CDA flashcards

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

Universal tooth numbering

Permanent teeth are numbered 1 through 32, starting with the maxillary right third molar as tooth 1 and ending with the mandibular right third molar as tooth 32.

Primary tooth lettering

Primary teeth use letters A through T. A is the maxillary right second primary molar, and the series continues around the arch to T, the mandibular right second primary molar.

FDI two-digit system

The first digit identifies the quadrant (1–4 for permanent, 5–8 for primary) and the second digit identifies the tooth position from the midline (1–8).

Modified pen grasp

The instrument is held on the pads of the thumb, index, and middle fingers, while the ring finger rests on a stable oral structure as a fulcrum for control.

High-volume evacuator placement

The HVE tip is placed at the occlusal surface of the tooth being treated, about one-quarter inch from the operating site, to capture spray and aerosols.

Inferior alveolar block landmarks

Key landmarks are the coronoid notch, the pterygomandibular raphe, and the occlusal plane of the mandibular molars, which sets the height of needle insertion.

Retraction cord function

Cord is packed into the gingival sulcus to displace tissue and expose the finish line; medicated cords also control hemorrhage and shrink tissue before impression taking.

Zinc phosphate cement mixing

Powder is incorporated into liquid in small increments on a cool, thick glass slab; the reaction is exothermic, and a thin mix is used to cement cast restorations.

Matrix band and wedge

The band re-establishes proximal contour in a Class II preparation, and the wedge holds the band tightly against the tooth while slightly separating adjacent teeth.

Normal adult vital signs

Typical adult values are blood pressure under 120/80 mmHg, pulse 60–100 beats per minute, respirations 12–20 per minute, and oral temperature near 98.6°F (37°C).

Suture removal timeline

Sutures in oral mucosa are generally removed 5 to 7 days after placement, once the tissue has regained enough strength to hold the wound edges together.

Inverse square law

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

Occupational dose limits

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

Beam collimation standard

A round collimator must restrict the beam to 2.75 inches (7 cm) at the end of the position-indicating device; rectangular collimation exposes a smaller area and lowers dose.

Long PID benefit

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

kVp and image contrast

kVp determines beam penetration and subject contrast. Higher kVp produces lower contrast with more gray shades and wider latitude; lower kVp produces higher contrast.

SLOB rule

For horizontal angulation shifts, the object that moves in the same direction as the tube head is lingual; the object moving opposite is buccal.

Lead apron equivalence

A lead apron must equal at least 0.25 mm of lead; a thyroid collar is added for all patients, especially children and pregnant patients.

Operator position without barrier

Stand at least 6 feet from the tube head at an angle of 90 to 135 degrees to the primary beam, out of the path of the useful beam and scatter.

Dosimeter badge placement

The monitoring badge is worn at collar level outside the lead apron so it records head and neck dose, and it is processed monthly or quarterly.

F-speed film dose

F-speed intraoral film is the fastest film available and requires roughly half the exposure of D-speed film, cutting patient dose by about 50 to 60 percent.

Bisecting angle principle

The central ray is directed perpendicular to the imaginary bisector of the angle formed by the film and the long axis of the tooth, preventing elongation or foreshortening.

Chain of infection

Six links are required for transmission: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host; breaking any link stops infection.

Critical items

Items that contact bone or penetrate soft tissue, such as surgical instruments, scalers, and extraction forceps, are critical and must be sterilized after every use.

Semicritical items

Items contacting intact mucous membranes, such as mouth mirrors and impression trays, are semicritical and require at least high-level disinfection, with sterilization preferred.

Steam autoclave cycle

The standard gravity cycle is 121°C (250°F) at 15 psi for 15 to 20 minutes; the flash cycle is 132°C (270°F) for 3 to 4 minutes on unwrapped items.

Spore test organism

Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores biologically monitor steam sterilizers, while Bacillus atrophaeus spores are used for dry heat and ethylene oxide sterilizers.

Spore testing frequency

Biological monitoring is performed at least weekly for each sterilizer, and every load containing implantable items should be monitored as well.

Hand hygiene duration

Hands are washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or an alcohol-based hand rub is used when the hands are not visibly soiled.

PPE removal order

Gloves are removed first, then eyewear or face shield, then the gown, and the mask last; gloves are taken off without touching their outer surface.

Dental unit waterline flushing

Waterlines are flushed for 20 to 30 seconds between patients and for 2 minutes at the start of the day to reduce discharge of microbial biofilm.

Sharps container fill limit

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