PATIENT AND OPERATOR POSITIONING

CONTRAINDICATIONS TO PROPHYLAXIS Evaluate the medical history of dental patients before treatment begins. NAVMED Form 6600/3 will be completed to find out whether there are any medical problems that can affect dental treatment. Some patients have medical conditions, such as a heart murmur, that require antibiotic treatment 1 hour before you can treat them. If the medical history indicates the patient has or had a heart murmur, ask the patient if he or she has taken any antibiotic medicine. NOTE: If any questions on the NAVMED 6600/3 are answered "yes," it is of the utmost importance that you discuss the patient’s history with a dental officer before rendering treatment. PATIENT AND OPERATOR POSITIONING Correct operator and patient positioning helps to accomplish the following: Prevents operator and patient fatigue and discomfort Permits the operator to gain a clear view of the tooth being worked on Allows easy access of instruments to the teeth Saves time Patient Positioning Position the back of the patient's chair at about a 15° angle (slightly raised above the parallel position) to the floor (fig. 3-1). The patient's heels should be even or slightly higher than the head. The top of the patient's head must be even with the end of the headrest for you to see and reach the patient's mouth. If possible, position the bracket tray out of the patient's direct vision. Ask the patient if he or she is in a comfortable position. Operator Positioning To properly position yourself in the seated operator position, adjust the chair so that you are comfortable and your posture is correct. To maintain good working posture (fig. 3-2), position your feet flat on the floor, thighs parallel to the floor, back and head straight, and arms at waist level. Keep your body weight evenly distributed. Figure 3-2.—Seated operator position. Figure 3-1.—Positioning of the patient. 3-2