Visible Light

The use of photo-initiated dental materials has increased dramatically. Many restorative resins, bases/liners, impression materials, and periodontal dressings are now visible light polymerized materials. Repeated exposure to the curing light from the visible light polymerization unit can cause damage to the retina. You should use protective filtering lenses, goggles, or shields when using visible light poly- merization procedures. It is also recommended that you do not stare at the light source or reflected light during the polymerization period.

Injury by Projectiles

Patients and staff members can be injured by projectiles or debris generated by cutting, scaling, polishing, or irrigating procedures. Aspiration of projectiles by the patient is also a possible hazard. Actions that prevent projectile injuries include using rubber dams and wearing protective eyeglasses or goggles.

Noise

In the DTF, several devices have the potential to produce noise levels that may cause a hearing loss in exposed personnel. The potential for hearing loss is directly related to the intensity of the noise, the duration of the exposure, and the sensitivity of the individual. The proper use and maintenance of equipment and the proper use of hearing protection, when appropriate, are all important to prevent unnecessary exposure to hazardous noise and the potential for occupational hearing loss.

Psychological Affects

Some aspects of the dental environment have psychological affects on staff and patients. Every effort should be made to maximize the positive psychological affects by optimal use of such interior design features as lighting, wall color, texture, and decoration, furnishings, and floor coverings.

DENTAL EQUIPMENT

It's important for you to understand that as a dental assistant, you are not expected to assume the role of a Dental Equipment Technician (DET). The DET has a Navy Enlisted Classification Code of DT-8732 and is trained to maintain and repair mechanical, electro- mechanical, and electronic dental equipment; and perform preventive maintenance and electrical safety testing on dental equipment.

To be an effective dental assistant, you must be familiar with the equipment in the DTR. You are expected to:

Recognize the major components of each piece of equipment.

Operate each piece of equipment.

Perform routine user maintenance on equipment.

The first rule for operating and performing user maintenance on equipment is to carefully read the manufacturer's instructions. Copies of this literature should be in the LPO/LCPO's office, or contact the Dental Equipment Repair Division.

TERMINOLOGY AND DEFINITIONS

Biomedical and Facilities Systems (BIOFACS) - A centrally-managed automated preventive maintenance system for use by DETs.

Dental Equipment - Consists of devices used in the dental diagnosis, therapy, and treatment of injury or disease. This equipment consists primarily of Federal Supply Classification (FSC) 6500 items. - It also consists of similar commercial, nonstandard items used in dental treatment facilities to provide patient care.

Types of Maintenance Requirements (MRs) -

The three types of MRs are as follows:

- Preventive maintenance (PM) - Often called scheduled maintenance, serves to ensure inherent reliability, increase operational availability, and prevent excessive wear of moving parts.

- Unscheduled maintenance (UM)—Often referred to as corrective maintenance for the repair of equipment breakage or malfunctions. - No maintenance required (NMR) - Applies to equipment that normally requires no scheduled maintenance.

Maintenance Levels—The three maintenance levels are as follows:

- Level I (performance testing) - Organizational maintenance consists of