When a dental career is talked about, most people pay attention to dentists as this is the most common practitioner in the dental field, but the dentist cannot function alone. Similar to how a doctor is backed by a team consisting of a nurse, pharmacists, phycologist, and more, the dentists likewise are backed by a team of specialists in the dental field.

Amongst these specialists are dental technicians. These specialists function more like medical technicians to the doctor. They are tasked with constructing and providing all the technical apparatus that the dentist will need. These specialists are viewed as the powerhouse of the dental field. This article best explains who dental technicians are? Qualities of dental technicians, becoming a dental technician, and other essential things you should know about the profession. Read on to discover more exciting information.

Who is A Dental Technician?

Dental technician provides denture services which includes to design, construct, and model aesthetics, apparatus, and gadgets that the dentists will use. They are also tasked with repairing dental equipment and ensuring they are in good working condition. Dental technicians’ works include designing crowns, designing orthodontic treatment appliances, constructing veneers, producing fake teeth, and more. These professionals are sometimes called dental research technicians or denturists.

How to Become A Dental Technician

The nature of the job does not demand much theoretical knowledge in contrast to its counterparts in the dental field. Picking a career in the dental field, especially dental technician demands high practical knowledge. This is why individuals aspiring to become dental technicians are taught practical knowledge for five years from a six-year curriculum; the last year is when the individual will be taught theoretical knowledge regarding other dental fields. After the six-year curriculum, the dental technician is assigned as an intern under an experienced dental technician until they are tested and licensed to become practicing dental technicians.

Qualities of Dental Technicians

Several qualities describe dental technicians highlighting why it is so unique from other career opportunities in the dental field. These qualities are:

Independence: Similar to how medical technicians operate independently from other career opportunities in the medical field, dental technicians also have an equal level of independence. Dentists need dental technicians more to function effectively for denture care in a dental clinic. Dental Technicians have the liberty of working outside a dental clinic provided they know what they are doing.
Skilled: Dental technicians are very skilled with their hands. This makes it possible for them to easily design models, construct veneers, and more for the dentists to use.
Scarce: This entails that dental technicians do not have direct contact with dental patients. When patients are referred to buy something for a dental session, that item is already designed by the dental technician and made available at a pharmacy or dental store; thus, the patient buys the items from the pharmacist instead of the dental technician. Hence, they are rarely seen.
Conclusion

Dental technicians can be likened to the backbone of the dental field because almost every activity carried out in the field demands the attention of a dental technician. This article has described the nature of being a dental technician. It has also highlighted how important they are to the dental field and the top qualities that stand them out from other professions in the field.

Understanding the Procedure and Patient Needs
The Nature of the Surgical Procedure
The type of surgery dictates the specific instruments required. For instance, an appendectomy may necessitate Metzenbaum scissors, a scalpel, and Mayo scissors, while a C-section requires a different set of tools, including straight and curved Mayo scissors. It’s crucial to consult authoritative sources such as medical textbooks and peer-reviewed articles to understand the appropriate instruments for each procedure. Using the wrong tool can lead to complications or even failure of the surgery.

Considering the Patient’s Age
The patient’s age is a significant factor, especially in pediatric surgery where instruments are designed to be size-appropriate and atraumatic. For example, tools for neonatal procedures are much smaller and more delicate than those used for adults.

Instrument Size Matters
The size of the surgical instrument must be appropriate for its function. A needle holder, for example, should be the correct size to grasp the needle securely. An instrument suitable for a 200-300g mouse would not be appropriate for a neonatal mouse weighing approximately 15g.

Frequency and Individuality of Use
Usage Frequency Influences Material Choice
For instruments used frequently, durability is key. Tools made from materials like titanium and tungsten carbide are preferred due to their longevity and minimal maintenance requirements. For example, scissors with tungsten carbide inserts are ideal for making numerous cuts daily.

Individual Differences of Tools
Surgical instruments, while similar, have unique features tailored to different surgeons’ needs. Left-handed surgeons, for instance, should opt for tools specifically designed for left-handed use to ensure ease and precision.

Quality is Paramount
High-quality surgical tools are essential for optimal performance and patient safety. They provide comfort, precision, and speed, while low-quality instruments may lead to frequent replacements and potential harm. It’s advisable to consult with quality assurance departments to ensure the selection of high-quality instruments.

Types of Surgical Instruments
Cutting Instruments
When choosing surgical scissors, consider the following:

Fine tip scissors are ideal for ophthalmological procedures and delicate cuts.
Curve-tipped scissors help avoid damage to underlying tissues.
Special material scissors like Metzenbaum and Mayo are designed for cutting through thicker tissues.
Grasping Instruments
Forceps come in various forms, including ring forceps and thumb forceps. Key considerations include:

Reverse forceps provide uniform tension and are designed to open when squeezed.
Ceramic-tipped forceps resist corrosion and heat and are insulated.
Straight tips are suitable for general precision work.
Retractors
Retractors are used to hold incisions open and come in various types, such as Langenbeck and Morris retractors. Some are self-retaining, allowing hands-free operation, while wire retractors are simple but effective.

Suturing and Stapling Instruments
These instruments are crucial for closing wounds and rejoining tissues post-operation. Needle holders and stapling devices are commonly used for their efficiency and precision.

