Patient Education
Who legally owns the patient's dental images?
The dentist
What should the dental assistant be doing between patients?
Clean and heat-sterilize or high-level-disinfect
Definition - Professional negligence
Malpractice
What does a patient's documentation include?
Informed consent, number and type of radiographs, rationale for requiring radiographs, diagnostic interpretation
While being exposed to radiographs and handling contaminated film packets, what equipment should be worn?
Gloves, Protective eyewear, Mask, Gown
Definition - Never reveal any personal information about the patient
Confidentiality
Who's responsible for discussing the patient's needs?
The dentist's
How would you prevent contamination on the developing equipment?
Transport and handle exposed film in aseptic manner
Definition - Intraoral devices used to position and held film, sensor, or PSP
Positioning devices
What do patients have the right to refuse?
Patients are may refuse to have dental radiographs
Why does dental radiography uniquely presents infection control?
Potential of cross-contamination of equipment and environmental surface with blood and saliva
Definition - Device constructed as layered aluminum steps
Stepwedge
Is the dental assistant allowed to give patients educational material on the procedure?
Yes
What else can you do when an item cannot tolerate the infection control procedures?
Protect the item with FDA- clear barriers, clean and disinfect with EPA registered disinfectant
Definition - Specific test used to ensure quality in dental x-ray equipment, supplies, and film processing
Quality control tests