RDA (AMT) flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

High-speed handpiece rpm range

Air-turbine high-speed handpieces rotate at approximately 300,000 to 450,000 rpm, while low-speed handpieces operate near 20,000 to 40,000 rpm and accept latch-type burs.

Tofflemire matrix retainer placement

For a Class II restoration the matrix band encircles the tooth and the retainer is tightened from the buccal aspect, stabilizing the band while a wedge holds the gingival margin.

Alginate mixing ratio

Alginate impression material is proportioned at roughly one scoop of powder to one scoop of water by volume and spatulated about one minute until smooth and creamy.

HVE tip position

The high-volume evacuator tip bevel is held parallel to the tooth surface about 1 to 2 mm from the preparation so that water spray and debris are captured efficiently.

Universal tooth numbering system

The universal system numbers permanent teeth 1 through 32 starting with the maxillary right third molar, and designates primary teeth by letters A through T.

Lidocaine cartridge drug content

One 1.8 mL cartridge of 2% lidocaine contains 36 mg of the drug; maximum adult dose is about 7 mg/kg with epinephrine and 4.4 mg/kg without vasoconstrictor.

Pen grasp

In the pen grasp the instrument is held like a pen between the thumb, index, and middle fingers, giving the greatest tactile sensitivity and precise control of the working end.

Spaulding classification

Instruments are classified as critical when they enter bone or blood, semicritical when they contact mucosa, and noncritical when they contact intact skin, which determines required reprocessing.

Biological spore test organisms

Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores monitor steam and chemical vapor sterilizers, while Bacillus atrophaeus spores monitor dry heat and ethylene oxide units; results are documented weekly.

Sharps container specifications

Sharps containers must be puncture resistant, leak proof, closable, and labeled with a biohazard symbol, and are replaced when about three-quarters full.

Handwashing duration

Soap-and-water handwashing should last at least 15 to 20 seconds and cover all hand surfaces; alcohol-based rubs are used when hands are not visibly soiled.

Standard steam autoclave cycle

A gravity-displacement steam autoclave cycle runs about 15 to 20 minutes at 121 degrees Celsius (250 degrees Fahrenheit) and 15 psi for wrapped instruments.

Hepatitis B vaccine offer

OSHA requires employers to offer the hepatitis B vaccine free of charge to employees with occupational exposure within 10 working days of initial assignment.

Nitrous oxide scavenging

Scavenging systems and room ventilation reduce waste nitrous oxide; NIOSH sets recommended exposure limits and staff monitoring is indicated when levels are uncertain.

mAs formula

Milliamperage-seconds equals milliamperage multiplied by exposure time in seconds; it controls the total quantity of x-ray photons reaching the receptor and affects image density.

kVp and 15 percent rule

Kilovoltage peak controls beam penetrability and image contrast; raising kVp by 15 percent approximately doubles receptor exposure, so mAs is halved to maintain density.

Inverse square law

X-ray intensity is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source, so doubling the distance from the tube reduces exposure to one quarter.

Lead apron requirement

Patients should be draped with a lead apron of at least 0.25 mm lead equivalent, and a thyroid collar should be used during intraoral radiography.

SLOB rule

On a horizontal angle shift, an object moving in the same direction as the tube head is lingual; an object moving opposite is buccal, or same lingual opposite buccal.

F-speed film advantage

F-speed intraoral film requires roughly 60 percent less exposure than D-speed film, and direct digital sensors reduce exposure further by about 50 to 80 percent.

Direct supervision

Direct supervision means the dentist has authorized the procedure, remains on the premises, and evaluates the patient's completed treatment before the patient is dismissed.

General supervision

General supervision means the dentist has authorized the procedure in advance but is not required to be present in the office while the assistant performs it.

Four elements of malpractice

A malpractice claim requires a duty owed to the patient, a breach of the standard of care, causation linking that breach to harm, and actual damages.

Respondeat superior

Respondeat superior holds an employer legally responsible for negligent acts committed by employees within the scope of their employment.

HIPAA breach notification

Covered entities must notify affected individuals of a breach of unsecured protected health information without unreasonable delay and no later than 60 days after discovery.

Informed consent elements

Valid informed consent requires disclosure of the diagnosis, proposed treatment, material risks and benefits, alternatives including no treatment, and the patient's voluntary agreement.

Normal adult vital signs

Typical adult resting values are blood pressure under 120/80 mmHg, pulse 60 to 100 beats per minute, respirations 12 to 20 per minute, and temperature near 37 Celsius.

Fluoride varnish concentration

Five percent sodium fluoride varnish contains about 22,600 ppm fluoride and is typically applied two to four times yearly for patients at elevated caries risk.

Stephan curve critical pH

After sugar exposure plaque pH falls below the critical pH of about 5.5, at which enamel demineralization begins, and takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes to recover.

Modified Bass technique

The modified Bass method angles bristles 45 degrees toward the gingival margin and uses short vibratory strokes before sweeping the brush over the tooth surface.

Syncope management

For vasodepressor syncope, place the patient supine with the legs elevated, loosen tight clothing, and monitor airway, breathing, and circulation until consciousness returns.

Tell-show-do

Tell-show-do describes a procedure to the child in simple words, demonstrates the instruments or sensations involved, then performs the step exactly as described.