Get a Head Start on Your Dental Assistant Courses By Learning the Vocabulary
For new students in dental assistant courses, one of the most difficult aspects of training is the vocabulary. The dental field relies on specialized jargon, and all of the specialized terminology can be overwhelming at first.
If you want to make your classes a bit easier before beginning a dental assistant program in NY, just learn some vocabulary first! You’ll do better in class, and you might impress your classmates, too.
The Importance of Clear Terminology
Specialized vocabulary in the dental field isn’t an arbitrary barrier to entry. It’s absolutely necessary to facilitate a clear understanding between dental professionals and to ensure proper documentation of a patient’s condition. Dental assistants must be fully fluent in the language of dentistry to ensure they can do their jobs properly, handle administrative tasks, and support the patient throughout each visit.
What Key Vocabulary and Concepts Do You Need for Dental Assistant Courses?
These are only some of the key vocab terms you’ll need to know, but they’ll get you started!
1. Basic anatomical terms related to oral and maxillofacial structures
Maxillary arch: Upper jaw.
Mandibular arch: Lower jaw.
Primary dentition: First set of 20 “baby” teeth.
Permanent dentition: Full set of 32 permanent teeth.
Mixed dentition: A mixture of baby and adult teeth.
Buccal surface: Tooth surface closest to the inner cheek.
Lingual surface: Tooth surface closest to the tongue.
Masticatory surface: Tooth surfaces for chewing.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ): Joint connecting the jawbone and skull.
2. Common dental procedures and instrument terminology
Prophylaxis: Professional dental cleaning to remove stains, plaque, and tartar.
Impression: Mold of the patient’s teeth and other oral structures.
Radiograph: X-ray image.
Bitewing: Dental X-ray showing the masticatory surfaces.
Crown: Restoration that covers a damaged tooth.
Bridge: A dental prosthetic that replaces one or more teeth.
3. Infection control and sterilization-related terms
Sterilization: Eliminating all microorganisms from instruments.
Sharps: Any pointed or bladed items that must be properly disposed of.
Critical items: Any instruments used to penetrate soft tissue or bone.
Semicritical items: Instruments that may touch mucous membranes or skin.
Ultrasonic cleaner: Sterilizes items using high-intensity sound waves.
Washer-disinfector: Sterilizes items using hot water and disinfectant.
4. Diagnostic and charting vocabulary used in dental practices
Charting: Recording all dental conditions, procedures, and treatment plans.
Impacted tooth: Unerupted tooth still within the jaw.
Gingivitis: Inflammation or bleeding of the gums.
Periodontal disease: Gum disease that undermines the teeth’s support structures.
Root canal: Treating tooth disease by drilling out the interior, then filling it.
Extraction: Fully removing a diseased or damaged tooth.
Dry socket: Inflammation of an empty tooth socket after extraction.
Choose the Westchester School of Medical and Dental Assistants to Start Your New Career
WSMDA is a fully licensed and accredited school that can jumpstart your new career as a dental assistant in NY! Our dental assistant courses can be completed in as little as six months, and we place over 88% of our graduates in new jobs within a month of graduating. Financial aid is available as well!
To learn more, just contact us.
