BOCO key terms

A method where the chairside assistant and dentist work together as a team, using preset instrument transfers and ergonomic positioning to reduce fatigue and improve efficiency during dental procedures.

The coordinated exchange of dental instruments between the dentist and assistant, typically using a two-handed or one-handed technique to maintain safety and efficiency while minimizing motion.

The arrangement of the patient, dentist, and assistant to minimize physical strain, typically with the patient supine and the team seated with feet flat and thighs parallel to the floor.

A small attachment bonded to a tooth surface that holds the archwire, used to apply controlled forces for tooth movement in orthodontic treatment.

A wire engaged in orthodontic brackets that transmits force to the teeth, guiding them into proper alignment and occlusion during treatment.

A small rubber ring placed around an orthodontic bracket to secure the archwire, available in various colors and sizes, and replaced at adjustment visits.

Infection control practices applied to all patients regardless of suspected infection status, including hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, and safe handling of sharps and contaminated items.

Barrier items such as gloves, masks, eyewear, and gowns worn by dental personnel to protect against exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other infectious materials.

The act of cleaning hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub, performed before and after patient contact and after removing gloves to prevent cross-contamination.

A process that destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores, on reusable dental instruments, commonly achieved by steam autoclave, dry heat, or chemical vapor.

A device that uses pressurized steam under high temperature to sterilize dental instruments, requiring proper packaging, loading, and monitoring to ensure effectiveness.

A test using bacterial spores to verify that a sterilization cycle effectively killed microorganisms, typically performed at least weekly and after autoclave repairs.

A dental restorative material made by mixing silver alloy powder with mercury, known for strength and durability but requiring careful handling and waste management.

A tooth-colored restorative material composed of resin matrix and filler particles, applied in layers and hardened with a curing light for aesthetic fillings.

A handheld device that emits blue light to polymerize light-cured dental materials such as composite resin and adhesives, requiring proper wavelength and intensity.

A hydrocolloid material mixed with water to form a gel used for taking preliminary dental impressions, known for ease of use but limited dimensional stability.

A rigid or flexible device used to hold impression material and carry it to the dental arch, available in various sizes and designs for accurate impressions.

A positive reproduction of dental structures created by pouring dental stone into an impression, used for diagnosis, treatment planning, and fabrication of appliances.

An intraoral radiographic method where the central ray is directed perpendicular to the bisector of the angle formed by the tooth and film, minimizing distortion.

An intraoral radiographic method where the film or sensor is placed parallel to the tooth and the central ray is directed perpendicular, reducing distortion and improving accuracy.

The overall darkness or blackness of a dental radiograph, influenced by exposure factors and processing, affecting the visibility of anatomical structures.

The process of obtaining a patient's voluntary agreement to a procedure after explaining its purpose, risks, benefits, and alternatives in understandable terms.

A written outline of the recommended dental procedures, sequenced and prioritized to address the patient's oral health needs, including alternatives, risks, and expected outcomes.

A documented account of a patient's dental history, examinations, diagnoses, treatments, and communications, maintained for continuity of care and legal purposes.

A communication technique where the listener fully concentrates, understands, responds, and remembers what the patient says, fostering trust and accurate information exchange.

A communication strategy where the patient explains information back in their own words to confirm understanding, often used for home care instructions and medication directions.

The degree to which individuals can obtain, process, and understand basic health information to make appropriate health decisions, influencing patient education approaches.

The administrative process of arranging patient visits, considering treatment needs, provider availability, and patient preferences to optimize practice efficiency and continuity of care.

A practice management method for reminding patients when they are due for routine examinations or preventive care, often using mail, phone, or electronic notifications.

A U.S. federal law that protects the privacy and security of patients' health information, requiring dental practices to implement safeguards and obtain authorization for certain disclosures.

A U.S. agency that enforces workplace safety regulations, including the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, requiring dental practices to have exposure control plans and training.

The defined boundaries of responsibilities and procedures that a dental professional is legally permitted to perform based on licensure and state regulations.

The fibrous tissue that connects the tooth root to the alveolar bone, providing support, shock absorption, and sensory feedback during chewing.

The bone of the jaw that contains the tooth sockets and supports the teeth, subject to remodeling and resorption in periodontal disease.

The gum tissue that surrounds the teeth and covers the alveolar bone, consisting of attached and free gingiva, important for periodontal health assessment.

The fluid secreted by salivary glands that lubricates the mouth, aids digestion, buffers acids, and helps protect teeth from demineralization.

A sticky film of bacteria and food debris that forms on teeth and can lead to dental caries and periodontal disease if not removed regularly.

A disease process causing demineralization of tooth structure by acids produced by bacteria, leading to cavity formation and potential tooth loss.