Measuring Instruments
Accurate measurement is vital in surgeries. Instruments like bone compasses, rulers, and calipers are used to measure scars or during surgical procedures.

Conclusion: The Importance of Informed Selection
Choosing the right surgical equipment is a nuanced process that requires a deep understanding of the tools and the procedures they are intended for. By considering the factors outlined above, medical professionals can ensure they are well-prepared for successful surgical outcomes.

For a comprehensive selection of medical equipment for various surgical procedures, explore our catalogue. For further assistance, contact us with any inquiries.

Sources:

Medical textbooks and surgical manuals
Peer-reviewed medical journals
Quality assurance guidelines from medical institutions

However, poor oral hygiene can cause a severe heart attack or other cardiovascular disorders. Oral health refers to the well-being of all the oral constituents and maintaining reasonable oral health demands that you always care for each appropriately. One way to ensure that your teeth and surrounding organs are well cared for is by paying regular visits to the dentist.

A dentist is a medical professional concerned with the care of the oral system. Their job description involves caring, diagnosing, and treating any oral-related disease and infections. The study and practice of caring for the oral system are called dentistry, and there are different branches in dentistry. This article will explain emergency dentistry by giving you vital information about the topic. Read on to discover more exciting information.

What is Emergency Dentistry?

Emergency dentistry refers to the study and treatment of all forms of dental emergencies. A dental emergency is any issue involving the teeth or any other member of the oral system that requires immediate medical attention. Most dental emergencies can be excruciatingly painful, but it is important to note that sharp pains characterize not all dental emergencies.

Nevertheless, you are advised to seek expert emergency dental attention from a professional dentist when you notice a deviation from your regular oral health. The professionals that respond to dental emergencies are called emergency dentists.

Types of Dental Emergencies

More than a few types of dental emergencies can happen to any individual, which can be triggered by different events. Here are some of the most typical types of dental emergencies.

Toothache: A sudden pain in any part of the body often signals an emergency, and it is pretty the same with the teeth. You should contact an emergency dentist immediately if you notice any pain around your teeth and gums.
Broken or Knocked Out Tooth: A broken or knocked-out tooth is perhaps one of the most disturbing types of dental emergencies, and it is often handled in such regard. It is often caused by accident, and it is often accompanied by pain in most cases. However it may be, you are advised to visit a dentist immediately.
Bleeding Gum: A bleeding gum is often a result of either an accident or a gum disease, but it is always an emergency whenever it occurs. It can also be accompanied by sharp or slight pains and should be treated immediately.
Bottom Line

Dental emergencies are often unforeseen and can happen at the most unexpected times. However, you must keep a cool head whenever they happen and contact your dentist immediately. If you can not reach your dentist at the time, locate the nearest hospital to you, as they are often well equipped to give you emergency dental first aid. The article has discussed some essential information to help you handle the situation better in various dental emergency cases. It would also be best if you had the contact of emergency dentists near you.

Skin Clinic – The health sector was at the forefront of the fight against the spread of the dreaded virus, and all hands were on deck to see that they controlled the outbreak. However, the fact that every medical personnel and equipment were channeled to control the COVID-19 virus left only a little or no services for patients suffering from other known diseases, increasing the danger of those diseases. One such deadly disease that was left untended was cancer. This article will highlight how the COVID-19 pandemic made skin cancer much more dangerous than it is known to be. Read on to discover more information.

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is one of the deadliest and most common types of cancer, and it is very much the most easily contacted. Like other types of cancer, it involves the uncontrollable multiplication of abnormal cells in the body that destroy the body tissues. Skin cancer is mainly caused by excess exposure to direct sunlight. Here are other things you need to know about the cancer type.

Effect Of COVID-19 on Skin Cancer

Skin cancer was already a hazardous type of cancer before the coronavirus outbreak, and it has only become even more deadly as a result of the outbreak. Here, let us look at some factors that have made skin cancer more dangerous in the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Delayed Diagnosis: A delayed diagnosis is one of the most expected effects of the COVID-19 virus outbreak on medical services, and it occurs when a disease is not promptly identified. It is common knowledge that early diagnosis and treatment is the best way to tackle skin cancer, and a delayed diagnosis often puts the patient at risk of severe consequences. However, the coronavirus outbreak caused a shortage of expert medical practitioners, a significant cause of delayed diagnosis.
Under-Attention: With the coronavirus disease in focus, many people fail to take note of the slight changes in their skin that may be a sign of melanoma. Also, the fact that melanoma can develop for years without any visible signs means that you will need to be extra attentive to notice any symptoms of skin cancer.
Fear of Discrimination: Some people are lucky enough to notice skin cancer symptoms promptly. But while most people seek immediate treatment, others feel ashamed and do not seek medical attention for fear of discrimination, leading to a more severe outcome.
Bottom Line

There is no doubting the effect that the COVID-19 outbreak has left in different sectors of our world today, especially in the medical sector. It has undoubtedly limited the rate at which people visit their skin cancer doctor, making diseases like skin cancer and its likes more dangerous. This article has highlighted some effects of the pandemic on skin cancer and its treatment.