CCOAK study materials
CCOAK study resources

CCOAK flashcards

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

Angle Class II malocclusion
A malocclusion in which the mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar occludes mesial to the buccal groove of the mandibular first molar, often associated with a retruded mandible or protruded maxilla.
Overjet
The horizontal distance from the labial incisal edge of the maxillary incisor to the labial surface of the mandibular incisor, normally about 2 mm.
Leeway space
The difference between the combined mesiodistal widths of the primary canine and molars and the permanent canine and premolars, averaging about 1.5 mm per side in the maxilla and 2.5 mm in the mandible.
Center of resistance
The point in a tooth through which a force must pass to produce pure translation; for a single-rooted tooth it lies roughly one-third to one-half of root length apical to the alveolar crest.
Hyalinization
A sterile necrosis of the periodontal ligament caused by excessive orthodontic force that exceeds capillary pressure, leading to undermining resorption and delayed tooth movement.
Spaulding classification
A system categorizing patient-care items as critical, semicritical, or noncritical based on the risk of infection, which determines the required level of disinfection or sterilization.
Biological monitor
A spore test, such as with Geobacillus stearothermophilus for steam sterilizers, that verifies sterilization lethality and is performed at least weekly.
Transfer zone
The area over the patient's chest below the chin where instruments are exchanged between the operator and assistant during four-handed dentistry.
Palm-to-palm transfer
An instrument exchange technique in which the assistant places the handle of a new instrument into the operator's palm while retrieving the used instrument with the other hand.
Acid etching
Application of 35-37% phosphoric acid to enamel for 15-30 seconds to create microporosity for adhesive bonding, followed by rinsing and drying to a frosty appearance.
Indirect bonding
A technique in which brackets are positioned on a model and transferred to the teeth with a custom tray, improving accuracy and reducing chair time compared with direct bonding.
Glass ionomer cement
A fluoride-releasing dental cement used for band cementation and other applications, with chemical adhesion to tooth structure and caries-inhibiting properties.
Nickel-titanium archwire
An archwire alloy with superelasticity and shape memory that delivers light continuous force over a wide range, commonly used for initial alignment.
Archwire sequence
The progression of archwires from light round NiTi for alignment to rectangular NiTi or stainless steel for space closure and finishing.
Torque
A pure couple applied to a tooth that produces rotation about its center of resistance, controlling labiolingual root inclination.
Elastomeric ligature
A rubber O-ring used to secure an archwire to a bracket, which loses force over time and is replaced at each adjustment visit.
Separator
An elastomeric or metal device placed interproximally to create space for band placement, typically 1-2 days before banding.
Force decay
The reduction in force delivered by elastomeric materials over time, which can reach up to 50% within 24 hours and requires replacement or reactivation.
Alginate impression
A reversible hydrocolloid impression material mixed with water, used to record dental arches, requiring prompt pouring to avoid distortion.
Intraoral scanner
A device that captures 3D digital surface data of the dentition, replacing conventional impressions for many orthodontic records and appliances.
Cephalometric radiograph
A standardized lateral head radiograph used to measure skeletal and dental relationships, with the Frankfort horizontal parallel to the floor.
White spot lesion
A chalky white area of enamel demineralization around orthodontic brackets caused by plaque retention, prevented with fluoride and good oral hygiene.
Floss threader
A tool used to pass floss under orthodontic archwires to clean interproximal surfaces during fixed appliance treatment.
Compliance monitoring
Assessment of patient adherence to elastics, headgear, and hygiene instructions through wear time and clinical response, with missed wear prolonging treatment.
Avulsed tooth management
Handling an avulsed tooth by the crown, not scrubbing, replanting immediately if possible or storing in milk or saline, and seeking emergency care within 60 minutes.
Aspiration of appliance
A medical emergency in which an orthodontic component enters the airway, requiring airway assessment, medical referral, and radiographic evaluation.
Orthodontic wax
A temporary relief material applied over irritating brackets or wire ends to protect soft tissue until the appliance can be adjusted.
Scope of practice
The legal boundaries defining which tasks a dental assistant may perform under supervision, excluding diagnosis, treatment planning, and prescribing reserved for licensed dentists.
Informed consent
The process of disclosing risks, benefits, alternatives, and the right to refuse treatment, documented in the patient record before treatment begins.
ALARA principle
The radiation safety principle of keeping exposure as low as reasonably achievable through proper technique, shielding, and limiting radiographs to those needed.
Patient confidentiality
The ethical and legal obligation to protect patient health information, sharing records only with consent or as required by law such as HIPAA.
Documentation standards
Accurate, timely, and objective recording of clinical findings and procedures, with any alterations clearly identified and dated.