BOCO case studies
BOCO · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Board Certified Orthodontic Assistant (BOCO) credential is a professional certification for orthodontic assistants who want to demonstrate advanced knowledge and a commitment to the field. It is intended for assistants with clinical experience who wish to validate their skills beyond entry-level training, and it can support career advancement, employer confidence, and a sense of professional achievement. The BOCO case studies are 5 cases and about 2,753 words.
1Orthodontic Banding with a Suspected Bloodborne Exposure
A 14-year-old patient arrives for placement of four orthodontic bands on molars. During band try-in, the patient's gingiva bleeds and the assistant, who is wearing gloves but no eyewear, feels a droplet strike the left conjunctiva.
635 words, about 3 min2Radiographic Decision for a Pediatric Patient with a Bitewing Refusal
A 7-year-old patient presents for a recall examination. The dentist has ordered two bitewing radiographs to check for interproximal caries, but the child gags and refuses to hold the sensor.
585 words, about 3 min3Bonding a Ceramic Crown with a Moisture-Contaminated Field
A 52-year-old patient is receiving a lithium disilicate crown on a maxillary first molar. The assistant has prepared the tooth with a total-etch technique, applied etchant for 15 seconds, rinsed, and dried.
531 words, about 3 min4Managing a Patient with a Latex Allergy During a Prophylaxis
A 35-year-old patient scheduled for a prophylaxis reports a history of latex allergy with hives and wheezing after wearing latex gloves. The office has latex and nitrile gloves, but the hygiene operatory has latex gloves in the dispenser and a latex rubber dam in the drawer.
492 words, about 2 min5Insurance Preauthorization and Treatment Sequencing for a Crown
A 60-year-old patient needs a crown on tooth 30 and a core buildup. The office submits a preauthorization to the insurance carrier, which returns a denial stating that the crown is not covered because the tooth has insufficient remaining tooth structure and the buildup is considered part of the crown.
510 words, about 3 min