PMC Dentistry Licensure cheat sheet
PMC Dentistry Licensure · Keep the key ideas within reach.
Basic Medical Sciences Relevant to Dentistry
Cranial nerves relevant to dentistry: V (mastication, facial sensation), VII (facial expression, taste anterior 2/3 tongue, lacrimal/salivary secretion), IX (taste posterior 1/3, gag), X (palate elevation, gag), XII (tongue movement).
Salivary flow is dominated by the parotid (serous, amylase-rich), submandibular (mixed, mostly resting flow), and sublingual (mucinous); resting flow is mainly submandibular (~65-70%), stimulated flow mainly parotid.
Hemostasis: intrinsic pathway (XII→XI→IX→VIII), extrinsic (tissue factor + VII), common (X→prothrombin→thrombin→fibrin). Warfarin affects II, VII, IX, X and proteins C/S (vitamin K-dependent); heparin potentiates antithrombin.
Local anesthetic mechanism: block voltage-gated Na+ channels from the cytoplasmic side; inflamed tissue is acidic, lowering the proportion of uncharged base and reducing efficacy.
Antibiotic prophylaxis for infective endocarditis (high-risk cardiac conditions) is typically amoxicillin 2 g orally 30-60 min pre-procedure; clindamycin is no longer recommended for prophylaxis in current guidance.
Pain pathway: nociceptors → trigeminal ganglion → spinal trigeminal nucleus → thalamus → cortex; opioid analgesics act on mu receptors, NSAIDs inhibit COX (blocking prostaglandin synthesis).
Glycolysis yields net 2 ATP + 2 NADH per glucose; the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation yield the majority of ATP; anaerobic metabolism in plaque produces lactate, driving enamel demineralization.
Wound healing phases: hemostasis, inflammation (neutrophils then macrophages), proliferation (granulation tissue, angiogenesis), remodeling; diabetes and smoking impair healing.
Head and Neck Anatomy
The mandibular nerve (V3) exits the skull via the foramen ovale; the maxillary nerve (V2) via the foramen rotundum; the ophthalmic nerve (V1) via the superior orbital fissure.
Inferior alveolar nerve block targets the pterygomandibular space near the mandibular foramen; landmarks include the coronoid notch, occlusal plane, and pterygomandibular raphe.
The maxillary artery gives off the middle meningeal artery (foramen spinosum), inferior alveolar artery, and branches to the face; the facial artery crosses the mandible at the antegonial notch.
The parotid gland is traversed by the facial nerve (VII), which divides into temporal, zygomatic, buccal, marginal mandibular, and cervical branches; the marginal mandibular branch is at risk in submandibular surgery.
The submandibular duct (Wharton) opens at the sublingual caruncle; the parotid duct (Stensen) opens opposite the maxillary second molar.
The pterygoid venous plexus lies between the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles; infection can spread to the cavernous sinus via emissary veins (danger area of the face).
The TMJ is a synovial joint with a fibrocartilaginous disc; movements are rotation (early opening) and translation (later opening), driven by the lateral pterygoid.
The lingual nerve runs medial to the mandible and is at risk during third molar surgery; the hypoglossal nerve (XII) supplies all intrinsic and most extrinsic tongue muscles except palatoglossus.
Oral Biology and Oral Histology
Enamel is 96% mineral (hydroxyapatite), formed by ameloblasts; amelogenesis proceeds through secretory, transition, and maturation stages; enamel is acellular and cannot regenerate.
Dentin is ~70% mineral, 20% organic (mostly type I collagen), 10% water; dentinogenesis is by odontoblasts; dentinal tubules run from the pulp to the DEJ.
Dental pulp contains odontoblasts, fibroblasts, undifferentiated mesenchymal cells, and a vascular/neural supply; pulpitis pain is mediated by A-delta (sharp) and C fibers (dull).
Periodontal ligament fibers: alveolar crest, horizontal, oblique (most numerous, chief support), apical, interradicular; the PDL is ~0.2 mm wide and provides proprioception.
