INSTRUMENT/EQUIPMENT PREPARATION

Figure 2-1.—Dental chair in working position. INSTRUMENT/EQUIPMENT PREPARATION Once the patient is ready, prepare the necessary examination instrument and equipment for use. You must maintain an aseptic technique in the Dental Treatment Room (DTR). Throughout the procedure, take care to prevent sterile instruments from being contaminated. Place the sterile instrument pack on the bracket table. Open the oral exam instrument pack, leaving the items on the sterile wrapping paper as shown in figure 2-2. Some commands use peel packs for the exam pack. In this case, the instruments should be placed on bracket table covers (paper sheets). At this point you should have completed all of the preparation procedures. After you have double checked the area ensuring everything is ready, notify the dentist that the patient is ready. EXAMINATION DUTIES During the dental exam, you are responsible for assisting the dentist and recording information on dental treatment forms and records. Some of the typical tasks you may perform when assisting the dentist include: Taking the patient's vital signs (blood pressure and pulse). This is discussed in chapter 9 of this volume, "Dental Treatment Room Emergencies." Drying the teeth with the air syringe and directing the air on the mouth mirror to prevent fogging. You may be required to record treatment informa- tion on the following dental treatment records and forms. Dental Treatment Record, NAVMED 6150/21-30 Dental Health Questionnaire, NAVMED 6600/3 Current Status Form Dental Examination Form, EZ603 and EZ603A Report of Medical Examination, SF 88 Consultation Sheet, SF 513 2-2