CHAPTER 2

Professional and Legal Aspects of Dental

Assisting

Characteristics of a Professional Dental Assistant

Professionalism- attitude that is apparent in every thing you do and say, in and out of the dental office. It distinguishes who “have a job” from those who pursue a career.

Always demonstrate patience and compassion during communication with either patients or other team members.

Demonstrating professionalism can lead to respect from other team members and as well as the patients, you will look like a valued member.

7 QUALITES OF A DENTAL ASSISTANT Professional Appearance- Having a professional

appearance promotes patient confidence in the dental office, betters the dental experience. Three keys to appearance, good health (being rested), good grooming habits, appropriate dress attire.

Team Work- very important in a dental office, “Together, Everybody, Accomplishes, More”, help out with everything and everyone if needed

Attitude- have a good attitude, avoid criticism, show appreciation, overall positive

Dedication- to the practice, patients, profession of dental assisting, only possible if you truly care for people, their needs, and positive attitude

7 QUALITIES OF A DENTAL ASSISTANT Responsibility/Initiative- Arriving on time, working

full shift, cooperative player, not leaving early. Willingness to learn additional skills, asking questions, willing to help in other areas, Never discuss personal problems with patients or staff

Confidentiality- what goes on here, stays here. Never discuss any information about a patient, other than staff or the doctor, no outside the office people

Personal Qualities- sensitivity, empathy, say “the right thing at the right time”, good listener, build good relationships with staff and patients, build trust.

See pg. 13 Box 2-1

ETHICS AND LAW Ethics is what you should do, law is what you must

do. Code of ethics states the ideal behavior. Review page 14, Box 2-2, 2-3, 2-4, 2-5 Types of Law: Criminal and Civil Criminal Law- Action is taken by law enforcement or

board of dentistry. Ex: insurance fraud, performing an illegal procedure

Civil Law- Action brought on by another person against another person. Ex: Patient sues a dentist for failed treatment or was dissatisfied.

Review page 15, Box 2-6

Certified Dental Assistant Vs Registered Dental Assistant

Certified Dental Assistant is a person who has taken, passed a national exam administered by DANB. To remain certified a CDA must take a certain number of CE Hours and pay a renewal fee.

Registered Dental Assistant is a person who has taken, passed an examination required by a state, to perform allowed functions in that state only. Periodic renewal through a fee and specific amount of CE Hours

Legal Aspects of Dentistry Regulations vary from state to state State Dental Practice Act- each states legal

requirements to practice dentistry State Board of Dentistry- enforce the states dental

practice act, some are licensed dentists, dental assistants, Hygienists, public members, board has the authority to issue, revoke, suspend, deny renewal of any license

Licensure- Licensed to practice in a certain state, protects the public from unqualified or incompetent practitioners, requirements vary from state to state. Some states have a reciprocity agreement between states to allow a licensed professional to work in a different state without taking any further exams.

Dental Auxiliary Supervision Dental Auxiliary is a person that is delegated to

perform intraoral functions under the supervision of the dentist, varies from state to state

Patient of Record- has been examined or diagnosed by a licensed dentist, treatment planned by the dentist

Direct Supervision- dentist has delegated a procedure to be performed on the patient by a legally qualified dental assistant, the dentist must always be physically present (in the office)

General Supervision- (indirect) dentist has authorized, delegated procedure be performed on a patient of record, ex: developing x-rays, recementing a temporary crown

Informed Consent / Patient Records Informed consent is based on that the patient has all-

important facts about the proposed treatment. 2 things happen- being informed and then giving consent.

Patient Records- Dental Chart/patient record, includes examinations, diagnoses, radiographs, consent forms, copies of prescriptions. All records should be clear, detailed, and correctly dated. If there is an error in the entry, single line cross out of the entry, never use correction tape/liquid. Then rewrite below See page 18 fig. 2-5, Box 2-7

Ownership of Records- dentist technically owns, but patients have the right to access (review) and retrieve (remove) their records, radiographs also. When a patient needs a record/radiograph always copy and keep original in the dental practice.

Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect

Primary intent of reporting child abuse is to protect the child and to provide help for the parents

Dental Professionals are mandated reporters

Call your local child protection agency

Professional Organizations American Dental Association (ADA)- for the

dentist, set standards of practice, also accredited programs for dentists, dental assisting, dental hygiene, and dental laboratory technicians

American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA)- for the dental assistant, gives you the voice in national affairs

Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)- Administers the dental assisting national exam, issues credentials for Certified Dental Assistants (CDA)

Office Safety and Asepsis Procedures- healthcare practitioners, clinicians, academic experts, address complex problems, practical issues facing health care workers

See pg 19, Table 2-1

Government Agencies Occupational Safety and Health Administration

(OSHA)- issues and enforces regulations pertaining to employee safety

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)- experts in matters concerning public health: track, investigate, report the spread, virulence, and incidences of diseases. Publishes treatment guidelines, provides information on disease prevention, also educates.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)- issues of concern to the environment/public safety, that involve air and water pollution, waste management. Also registration of chemical disinfectants

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)- clearance for all medical and dental devices in the US. Regulates sterilization technology, to make sure that they are consistent with the claims on their label