Cementum is avascular, covers the root; acellular extrinsic fiber cementum is found in the cervical third; cellular intrinsic fiber cementum forms after resorption.
Oral mucosa: masticatory (keratinized, gingiva and hard palate), lining (non-keratinized), specialized (dorsum of tongue with papillae); junctional epithelium attaches via hemidesmosomes.
Saliva contains amylase, lysozyme, lactoferrin, IgA, and proline-rich proteins; buffering is mainly bicarbonate; resting pH ~6.7-7.4.
Tooth eruption and development: primary teeth begin calcification in utero (~4-6 months); permanent first molars calcify at birth; enamel organ stages are bud, cap, bell.
Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine
Leukoplakia is a clinical diagnosis of a white patch that cannot be characterized as any other disease; it carries malignant transformation risk and requires biopsy.
Erythroplakia has a higher malignant transformation rate than leukoplakia and is more likely to be carcinoma or severe dysplasia.
Oral squamous cell carcinoma risk factors: tobacco, alcohol, areca nut, HPV (especially oropharyngeal), and chronic irritation; most common intraoral site varies but tongue and floor of mouth are common.
Recurrent aphthous ulcers: minor (small, heal <2 weeks), major (large, >2 weeks, scarring), herpetiform; treatment is topical corticosteroids and symptomatic care.
Oral lichen planus: reticular (Wickham striae), erosive, plaque-like; T-cell mediated; malignant transformation risk is low but requires monitoring.
Odontogenic cysts: radicular (inflammatory, most common), dentigerous (around crown of unerupted tooth), odontogenic keratocyst (high recurrence, PTCH mutations).
Ameloblastoma is a locally aggressive odontogenic tumor of the posterior mandible; treatment is wide resection; it is usually benign but can recur.
Oral manifestations of systemic disease: Crohn (cobblestone mucosa, aphthae), anemia (glossitis, angular cheilitis), diabetes (periodontitis, delayed healing), HIV (candidiasis, hairy leukoplakia, Kaposi sarcoma).
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Third molar extraction difficulty increases with bone impaction, root morphology, and proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve; a preoperative radiograph (panoramic) is standard.
Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) presents 2-4 days post-extraction with severe pain and empty socket; management is irrigation and medicated dressing (e.g., eugenol-based).
Mandibular fracture signs: step in occlusion, malocclusion, trismus, paresthesia of the lower lip (inferior alveolar nerve involvement); treat with closed or open reduction.
Lefort fracture levels: I (above maxillary teeth), II (pyramidal), III (craniofacial dysjunction); assess for airway and cervical spine.
Local anesthesia maximum doses: lidocaine 4.4 mg/kg (with epinephrine), articaine 7 mg/kg, mepivacaine 6.6 mg/kg, prilocaine 8 mg/kg; calculate based on cartridge concentration (2% = 36 mg/cartridge).
Biopsy principles: excisional for small lesions (<1 cm) and incisional for large or suspicious lesions; never biopsy a suspected vascular lesion without imaging.
Postoperative bleeding management: pressure, local hemostatic agents (oxidized cellulose, tranexamic acid mouthwash), and reversal of anticoagulation in consultation.
Infection spread: submandibular, submental, sublingual spaces; Ludwig's angina is a bilateral submandibular/sublingual cellulitis with airway risk requiring urgent IV antibiotics and airway management.
Operative Dentistry and Endodontics
Caries removal: enamel is removed with a bur; dentin caries can be removed selectively; use caries-detecting dye cautiously (it stains infected dentin).
Cavity preparation principles: outline form, resistance form, retention form, convenience form, and removal of remaining caries; bevelled margins for cast restorations.
Pulp capping: indirect (leave affected dentin) vs direct (exposed pulp); calcium hydroxide or MTA is used; success depends on pulpal health and seal.
Endodontic working length: determined with an apex locator and confirmed radiographically; the apical constriction is ~0.5-1 mm short of the radiographic apex.
