CDA cheat sheet

Universal numbering: permanent teeth 1–32 beginning with the maxillary right third molar; primary teeth A–T beginning with the maxillary right second primary molar.

FDI two-digit system: first digit is the quadrant (1–4 permanent, 5–8 primary), second digit is tooth position from the midline (1–8).

Arch quadrants in Universal numbering: maxillary right 1–8, maxillary left 9–16, mandibular left 17–24, mandibular right 25–32.

Modified pen grasp: instrument rests on the pads of the thumb, index, and middle fingers, with the ring finger serving as the fulcrum rest.

Inferior alveolar block landmarks: coronoid notch, pterygomandibular raphe, and the occlusal plane of the mandibular molars as the height guide.

Normal adult vital signs: blood pressure under 120/80 mmHg, pulse 60–100 bpm, respirations 12–20 per minute, oral temperature about 98.6°F (37°C).

Zinc phosphate cement sets by an exothermic acid-base reaction, so it is mixed on a cool, thick glass slab with powder added in small increments.

Class II matrix assembly: the band re-establishes proximal contour while the wedge adapts the band to the gingival margin and slightly separates the teeth.

Sutures placed in oral mucosa are typically removed 5–7 days after placement.

Inverse square law: beam intensity is proportional to 1/d², so doubling the distance from the source reduces exposure to one quarter.

NCRP occupational limits: 50 mSv (5 rem) effective dose per year, 150 mSv to the lens of the eye, 500 mSv to extremities and skin.

A round collimator must restrict the beam to 2.75 inches (7 cm) at the end of the PID; rectangular collimation reduces the exposed area and dose further.

A 16-inch PID increases target-to-skin distance and reduces beam divergence, lowering skin exposure compared with an 8-inch PID.

kVp governs beam penetration and subject contrast (higher kVp = lower contrast, wider latitude); mA governs x-ray quantity; exposure time governs duration.

SLOB rule for horizontal tube shifts: an object moving in the same direction as the tube head is lingual; an object moving opposite is buccal.

Minimum lead apron equivalence is 0.25 mm Pb; a thyroid collar is used for all patients, especially children and pregnant patients.

An operator without a barrier stands at least 6 feet from the tube head, at 90–135 degrees to the primary beam.

Personnel dosimeter badges are worn at collar level outside the lead apron and are processed monthly or quarterly.

Chain of infection: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host; breaking any single link interrupts transmission.

Spaulding classification: critical items (bone or soft-tissue contact) must be sterile; semicritical items (intact mucosa) need high-level disinfection at minimum; noncritical items (intact skin) need low-level disinfection.

Standard steam autoclave cycle: 121°C (250°F) at 15 psi for 15–20 minutes; flash cycle 132°C (270°F) for 3–4 minutes for unwrapped items.

Biologic monitoring organisms: Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores for steam sterilizers; Bacillus atrophaeus spores for dry heat and ethylene oxide sterilizers.

Hand hygiene: soap-and-water wash for at least 20 seconds; alcohol-based rub when hands are not visibly soiled.

PPE removal order: gloves first, then eyewear or face shield, then gown, then mask last; gloves are removed without contacting their outer surface.

Heavy utility gloves, not treatment gloves, are worn for instrument cleaning, disinfection, and chemical handling.

Dental unit waterlines are flushed 20–30 seconds between patients and for 2 minutes at the start of each day, with an EPA-registered treatment product.

Sharps containers are replaced when three-quarters full, and needles are never recapped with two hands; a one-handed scoop technique is used.