Chapters: 10-12 Key Terms

Front 1

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Back 1

The end stage of an infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A complex disease that interferes with the body’s immune system.

Front 2

Antiseptic

Back 2

Refers to agents used on living tissues to destroy or stop the growth of bacteria.

Front 3

Asepsis

Back 3

The absence of septic matter, or freedom from infection.

Front 4

Barrier Envelope

Back 4

Plastic sheaths used to seal intraoral film packets, phosphor plates, and digital sensors to protect from contact with fluids in the oral cavity during exposure.

Front 5

Contamination

Back 5

The soiling by contact or mixing.

Front 6

Cross-contamination

Back 6

To contaminate from one place or person to another place or person.

Front 7

Disinfect

Back 7

Chemical applications that reduce disease-producing microorganisms to an acceptable level.

Front 8

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Back 8

Form of viral hepatitis. May be transferred between patient and oral health care professionals via contact with blood. Hepatitis B vaccine in a series of three doses is recommended to achieve immunity.

Front 9

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Back 9

A type of retrovirus that causes AIDS (acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

Front 10

Immunization

Back 10

Method, such as vaccines, of inducing resistance to an infectious disease.

Front 11

Infection Control

Back 11

The prevention and reduction of disease-causing (pathogenic) microorganisms.

Front 12

Intraoral Dental film

Back 12

Film that is placed in the oral cavity for exposure.

Front 13

Microbial Aerosol

Back 13

Suspension of microorganisms that may be capable of causing disease produced during normal breathing and speaking.

Front 14

Pathogen

Back 14

A disease-causing microorganism.

Front 15

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Back 15

Clothing masks, eyewear, and glovesp worn by dental personnel as a protective barrier that prevents the transmission of infective microorganisms between oral health care practitioners and patients.

Front 16

Protective Barrier

Back 16

Shield of radiation-absorbing material used to protect against radiation exposure.

Front 17

Sepsis

Back 17

Infection, or the presence of septic matter.

Front 18

Spatter

Back 18

A heavier concentration of microbial aerosols such as visible particles from a cough or sneeze.

Front 19

Standard Precautions

Back 19

A practice of care to protect persons from pathogens spread via blood or any other body fluid, excretion, or secretion (except sweat). All-inclusive term that has replaced universal pathogens, where the focus was on blood-borne pathogens.

Front 20

Sterilize

Back 20

Aseptic treatment, autoclaving or dry heat processes, that results in the total destruction of spores and disease-producing microorganisms.

Front 21

Universal Precautions

Back 21

A method of infection control in which blood and certain body fluids are treated as if known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, and other blood-borne pathogens. The all-inclusive term standard precautions has replaced universal precautions, where the focus is on blood-borne pathogens.

Front 22

American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA)

Back 22

Professional organization for the purpose of promoting the dental assisting profession in ways that enhance the delivery of quality oral health care to the public.

Front 23

American Dental Association (ADA)

Back 23

Professional organization of dentist committed to the public’s oral health through professional advancement, research, education, and the development of standards of care.

Front 24

American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA)

Back 24

Professional organization for the purpose of advancing the art and science of dental hygiene by ensuring access to the quality oral health care and increasing awareness of the cost-effective benefits of prevention.

Front 25

Code of Ethics

Back 25

A professional organization’s principles to assist members in achieving a high standard of ethical practice.

Front 26

Confidentiality

Back 26

Private information, such as dental records, that is protected by law from being shared with nonprivileged individuals.

Front 27

Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act

Back 27

Action that sought to establish minimum standards for personnel who administer radiation in medical and dental radiographic procedures. Passed and signed into law to protect patients from unnecessary radiation.

Front 28

Direct Supervision

Back 28

Means the dentist is present in the office when the radiographs are taken on patients.

Front 29

Disclosure

Back 29

The process of informing the patient about the risks and benefits of a treatment procedure.

Front 30

Ethics

Back 30

A sense of moral obligation regarding right and wrong behavior.

Front 31

Federal Performance Act of 1974

Back 31

Requires that all x-ray equipment manufactured or sold in the United States meet federal performance standards.

Front 32

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Back 32

Federal law designed to provide patients with more control over how their personal health information is used and disclosed. A patient will usually be asked to sign a notice that indicates how their radiographs may be used and their privacy rights under this law.

Front 33

Informed Consent

Back 33

Permission given by a patient after being informed of the details of a treatment procedure.

Front 34

Liable

Back 34

To be legally obligated to make good any loss or damage that may occur.

Front 35

Malpractice

Back 35

Improper practice. Malpractice results when one is negligent.

Front 36

Negligence

Back 36

Failure to use a reasonable amount of care that results in injury or damage to another.

Front 37

Risk Management

Back 37

Policies and procedures to be followed by the radiographer to reduce the chances that a patient will file legal action against the dentist and oral health care team.

Front 38

Self-determination

Back 38

The legal right of an individual to make choices concerning health care treatment.

Front 39

Statue of Limitations

Back 39

Time period during which a person may bring a malpractice action against another person.

Front 40

Appearance

Back 40

Outward impression of self that the radiographer presents to the patient.

Front 41

Attitude

Back 41

The position assumed by the body in connection with a feeling or mood.

Front 42

Chairside Manner

Back 42

Refers to the conduct of the dental radiographer while working at the patient’s chairside.

Front 43

Communication

Back 43

The process by which information is exchanged between two or more persons.

Front 44

Empathy

Back 44

The ability to share in another’s emotions or feelings.

Front 45

Interpersonal Skills

Back 45

Techniques that increase successful communication with others.

Front 46

Nonverbal Communication

Back 46

Communication achieved without words. Includes gestures, facial expressions, body movement, and listening.

Front 47

Patient Education

Back 47

Informing patients about the benefits of oral health and preventive oral hygiene. Providing the patient with the necessary information that explains the value of dental radiographs and demonstrates radiation safety measures employed in the practice.

Front 48

Patient Relations

Back 48

Establishment of the relationship between the patient and the oral health care professional.

Front 49

“Show-tell-do”

Back 49

Technique used to orient the patient, especially children, to the radiographic procedure. Showing the radiographic equipment- image receptor holder, x-ray machine-to the patient while explaining their use may help to alleviate fear of the unknown and gain patient cooperation.

Front 50

Verbal Communication

Back 50

Using words to exchange information between two or more persons.