A registered dental assistant, the author has written a manual geared toward dental professionals, parents, and caregivers. Regulatory bodies such as the CDC, OSHA, and state dental boards establish laws and rules to ensure patient safety. The book opens with a detailed overview of the dental assistant’s duties, which contribute to practice compliance with these legal and ethical guidelines. One of the most important responsibilities is preventing the transmission of infectious diseases, and the book offers clear instructions on proper sterilization techniques. There is an in-depth discussion of dental anatomy, including teeth naming and numbering systems.

The book emphasizes the dental assistant’s key role in educating patients on the importance of oral hygiene homecare and the management of dental emergencies. Several sections discuss pediatric dentistry and offer kid-friendly dental terminology as well as common oral habits, procedures, and dental appliances specific to the treatment of children. The final sections are devoted to explaining four-handed dentistry and cataloging the instruments, dental materials, and assisting techniques used in common dental procedures.

The author has over two decades of experience in the dental industry. Inspired by her passion for the profession and pediatric dentistry in particular, she has written a textbook as a means of sharing her expertise. Replete with informative photos, a practice test, an answer key, and an index of resources for dental professionals, this manual provides foundational knowledge that would be valuable to any aspiring dental assistant. However, the author’s ability to explain technical dental concepts in layman’s terms also makes this book appealing to anyone interested in learning more about the dental profession, the oral cavity, and dental health. Although a few significant proofreading errors slightly detract from what is otherwise a very polished presentation, the book is a convincing reflection of the author’s knowledge, passion, and experience as a dental healthcare professional.

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