include patient preparation for dental work, preparing equipment for procedures, chairside assistance, infection control, and a host of other tasks. As a front desk assistant, you may also...
Radiography is an indispensable tool used in dentistry. It allows for the detection of diseases and other abnormalities, as well as the monitoring of disease progression over time. Nevertheless, ionizing radiation, commonly referred to as X-rays, carries an inherent risk of harm to the patient....
Infection control represents specific procedures required for a healthcare setting as a means of preventing the spread of disease. A series of particular recommendations developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is to be used in all dental offices across the country. Every dental specialist...