Assist with New Patient
SKILLS I
Examination
The student will properly assist with a new patient examination.
Assist with New Patient Examination
Key Concept & Materials
Key Concept The dental assistant transfers materials and instruments and records findings while the dentist completes the soft tissue and teeth and occlusion examination during the New Patient Examination procedure.
Equipment & Supplies
- PPE: examination gloves, mask, protective glasses, protective clothing
- Handwashing soap or hand sanitizer
- Patient
- Sanitized and barrier-covered equipment
- Patient seating setup
- Basic setup (mouth mirror, explorer, cotton pliers)
- Patient forms
- Paper, pen, clipboard
- Blood pressure equipment
- Body temperature equipment
- Clock with second hand
Assist with New Patient Examination
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 sheath on the probe.
Assist with New Patient Examination
The Procedure
Replace with Procedure 22-1 Video
close office
Assist with New Patient Examination
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.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat, duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit.
Assist with New Patient Examination
Begin by positioning the dental chair upright. Lower the chair completely, adjust the backrest to a 90-degree angle to the floor, and then raise the chair to a comfortable working height for the operator. To move the patient into the supine position, raise the chair approximately 6 inches, recline the backrest to a 45-degree angle, raise the chair another 6 inches, and continue reclining until the patient’s head and knees are level. Make adjustments smoothly to promote patient comfort and proper alignment. For the subsupine position, start from the supine position and recline the backrest slightly farther—about 4 inches—so the patient’s head is lower than the knees. This position is commonly used when additional head tilt is needed for treatment. Always confirm that the patient feels supported and secure before beginning procedures, making small adjustments as necessary to maintain comfort and access.
Procedure 22-1
Gustavo Sanchez
Created on October 7, 2025
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Transcript
Assist with New Patient
SKILLS I
Examination
The student will properly assist with a new patient examination.
Assist with New Patient Examination
Key Concept & Materials
Key Concept The dental assistant transfers materials and instruments and records findings while the dentist completes the soft tissue and teeth and occlusion examination during the New Patient Examination procedure.
Equipment & Supplies
Assist with New Patient Examination
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 sheath on the probe.
Assist with New Patient Examination
The Procedure
Replace with Procedure 22-1 Video
close office
Assist with New Patient Examination
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.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat, duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit.
Assist with New Patient Examination
Begin by positioning the dental chair upright. Lower the chair completely, adjust the backrest to a 90-degree angle to the floor, and then raise the chair to a comfortable working height for the operator. To move the patient into the supine position, raise the chair approximately 6 inches, recline the backrest to a 45-degree angle, raise the chair another 6 inches, and continue reclining until the patient’s head and knees are level. Make adjustments smoothly to promote patient comfort and proper alignment. For the subsupine position, start from the supine position and recline the backrest slightly farther—about 4 inches—so the patient’s head is lower than the knees. This position is commonly used when additional head tilt is needed for treatment. Always confirm that the patient feels supported and secure before beginning procedures, making small adjustments as necessary to maintain comfort and access.