PMC Dentistry Licensure study materials
PMC Dentistry Licensure study resources

PMC Dentistry Licensure cheat sheet

PMC Dentistry Licensure · Keep the key ideas within reach.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

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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).

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

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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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

Quick reference

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Quick reference

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.