BOCO flashcards

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

Transfer zone

Area over the patient's chest where the assistant delivers and retrieves instruments along the same path, preventing the operator from reaching across the patient's face.

FA point

The midpoint of the clinical crown vertically, used to position an orthodontic bracket slot so archwire force passes near the crown's center of resistance.

Debonding plier

Instrument used to remove orthodontic brackets by squeezing the bracket base; residual resin is then polished off with a low-speed carbide bur or finishing stone.

Elastomeric separator

Small rubber ring placed between adjacent teeth about one week before banding to create space; patients avoid flossing and sticky foods in that quadrant meanwhile.

Chain of infection

Six linked elements: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host. Breaking any single link prevents transmission.

Biological spore monitoring

Sterilization assurance test using resistant bacterial spores, run at least weekly; a failed result requires quarantining the load and recalling affected items.

High-volume evacuation

Suction device used near the operative site to capture saliva, blood, and aerosol generated by handpieces and ultrasonic scalers, reducing airborne microbial contamination.

Sharps container limit

Rigid, puncture-resistant, labeled container for needles and blades that is replaced before reaching three-quarters full to prevent overflow injuries during disposal.

Irreversible hydrocolloid

Alginate impression material that sets by chemical reaction and cannot be softened again; it loses water over time, so models should be poured within about twelve minutes.

Addition silicone

Elastomeric impression material with high dimensional stability, suitable for multiple pours; it is hydrophobic unless a surfactant has been added to improve wetting.

Zinc oxide-eugenol

Sedative cement or base that soothes pulp but inhibits polymerization of resin composites, so a sealing liner is needed when resin is placed over it.

Depth of cure

Limited penetration of curing light into composite, roughly two millimeters per increment; adequate light output of at least 400 mW/cm² is verified by regular testing.

Paralleling technique

Intraoral radiographic method placing the receptor parallel to the tooth's long axis with the central ray perpendicular, minimizing elongation and overlap compared with bisecting-angle technique.

ALARA

As Low As Reasonably Achievable: radiation protection principle applied through fast receptors, rectangular collimation, lead apron with thyroid shield, and avoidance of retakes.

Bitewing survey

Radiographic series showing crowns and crestal bone of posterior teeth, used to detect interproximal caries and early bone loss that periapical views may miss.

Identification dot

Embossed marker on an intraoral receptor indicating the tube side; placement guides orientation so images are mounted and viewed correctly.

Clinical attachment level

Calculated by adding probing depth to gingival recession, expressing the distance from the cementoenamel junction to the base of the sulcus or pocket.

ASA physical status

Classification of systemic health from I (healthy) to IV (constant threat to life); higher classes prompt medical consultation before elective dental treatment.

SOAP note

Progress note format with Subjective complaints, Objective findings, Assessment or diagnosis, and Plan; entries are dated, signed, and legible or electronically authenticated.

Latex allergy screening

Health history question identifying reactions to gloves and rubber products; affected patients are scheduled with non-latex supplies and latex-free operatory setup.

Teach-back method

Communication technique in which the patient restates instructions in their own words, confirming understanding more reliably than simply asking whether everything is clear.

Motivational interviewing

Patient-centered counseling using open questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summarizing to elicit the patient's own reasons for changing oral health behavior.

Modified Bass technique

Toothbrushing method angling bristles about 45 degrees toward the gingival margin with short vibratory strokes, then sweeping away from the gumline.

Tell-show-do

Behavior guidance sequence for children: explain the procedure, demonstrate it, then perform it, reducing anxiety through familiarity and predictability.

Accounts receivable aging

Report grouping outstanding balances by days since service, typically 0–30, 31–60, 61–90, and over 90; older balances have the lowest collection probability.

Predetermination

Request submitted to a payer before treatment for procedures above a threshold, obtaining an estimate of benefits to inform the patient of expected cost.

Par level

Minimum and maximum inventory quantities set for each supply item, guiding reordering before stockouts and preventing overstock of perishable materials.

Scope of practice

State-defined limits on which tasks a dental assistant may perform; duties reserved for licensed dentists or hygienists cannot be delegated regardless of training.

Minimum necessary standard

HIPAA principle requiring that only the least amount of protected health information needed for treatment, payment, or operations be disclosed.

Mandatory reporting

Legal duty to notify authorities of suspected child abuse or neglect, and often elder or dependent adult abuse, even when the patient requests confidentiality.

Universal tooth numbering

System numbering permanent teeth 1 through 32, beginning with the maxillary right third molar and continuing around the arch to the mandibular right third molar.

Caries-associated bacteria

Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli, organisms that ferment sugars into acid and are strongly associated with enamel demineralization and cavity formation.