DANB NELDA flashcards
DANB NELDA · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- ALARA
- An acronym meaning As Low As Reasonably Achievable; it guides radiation protection by minimizing time, maximizing distance, and using shielding to reduce occupational and patient dose.
- Inverse square law
- Radiation intensity is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source; doubling the distance reduces intensity to one quarter of its original value.
- Occupational dose limit
- The maximum permissible whole-body dose for radiation workers is 50 mSv (5 rem) per year, compared with 1 mSv (0.1 rem) per year for the general public.
- Dosimeter badge placement
- The film or TLD badge is worn at collar level outside the lead apron to measure dose to the head and neck, the most radiosensitive exposed area.
- Lead apron equivalence
- Protective aprons and thyroid collars must provide at least 0.25 mm lead equivalent and are checked periodically for cracks that would reduce shielding.
- Collimation purpose
- Restricting the beam to the size of the receptor reduces the volume of tissue irradiated, lowers patient dose, and decreases scatter radiation in the operatory.
- Scatter radiation
- Radiation deflected from the primary beam by tissue or objects; it is the main source of operator exposure and is reduced by distance and barriers.
- Operator exposure distance
- During radiograph exposure the operator stands at least 6 feet (2 meters) from the patient, out of the primary beam, and never holds the receptor or tubehead.
- Chain of infection
- Six required links: pathogen, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host; breaking any one link stops transmission.
- Standard precautions
- Infection control measures applied to all patients regardless of diagnosis, including hand hygiene, gloves, masks, eye protection, and gowns for splash-generating procedures.
- Critical instrument
- An item that penetrates soft tissue or contacts bone or blood, such as scalers and surgical instruments; it must be sterilized before reuse.
- Semicritical instrument
- An item that contacts mucous membranes but does not penetrate tissue, such as a mouth mirror; it requires at least high-level disinfection, usually sterilization.
- Noncritical item
- An item that contacts only intact skin, such as a blood pressure cuff; it requires cleaning and low-level disinfection rather than sterilization.
- Steam autoclave parameters
- Standard steam sterilization uses 121°C (250°F) at 15 psi for 15–30 minutes, or 132°C (270°F) for 3–4 minutes in a flash cycle.
- Biological spore test
- A monitor using Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores that verifies steam sterilizer efficacy; results are logged and positive results trigger recall and retesting.
- Hand hygiene timing
- Hands are washed or rubbed before and after glove use, after touching contaminated items, and before leaving the operatory; artificial nails are avoided.
- Sharps handling rule
- Needles are never recapped by hand; the one-handed scoop technique or a recapping device is used, and sharps go into puncture-resistant labeled containers.
- Surface barrier technique
- Disposable plastic barriers cover frequently touched surfaces and are removed and replaced between patients; uncovered surfaces are disinfected with an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant.
- Four-handed dentistry
- A teamwork method in which the dentist and assistant work together using preset instrument transfers, minimizing fatigue and motion while keeping the field of view clear.
- Instrument transfer zone
- The area near the patient's chin where the assistant passes and receives instruments, keeping the handle oriented toward the operator's fingers for a safe exchange.
- Expanded functions
- Duties a dental assistant may legally perform, defined by each state's dental practice act; they vary by state and may require additional certification.
- Universal tooth numbering
- Permanent teeth are numbered 1–32 starting with the maxillary right third molar; primary teeth are lettered A–T in the same sequence.
- FDI tooth notation
- A two-digit system where the first digit identifies the quadrant (1–4 permanent, 5–8 primary) and the second digit the tooth within that quadrant.
- Matrix band purpose
- A band and retainer restore proximal contour and contact for class II restorations; a wedge holds the band against the gingival margin and protects the adjacent tooth.
- Glass ionomer cement
- A restorative and luting material that bonds chemically to tooth structure and releases fluoride; it is used for liners, bases, and some class V restorations.
- Zinc oxide-eugenol
- A sedative cement that soothes irritated pulp; it is used as a temporary filling or base but is not placed directly on vital pulp in deep cavities.
- Zinc phosphate cement
- A strong but acidic luting cement with a short working time; it is mixed on a cool slab and used for metal restorations and orthodontic bands.
- Normal adult vital signs
- Blood pressure about 120/80 mmHg, pulse 60–100 beats per minute, respirations 12–20 per minute, and oral temperature near 37°C (98.6°F).
- Syncope management
- For fainting, place the patient supine with legs elevated, loosen tight clothing, and administer oxygen; monitor vital signs until recovery.
- Hypoglycemia response
- For a conscious patient with low blood sugar, give oral glucose or a sugary drink; if unconscious, do not give oral fluids and seek emergency help.
- Anaphylaxis response
- A severe allergic reaction with airway swelling and hypotension; epinephrine is the first-line drug and emergency medical services must be activated immediately.
- High-volume evacuator
- A suction device that removes saliva, blood, and debris during treatment; the assistant positions it to retract tissue and keep the field clear.