List and discuss various advance preparation procedures a dental assistant can complete to increase the smooth flow of patient care throughout the day. (Obtain the patient record, know the upcoming procedure[s], and have the supplies and equipment ready.)
What might result from a failure to meet standards for these tasks? (Loss of productivity for the dentist, inconvenience or discomfort for the patient, and unnecessary stress for everyone.)
What is the best way to know your patients and to be better prepared for their presence in the reception area? (Have a brief meeting or review the day’s schedule before the patient arrives.)
Some of the issues that should be discussed by the dental team include changes in patients’ dental histories, additional supplies or equipment that may be needed, preparations for the apprehensive patient, and assignments of expanded functions.
What are some of the tasks that should be completed during preparation for the apprehensive patient? (Scheduling a longer appointment, using premedication, and using pain-control measures such as nitrous oxide.)
List the appropriate PPE. (Safety eyewear, lab jacket with long cuffed sleeves, gloves, face mask.)
Where should radiographs be placed? (Illuminated view box.)
When should the sterile preset tray be opened? (After the patient is seated and before treatment.)
What is the proper position of the dental chair for receiving the patient? (Upright and at the lowest height.)
The patients must be greeted in a courteous manner. Remember to establish eye contact and smile, call the patient by his or her last name, and introduce yourself.
Where is the best place to put the patient’s personal items?
Why would you keep such items within the patient’s sight?
Why is initiating conversation with the patient important?
Why should you ask the patients whether they have any questions or need further information about the treatment?
Ask the patient to swing his or her legs onto the chair after he or she has been seated from the side of the chair, then place the patient napkin over the patient’s chest and clasp the corners with the use of a napkin chain.
Why should you inform the patient before adjusting the chair?
Move the chair slowly until the patient is in the right position.
Turn on the light after positioning it so that it is aimed at the patient’s chest.
Does the PPE for treatment setup differ from the PPE used during treatment procedures?
What are the main goals of this concept? (To deliver the best and most effective care to the patient and to increase productivity.)
How does ergonomics play a role in team dentistry?
How do the appropriate moisture-control techniques simplify work? (Visibility of the work field in the mouth is increased.)
Expanded functions allow the dentist to use time more effectively and efficiently.
How does four-handed dentistry affect ergonomics and the concept of team dentistry? (The use of proper four-handed procedures enhances the treatment process by reducing stress and fatigue of both dentist and dental assistant. Four-handed dentistry also better uses the time of the dental team, increasing productivity.)
Why is correct positioning of the dental team essential in the clinical area? (Correct positioning allows access and visibility to all areas of the patient’s mouth while providing maximum comfort and support to the dentist and dental assistant.)
What occurs when the dentist or dental assistant stretches to reach an instrument or gain access to the patient’s mouth? (Accumulated stress contributes to circulatory problems, lower-back pain, and other muscle aches and pain.)
What can you ask the patient to do to make access to specific areas of the mouth easier? (Turn his or her head to the left or right.)
What are the most essential requirements for the operator? (Access and vision.)
Note the neutral elbow position.
Note how the weight of the operator is supported by the straight back and feet that are flat on the floor.
The dental assistant has to anticipate the needs of the dentist during treatment and maintain access to the area of concentration.
This position will allow the dental assistant to sit 4 to 6 inches above the clinician to allow the assistant to have access to the concentration area.
Note the neutral elbow position.
Note how the feet are supported by the ring at the base of the stool.