Root canal irrigation: sodium hypochlorite (0.5-5.25%) dissolves organic tissue and is antimicrobial; EDTA removes smear layer; avoid extrusion beyond the apex.
Obturation: gutta-percha with sealer; lateral condensation or warm vertical compaction; the coronal seal is critical to prevent reinfection.
Endodontic flare-up: pain/swelling after treatment; causes include incomplete instrumentation, extrusion of debris, and missed canals; treat with drainage and analgesics.
Post and core: only after adequate endodontic treatment; retain at least 4-5 mm of apical gutta-percha; ferrule (2 mm circumferential dentin) improves resistance.
Prosthodontics
Complete denture occlusion: balanced occlusion in eccentric movements; bilaterally balanced contacts reduce tipping forces; monoplane or anatomic teeth may be used.
Vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) is established at rest position minus freeway space (~2-4 mm); incorrect VDO causes muscle fatigue or excessive freeway space.
Denture retention: adhesion, cohesion, surface tension, and atmospheric pressure; a well-fitting denture base with border seal is essential.
Implant osseointegration: direct bone-to-implant contact; success requires adequate bone volume, primary stability, and controlled loading; typical healing 3-6 months.
Fixed partial denture (bridge) abutment selection: favorable crown-to-root ratio, adequate periodontal support, and alignment; splinting increases stress on abutments.
Removable partial denture (RPD): rests transmit force to abutment teeth; clasps provide retention; major connector should be rigid (e.g., cobalt-chromium).
Occlusal schemes: mutually protected occlusion (anterior guidance in excursion, posterior disclusion) vs group function; canine guidance reduces lateral forces.
Denture stomatitis: chronic erythematous candidiasis under the denture; treat with antifungal therapy and denture hygiene; remove dentures at night.
Periodontology
Gingivitis is reversible inflammation of the gingiva without attachment loss; periodontitis involves attachment loss and alveolar bone loss.
Periodontal probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) are key; CAL = PD + recession (or PD - gingival margin).
Classification (2017): staging (I-IV) based on severity and complexity; grading (A-C) based on progression rate and risk factors (smoking, diabetes).
Risk factors: plaque, smoking (major), diabetes, genetics, medications (phenytoin, nifedipine, cyclosporine cause gingival overgrowth).
Scaling and root planing (SRP) is the initial therapy for periodontitis; re-evaluation at 6-8 weeks; adjunctive antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin + metronidazole) for aggressive cases.
Periodontal surgery: flap surgery for access, guided tissue regeneration (GTR) for intrabony defects, and bone grafting; crown lengthening for restorative needs.
Peri-implant mucositis is reversible inflammation around an implant; peri-implantitis involves bone loss and is treated with debridement and possible surgery.
Necrotizing periodontal disease: painful, punched-out papillae, bleeding, fetor; treat with debridement, antibiotics, and management of systemic factors.
Orthodontics and Paediatric Dentistry
Angle classification: Class I (normal molar relationship), Class II (mandibular first molar distal), Class III (mandibular first molar mesial); Class II division 1 has proclined incisors, division 2 has retroclined incisors.
Growth assessment: cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) and hand-wrist radiographs estimate skeletal maturity; peak growth spurt guides treatment timing.
Cephalometric landmarks: SNA (maxillary position), SNB (mandibular position), ANB (skeletal relationship); normal ANB ~2 degrees.
Fixed appliances: brackets, bands, archwires; force levels should be light and continuous; anchorage control is critical to prevent unwanted tooth movement.
Paediatric caries: early childhood caries (ECC) affects primary teeth; prevention includes fluoride varnish, dietary counseling, and parental education.
Pulpotomy (primary teeth) removes coronal pulp; pulpectomy removes all pulp; stainless steel crowns are durable for primary molars.
Space maintenance: maintain arch length after premature loss of primary teeth; space maintainers (band and loop, lingual arch) prevent crowding.
Behaviour management: tell-show-do, positive reinforcement, and nitrous oxide sedation for anxious children; avoid restraint unless necessary.
