DANB COA study materials
DANB COA study resources

DANB COA flashcards

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

Angle Class I
A molar relationship in which the mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar occludes in the buccal groove of the mandibular first molar, with normal anteroposterior skeletal and dental relationships.
Angle Class II
A molar relationship in which the mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar is mesial to the buccal groove of the mandibular first molar, often associated with a retrusive mandible or protrusive maxilla.
Angle Class III
A molar relationship in which the mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar is distal to the buccal groove of the mandibular first molar, commonly associated with mandibular prognathism.
Overjet
The horizontal distance from the labial incisal edge of the maxillary central incisor to the labial surface of the mandibular central incisor; normal is approximately 2 to 3 mm.
Overbite
The vertical overlap of the maxillary central incisors over the mandibular central incisors, normally about 2 mm or roughly 20 to 30 percent of the lower incisor crown.
Leeway space
The difference in mesiodistal width between the primary canine and primary molars and their permanent successors the canine and two premolars, typically larger in the mandible.
Arch length discrepancy
The available arch length minus the sum of the mesiodistal widths of the teeth; a negative value indicates crowding and a positive value indicates excess space.
ANB angle
The angle formed by points A, Nasion, and B on a cephalometric tracing; about 2 degrees is normal, larger values suggest skeletal Class II, and negative values suggest Class III.
Anchorage
Resistance to unwanted tooth movement used to support desired movement; classified as maximum, moderate, or minimum, and sourced from teeth, palate, cortical bone, or extraoral appliances.
Bracket bonding sequence
Isolate and dry the field, etch enamel, rinse and dry to a frosty appearance, apply primer, place adhesive and bracket, then light cure for the manufacturer's specified time.
Enamel etching
Application of phosphoric acid gel for about 15 to 30 seconds to create microporosity for resin retention; the rinsed and dried surface should appear frosty white.
Separator placement
Elastomeric or metal separators are placed between posterior teeth about one to two days before banding to create enough interproximal space for band seating.
Archwire progression
A planned sequence from light flexible round wires such as nickel-titanium for initial alignment to stiffer wires for leveling, space closure, and finishing.
Elastomeric ligature
A small elastic ring stretched over the bracket tie wings to hold the archwire in the slot; it loses force over time and is replaced at adjustment visits.
Debonding
Removal of brackets using debonding pliers, followed by removal of residual resin with a finishing bur and polishing of the enamel surface.
Alginate impression
A reversible hydrocolloid impression material mixed to a smooth consistency, loaded into a tray, seated over the teeth, and poured promptly to limit distortion.
Retainer instructions
Patients should insert and remove the retainer as directed, clean it with a soft brush and cool water, and bring it to each visit for fit evaluation.
Hand hygiene
Use alcohol-based hand rub when hands are not visibly soiled and soap and water when soiled or after contact with body fluids; perform after glove removal.
Critical item
An item that enters sterile tissue or the vascular system, such as a surgical instrument or scaler, and must be sterilized before reuse.
Semicritical item
An item that contacts mucous membranes or nonintact skin, such as a mouth mirror, and requires sterilization or high-level disinfection between patients.
Biological indicator
A spore-based test used to verify sterilizer efficacy; it is the most reliable sterilization monitor and is run at the frequency set by practice policy.
Sharps handling
Never recap needles by hand; use a one-handed scoop or a recapping device, and discard sharps immediately into a puncture-resistant container.
ALARA principle
As low as reasonably achievable; radiographic exposure is minimized using fast film or digital sensors, proper technique, and lead aprons with thyroid collars.
Exposure control plan
A written OSHA-required plan describing how the practice protects employees from bloodborne pathogens, including vaccination offers and post-exposure follow-up.
Syncope management
For a fainting patient, position the patient supine with legs elevated, loosen tight clothing, monitor vital signs, and allow gradual return to an upright position.
Chart entry standards
Clinical entries should be dated, timed, signed, factual, and complete, with no blank lines or obliterated text, because the record is a legal document.
Informed consent
A documented discussion of diagnosis, proposed treatment, alternatives, and risks such as root resorption, decalcification, and relapse, signed by the patient or guardian.
HIPAA minimum necessary
The principle that uses and disclosures of protected health information should be limited to the least amount needed for the intended purpose.
Orthodontic record set
The standard diagnostic record includes study models, intraoral and extraoral photographs, panoramic and cephalometric radiographs, and complete treatment notes.
Adjustment interval
Routine orthodontic adjustment visits are typically scheduled every four to six weeks, with shorter intervals for broken appliances or poor oral hygiene.
Record retention
The length of time patient records must be kept, set by state law and practice policy; records are retained even after treatment is completed or transferred.