Oral Temperature
SKILLS I
Procedure
Observe how to properly take an oral temperature using a digital thermometer.
Oral Temperature Procedure
Key Concept & Materials
Key Concept Baseline vital signs help the dentist compare subsequent measurements with the initial measurements. Vital signs include blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration.
Equipment & Supplies
- Hand sanitizer
- Examination gloves
- Digital thermometer
- Probe covers (sheaths or sleeves)
- Biohazard waste container
Oral Temperature Procedure
Procedure Prep
When you take oral temperatures, follow Standard Precautions, wash your hands, and don examination gloves. Seat the patient comfortably in an upright position, and verify the patient hasn't had a hot or cold drink or smoked within the last half hour as these may give false readings. Explain the procedure to the patient, and ensure the thermometer is at 0 with a single-use cover or sleeve on the probe.
Oral Temperature Procedure
The Procedure
Insert the probe under the tongue to either the left or right side of the patient's mouth, and inform the patient to gently close their lips around the probe without biting it. Leave the probe in position until the digital thermometer beeps. Remove from the patient's mouth and read the results from the digital thermometer display window.
Oral Temperature Procedure
The Post Procedure
Dispose of the sheath in a hazardous waste container, remove your gloves and wash your hands. Finally, document the procedure by recording the results in the patient’s chart.
Clinical Thermometers
Let's learn about fast, electronic digital thermometers commonly used in clinical settings. These devices quickly measure oral, rectal, or axillary temperatures with accuracy and are designed with storage to easily access probe covers reducing the risk of cross-contamination. Watch the video to see how to use this type of thermometer, and become more familiar with it, so you’re ready to handle similar devices in your future clinical setting.
Procedure 22-3
Gustavo Sanchez
Created on September 22, 2025
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Transcript
Oral Temperature
SKILLS I
Procedure
Observe how to properly take an oral temperature using a digital thermometer.
Oral Temperature Procedure
Key Concept & Materials
Key Concept Baseline vital signs help the dentist compare subsequent measurements with the initial measurements. Vital signs include blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration.
Equipment & Supplies
Oral Temperature Procedure
Procedure Prep
When you take oral temperatures, follow Standard Precautions, wash your hands, and don examination gloves. Seat the patient comfortably in an upright position, and verify the patient hasn't had a hot or cold drink or smoked within the last half hour as these may give false readings. Explain the procedure to the patient, and ensure the thermometer is at 0 with a single-use cover or sleeve on the probe.
Oral Temperature Procedure
The Procedure
Insert the probe under the tongue to either the left or right side of the patient's mouth, and inform the patient to gently close their lips around the probe without biting it. Leave the probe in position until the digital thermometer beeps. Remove from the patient's mouth and read the results from the digital thermometer display window.
Oral Temperature Procedure
The Post Procedure
Dispose of the sheath in a hazardous waste container, remove your gloves and wash your hands. Finally, document the procedure by recording the results in the patient’s chart.
Clinical Thermometers
Let's learn about fast, electronic digital thermometers commonly used in clinical settings. These devices quickly measure oral, rectal, or axillary temperatures with accuracy and are designed with storage to easily access probe covers reducing the risk of cross-contamination. Watch the video to see how to use this type of thermometer, and become more familiar with it, so you’re ready to handle similar devices in your future clinical setting.