Dental Auxiliaries

Mohammad Almohaimeed

A dental auxiliary is any of the dentist's supporting team

who helps with dental treatment. They include dental
assistants (known as Dental nurses in the UK/Irl),
dental therapists, dental hygienists and dental
technicians. The role of dental auxiliaries is usually
limited by regional dental regulations, to help define
the boundaries of treatment that can be performed

Dental Assistants
A dentist may employ persons designated as "Dental
Assistants". They may be trained by their employer or
by an accredited school for dental assistants.

Dental Assistants
Dental assistant help make dental treatment more efficient. The
following is a list of procedures that may be performed by dental
assistants and the type of supervision required:

(i) Indirect Supervision:

(A) Take statistics and health histories.
(B) Take study model impressions.
(C) Instruct patients in proper dental health care.
(D) Place and expose radiographs.
(E) Process radiographs.
(F) Helping maintain dental record keeping.
(G) Instrument and equipment sterilization.

Dental Assistants
(ii) Direct Supervision:
(A) Remove sutures.
(B) Assist the dentist in all operative and surgical procedures.
(C) Place and remove rubber dams.
(D) Place and remove matrices.
(E) Remove excess cement from the coronal surfaces of the
teeth.
(F) Prepare and remove periodontal packs.
(G) Polish the surfaces of the teeth, rubber cup only.
(H) Mix dental materials to be used by the dentist.
(I) Apply fluoride application but not pit and fissure sealant.
(K) Holding and passing instruments.
(L) Retracting tissues and suctioning to assist better vision of the
operating field.

Dental Assistants
(M) Orthodontic procedures involving the following:
1. Tying ligature wires and/or elastic ties.
2. Removing of ligature wire and/or elastic ties.
3. Placement and removal of orthodontic wires and/or
appliance that have been activated by the dentist.
4. Take impressions for orthodontic retainers and removable
orthodontic appliances.
5. Removal of orthodontic bands.
6. Placement and removal of orthodontic separators.

Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists are licensed dental auxiliaries who
specialize in preventive dental care, typically but not
limited to focusing on techniques in oral hygiene.

Dental Hygienists
Local dental regulations determine the duties
hygienists are able to perform. In most jurisdictions,
hygienists work for a dentist, and are licensed to
administer restricted techniques of local anesthesia.
Also radiographs, sealants, scaling, root planning and
cleaning are common procedures performed by
dental hygienists.

Dental Hygienists
(i) Indirect Supervision:
(A) Community dental health activities.
Dental hygienists are encouraged to promote oral health through
lectures. They may accomplish this through talks to schools,
institutions, groups, or individuals when asked.

(C) Scaling and polishing of teeth.

(D) Polishing amalgams and composites.
(E) Conduct screening examination of the oral cavity for oral
disease.
(F) Placement of temporary fillings which require no removal of
tooth structure

Dental Hygienists
.
(G) Root planning.
(H) Place and expose radiographs.
(I) Process radiographs.
(J) Place pit and fissure sealants
(K) Perform any related procedures required in the practice of the
above duties.

Dental Hygienists
(ii) Direct Supervision:
(A) Preparing, placing, and removing periodontal packs.
(B) Removal of overhanging margins.
(C) Treatment of diagnosed dry socket
(D) Treatment of diagnosed pericoronitis.
(E) Expanded dental duties are to be performed under the
direct supervision of a qualified dentist.

Dental Therapists
Dental therapists are licensed dental auxiliaries in some countries,
who specialize in treating children's teeth and oral hygiene.
Typically, therapists under the prescription of a dentist are
licensed to examine children's teeth, administer restricted
techniques of local anesthesia, take radiographs, provide
sealants, scaling and cleaning in children. Also restoring primary
teeth and vital pulp treatments .

Dental Technicians
Dental technicians are dental auxiliaries who fabricates dental
appliances such as removable prosthesis including dentures,
and fixed restorative work such as crown and bridges for the
dental operator to insert.

No irreversible procedures may be conducted by any

dental auxiliary personnel unless otherwise specified.

The End