Community Dentistry, Preventive Dentistry and Dental Public Health
DMFT/dmft index measures caries experience (decayed, missing, filled teeth); DMFS/dmfs counts surfaces; used in epidemiological surveys.
Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and Loss of Attachment (LOA) are WHO tools for periodontal assessment; scores range 0-4.
Fluoride mechanisms: promotes remineralization, inhibits demineralization, and inhibits bacterial enzymes; water fluoridation at 0.7-1.0 ppm reduces caries.
Fluoride varnish (5% NaF, 22,600 ppm) applied 2-4 times/year for high-risk patients; fluoride toothpaste 1000-1500 ppm for adults.
Health education models: health belief model, transtheoretical model, and social cognitive theory guide behavior change interventions.
Oral health promotion: WHO Ottawa Charter (1986) emphasizes healthy public policy, supportive environments, and community action.
Screening and prevention: regular check-ups, sealants on occlusal surfaces of permanent molars, and dietary sugar reduction (WHO recommends <10% energy from free sugars).
Dental public health planning: needs assessment, program planning, implementation, and evaluation; indices should be valid, reliable, and reproducible.
Dental Materials and Infection Control / Patient Safety
Amalgam: silver, tin, copper, mercury; sets by amalgamation; high copper reduces gamma-2 phase; avoid in patients with mercury allergy and pregnant women (precaution).
Composite resin: Bis-GMA/UDMA matrix with filler; polymerization by light (400-500 nm); shrinkage stress can cause marginal leakage; use incremental layering.
Glass ionomer cement: releases fluoride, bonds chemically to tooth, used for liners, luting, and pediatric restorations; lower strength than composite.
Zinc oxide-eugenol: obtundent and sedative; used as temporary filling and base; eugenol inhibits polymerization of composite.
Elastomeric impression materials: addition silicone (vinyl polysiloxane) is dimensionally stable and accurate; polyether is hydrophilic but less stable.
Infection control: standard precautions for all patients; hand hygiene, PPE (gloves, mask, eyewear), and safe sharps disposal; autoclave sterilization at 121°C/15 psi for 15-20 min or 134°C for 3-4 min.
Surface disinfection: use EPA-registered hospital disinfectant; barriers for clinical contact surfaces; avoid contamination of waterlines (flush and use filters).
Patient safety: medical emergency preparedness (oxygen, epinephrine, aspirin), proper patient positioning, and documentation; latex allergy precautions and nitrous oxide scavenging.
Dental Materials and Infection Control / Patient Safety
Dental unit waterlines can harbor biofilm (e.g., Legionella, Pseudomonas); flush lines and use independent water reservoirs or filters; monitor microbial counts.
Sterilization monitoring: biological indicators (Geobacillus stearothermophilus for steam), chemical indicators, and mechanical monitoring (time, temperature, pressure).
Handpiece sterilization: autoclave after each patient; lubricate according to manufacturer; avoid chemical disinfection alone for critical items.
Waste segregation: sharps in puncture-resistant containers; amalgam waste in sealed containers; follow local regulations for hazardous waste.
Radiation safety: ALARA principle; use lead apron and thyroid collar; digital radiography reduces dose; avoid unnecessary radiographs.
Medical emergencies: syncope (position supine, elevate legs), hypoglycemia (oral glucose), angina (nitroglycerin), anaphylaxis (epinephrine IM 0.3-0.5 mg), asthma (bronchodilator).
Latex allergy: use latex-free gloves and equipment; screen patients for allergy history; have epinephrine available.
Infection control for immunocompromised patients: pre-procedural rinses (chlorhexidine), antibiotic prophylaxis if indicated, and strict aseptic technique.
Dental Materials and Infection Control / Patient Safety
Dental amalgam handling: use encapsulated amalgam, avoid direct skin contact, and store scrap amalgam under water or in sealed containers.
Local anesthesia safety: aspirate before injection to avoid intravascular injection; monitor for toxicity (tinnitus, metallic taste, seizures).
Nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation: contraindicated in pregnancy (first trimester), bowel obstruction, and pneumothorax; ensure scavenging and adequate oxygen.
