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Dentistry vocabulary · Instruments and the Dental Clinic

Dental assistant

Meaning in dentistry, with examples

nounCommon term

In dentistry, dental assistant means: A trained team member who works beside the dentist at the chair, passing instruments, handling the suction, mixing materials, sterilizing instruments and looking after patients.

In Turkish: diş hekimi asistanı, dental asistan

How it is used

The US term; in the UK the same role is called a dental nurse and must be registered with the General Dental Council. Dentists say 'my assistant' or 'my nurse', and working together at the chair is called four-handed dentistry.

Example sentences

  1. My dental assistant will take you through to the X-ray room.

  2. The dental assistant mixed the impression material and loaded the tray.

Common collocations

  • dental assistant
  • chairside assistant
  • dental nurse
  • four-handed dentistry
  • dental hygienistA registered dental professional who cleans teeth, removes tartar and gives prevention advice and, in many countries, also takes X-rays and treats gum disease.
  • suctionEquipment that removes saliva, water and debris from the patient's mouth during treatment. High-volume suction also reduces spray and aerosol.
  • autoclaveA machine that sterilizes instruments with steam under high pressure and temperature, usually at 121 °C or 134 °C, killing bacteria, viruses and spores.
  • infection controlThe rules and practices a clinic follows to stop infections spreading between patients and staff, such as hand hygiene, gloves, masks, surface cleaning and instrument sterilization.

More terms: Instruments and the Dental Clinic

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.