Procedure Codes
This instrument is used to remove calculus above the gumline.
What is a scaler?
This handpiece operates at low speed and is often used for polishing.
What is a slow-speed handpiece?
This PPE protects your eyes from splatter.
What are safety glasses or face shield?
This rubber sheet isolates teeth during restorative or endo procedures.
What is a rubber dam?
Most commonly heard phrase in the operatory.
"Open wider, please!"
The ADA recommends adults receive these every 6 months.
What are dental cleanings? (routine appointments)
This thin, pointed instrument is used to check for decay between teeth.
What is an explorer?
This is used to clean instruments before sterilization to remove debris.
What is ultrasonic cleaning or manual scrubbing?
This is done before the patient is walked upfront and services have been performed.
What is setting treatment complete?
This form explains the risks, benefits, and alternatives of a procedure.
What is an informed consent form?
This replaces the root of a missing tooth
What is a dental implant?
This matrix system is commonly used for Class II restorations.
What is a Tofflemire?
Used to verify that the autoclave is reaching proper sterilization.
What are biological indicators or spore tests?
The assistant’s role when the patient says “I hate the dentist.”
What is reassurance?
This crown is commonly used on baby teeth and is available for upgrade.
What is a SSC and porcelain crown?
The artificial tooth suspended between two crowns in a fixed bridge
What is a pontic?
These are small, colorful sticks used to hold teeth apart during restorations.
What are wedges?
This method uses heat, pressure, and steam to sterilize dental instruments.
What is autoclaving?
Cheapest dentures we offer.
What are immediate dentures?
Before applying fluoride, the assistant should always check this in the patient’s chart.
What is age limit and frequency?
The hardest substance in the human body.
What is enamel?
The magical assistant tool that holds everything together for a perfect restoration.
What is the assistant’s hand (anticipating the dentist’s needs)!
This organization sets infection control guidelines for dental offices.
What is the CDC?
This material is often used for preliminary impressions of teeth.
What is alginate?
This type of X-ray is used to check the entire jaw structure for pathology, often before surgery.
What is a panoramic X-ray?