Patient positioning: semi-supine for most procedures; avoid excessive neck extension; pregnant patients should avoid supine position after 20 weeks (left lateral tilt).
Emergency drugs: epinephrine, nitroglycerin, aspirin, glucose, albuterol, diphenhydramine, and oxygen; check expiration dates regularly.
Infection control breaches: needlestick injury management includes washing, reporting, and post-exposure prophylaxis evaluation (HIV, HBV, HCV).
Sterilization of instruments: clean, dry, and package before autoclaving; do not overload; allow drying cycle to prevent recontamination.
Patient safety culture: report adverse events, use checklists, and verify patient identity and procedure site before treatment.
Dental Materials and Infection Control / Patient Safety
Dental materials biocompatibility: test for cytotoxicity, sensitization, and irritation; avoid materials with known allergens (e.g., nickel, mercury).
Curing light maintenance: check intensity (>400 mW/cm²), clean tips, and use proper eye protection; inadequate curing leads to restoration failure.
Impression disinfection: rinse and disinfect impressions before sending to lab; follow manufacturer instructions for immersion vs spray.
Sharps safety: never recap needles with two hands; use a scoop technique or safety device; dispose immediately in sharps container.
Personal protective equipment: gloves, masks, eye protection, and gowns; change gloves between patients and after contamination.
Vaccination: dental personnel should be vaccinated against HBV, influenza, and other vaccine-preventable diseases; TB screening as required.
Waste management: classify as general, infectious, and hazardous; follow color-coding and local regulations.
Patient safety: verify medication allergies, use sterile saline for irrigation, and avoid retained foreign bodies (e.g., instruments, sponges).
Dental Materials and Infection Control / Patient Safety
Dental materials: use ISO standards for testing; understand properties like compressive strength, tensile strength, and elastic modulus.
Glass ionomer vs composite: GI releases fluoride but has lower wear resistance; composite has better esthetics and strength.
Dental ceramics: porcelain fused to metal (PFM) vs all-ceramic; zirconia has high strength and is used for crowns and bridges.
Dental cements: zinc phosphate (high compressive strength, low pH), polycarboxylate (adheres to tooth), glass ionomer (fluoride release).
Infection control: use disposable items where possible; sterilize reusable instruments; maintain aseptic technique during surgery.
Patient safety: use rubber dam for endodontics and restorative procedures to prevent aspiration; verify shade and material before cementation.
Dental materials: avoid using eugenol-containing materials directly on pulp; use calcium hydroxide as a liner.
Infection control: hand hygiene is the most important measure; use alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water for 40-60 seconds.
Dental Materials and Infection Control / Patient Safety
Dental materials: composite polymerization shrinkage can be reduced by incremental placement and soft-start curing.
Dental amalgam: do not use in patients with severe renal disease or mercury allergy; use alternative materials.
Infection control: autoclave validation with biological indicators weekly; document sterilization cycles.
Patient safety: use a mouth prop and floss ligature to secure rubber dam; prevent ingestion or aspiration of small instruments.
Dental materials: bond strength depends on enamel etching (37% phosphoric acid), dentin conditioning, and moisture control.
Infection control: use barriers for radiographic sensors and equipment; disinfect after each patient.
Patient safety: manage medical emergencies with a team approach; assign roles and practice drills.
Dental materials: use a separating medium for denture processing; ensure proper curing and finishing to avoid irritation.
Dental Materials and Infection Control / Patient Safety
Dental materials: impression materials should be mixed according to manufacturer instructions; avoid contamination with water or saliva.
Infection control: use sterile gloves for surgical procedures; change gloves if torn or contaminated.
Patient safety: verify patient identity and procedure; use a time-out before surgery.
Dental materials: use appropriate shade guides and lighting for color matching; avoid metamerism.
Infection control: clean and disinfect dental unit surfaces between patients; use barriers for handles and switches.
Patient safety: document adverse events and near misses; review and improve protocols.
Dental materials: store materials at recommended temperatures; check expiration dates.
Infection control: use separate areas for clean and contaminated instruments; follow workflow to prevent cross-contamination.
Dental Materials and Infection Control / Patient Safety
Dental materials: use a rubber dam for endodontic treatment to prevent aspiration and maintain a dry field.
Infection control: use high-volume evacuation and rubber dam to reduce aerosols; ensure adequate ventilation.
Patient safety: use a bite block for patients with limited opening; avoid excessive force.
Dental materials: use a curing light with a wavelength matching the photoinitiator (camphorquinone ~468 nm).
Infection control: use disposable needles and syringes; do not reuse.
Patient safety: monitor vital signs during sedation; have reversal agents available.
Dental materials: use a properly fitted tray for impressions; avoid distortion.
Infection control: use sterile water for surgical irrigation; avoid tap water.
Dental Materials and Infection Control / Patient Safety
Dental materials: use a cement with good marginal seal for crowns; glass ionomer or resin-modified glass ionomer.
Infection control: use a biological indicator for each sterilizer load; document results.
Patient safety: use a patient bib and protective eyewear; avoid eye injury from instruments.
Dental materials: use a light-cured composite with adequate depth of cure; incremental layers ≤2 mm.
Infection control: use a new disposable bib and cup for each patient.
Patient safety: use a saliva ejector to prevent aspiration; avoid excessive suction.
Dental materials: use a separating disc carefully to avoid soft tissue injury.
Infection control: use a high-speed handpiece with anti-retraction valve; flush waterlines.
Dental Materials and Infection Control / Patient Safety
Dental materials: use a properly mixed alginate impression; avoid prolonged storage.
Infection control: use a new mask for each patient; replace if wet.
Patient safety: use a tongue retractor carefully; avoid trauma.
Dental materials: use a resin cement for bonding; ensure proper isolation.
Infection control: use a sharps container within reach; do not overfill.
Patient safety: use a bitewing holder carefully; avoid soft tissue injury.
Dental materials: use a polishing paste with fluoride for prophylaxis.
Infection control: use a new pair of gloves for each patient; wash hands before and after.
Dental Materials and Infection Control / Patient Safety
Dental materials: use a composite with low shrinkage for large restorations; consider indirect restorations.
Infection control: use a barrier for the light curing tip; disinfect between patients.
Patient safety: use a rubber dam for pediatric patients; monitor for airway.
Dental materials: use a fluoride-releasing cement for high caries risk.
Infection control: use a new suction tip for each patient.
Patient safety: use a bite block for patients with trismus; avoid forced opening.
Dental materials: use a glass ionomer for primary teeth; consider stainless steel crowns.
Infection control: use a new air/water syringe tip for each patient.
Dental Materials and Infection Control / Patient Safety
Dental materials: use a resin-modified glass ionomer for luting; ensure proper moisture control.
Infection control: use a new saliva ejector for each patient; avoid backflow.
Patient safety: use a patient chair with proper positioning; avoid nerve compression.
Dental materials: use a composite with good polishability for anterior restorations.
Infection control: use a new cup and bowl for each patient.
Patient safety: use a lead apron for radiographs; avoid repeat exposures.
Dental materials: use a zinc oxide-eugenol as a temporary filling; avoid in composite.
Infection control: use a new needle for each injection; do not reuse.
Dental Materials and Infection Control / Patient Safety
Dental materials: use a calcium hydroxide liner for deep caries; protect pulp.
Infection control: use a new surgical blade for each procedure; dispose in sharps container.
Patient safety: use a suture with proper technique; avoid needle stick.
Dental materials: use a bone graft with proper handling; avoid contamination.
Infection control: use sterile drapes for surgery; maintain sterile field.
Patient safety: use a local anesthetic with epinephrine cautiously in cardiac patients.
Dental materials: use a resorbable membrane for GTR; follow instructions.
Infection control: use a new surgical gown for each procedure.
Dental Materials and Infection Control / Patient Safety
Dental materials: use a properly fitted mouthguard for sports; avoid injury.
Infection control: use a new impression tray for each patient; disinfect.
Patient safety: use a bitewing for caries detection; avoid unnecessary radiation.
Dental materials: use a fluoride varnish for prevention; apply to dry teeth.
Infection control: use a new prophylaxis cup for each patient.
Patient safety: use a rubber dam for endodontics; prevent aspiration.
Dental materials: use a sealant on occlusal surfaces; ensure isolation.
Infection control: use a new explorer for each patient; sterilize.
Dental Materials and Infection Control / Patient Safety
Dental materials: use a composite with good wear resistance for posterior teeth.
Infection control: use a new matrix band for each restoration; sterilize.
Patient safety: use a wedge carefully; avoid soft tissue injury.
Dental materials: use a flowable composite for small defects; avoid bulk.
Infection control: use a new bur for each patient; sterilize.
Patient safety: use a high-speed handpiece with water spray; avoid overheating.
Dental materials: use a polishing disc for finishing; avoid excessive pressure.
Infection control: use a new articulating paper for each patient.
Dental Materials and Infection Control / Patient Safety
Dental materials: use a properly mixed cement; avoid voids.
Infection control: use a new mixing pad for each patient.
Patient safety: use a bite block for patients with limited opening.
Dental materials: use a resin cement for bonding; ensure isolation.
Infection control: use a new syringe for each patient.
Patient safety: use a rubber dam for pediatric patients.
Dental materials: use a glass ionomer for primary teeth.
Infection control: use a new suction tip for each patient.
Dental Materials and Infection Control / Patient Safety
Dental materials: use a composite with low shrinkage for large restorations.
Infection control: use a barrier for the light curing tip.
Patient safety: use a rubber dam for endodontics.
Dental materials: use a fluoride-releasing cement.
Infection control: use a new suction tip.
Patient safety: use a bite block.
Dental materials: use a glass ionomer for primary teeth.
Infection control: use a new air/water syringe tip.
Dental Materials and Infection Control / Patient Safety
Dental materials: use a resin-modified glass ionomer for luting.
Infection control: use a new saliva ejector.
Patient safety: use a patient chair with proper positioning.
Dental materials: use a composite with good polishability.
Infection control: use a new cup and bowl.
Patient safety: use a lead apron for radiographs.
Dental materials: use a zinc oxide-eugenol as a temporary filling.
Infection control: use a new needle for each injection.
Dental Materials and Infection Control / Patient Safety
Dental materials: use a calcium hydroxide liner for deep caries.
Infection control: use a new surgical blade.
Patient safety: use a suture with proper technique.
Dental materials: use a bone graft with proper handling.
Infection control: use sterile drapes for surgery.
Patient safety: use a local anesthetic with epinephrine cautiously.
Dental materials: use a resorbable membrane for GTR.
Infection control: use a new surgical gown.
Dental Materials and Infection Control / Patient Safety
Dental materials: use a properly fitted mouthguard for sports.
Infection control: use a new impression tray.
Patient safety: use a bitewing for caries detection.
Dental materials: use a fluoride varnish for prevention.
Infection control: use a new prophylaxis cup.
Patient safety: use a rubber dam for endodontics.
Dental materials: use a sealant on occlusal surfaces.
Infection control: use a new explorer.
Dental Materials and Infection Control / Patient Safety
Dental materials: use a composite with good wear resistance for posterior teeth.
Infection control: use a new matrix band.
Patient safety: use a wedge carefully.
Dental materials: use a flowable composite for small defects.
Infection control: use a new bur.
Patient safety: use a high-speed handpiece with water spray.
Dental materials: use a polishing disc for finishing.
Infection control: use a new articulating paper.
Dental Materials and Infection Control / Patient Safety
Dental materials: use a properly mixed cement.
Infection control: use a new mixing pad.
Patient safety: use a bite block.
Dental materials: use a resin cement for bonding.
Infection control: use a new syringe.
Patient safety: use a rubber dam for pediatric patients.
Dental materials: use a glass ionomer for primary teeth.
Infection control: use a new suction tip.