Wendy L.
Rialove
MathinDentalAssistingSBeeneExample.pptxMath in Dental Assisting
Savhanna Beene
Math 101
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Interview
This is an interview of Pamela an office manager and assistant at Hawks Prairie Dental Center.
She has twenty years experience in the dental field.
She uses math on a daily basis.
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Topics of Discussion
What math class or classes were you required to take for your degree or certificate, if any?
What do you do in your job that requires math?
What kind of math is it?
What would you say is the most important thing to know how to do before getting a job in this field?
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What math class or classes were you required to take for your degree or certificate, if any?
Basic math is required: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and measurement conversions. This is commonly used in the career field.
Math 101 is required prior to applying for the dental assisting program at SPCSS.
Different colleges may have different math requirements to be met prior to entry into their program.
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What do you do in your job that requires math?
You must be able to answer costumers questions about dosage as well as measurements.
Chart information, adding up costs of procedures, insurance claims, cement ratios.
Able to calculate amount of material used.
Additional problems that need solving.
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What kind of math is it?
Measurement conversions
Addition
Subtraction
Multiplication
Division.
Ratios
Percent/ decimals
The coordinate system, for the location of teeth in the mouth.
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What would you say is the most important thing to know how to do before getting a job in this field?
Customer service is the most important! It makes the patient feel comfortable and gives off a positive atmosphere.
Learning the computer system and all of the procedures is also very important.
Having good hand eye coordination.
Able to comprehend, integrate, analyze, evaluate and problem solve.
These are needed to make sure the office runs smoothly. Answering any related questions the customer asks. When using equipment, you must know how to convert metric numbers into ounces.
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Examples of math used
Ratios:
Measurement conversions:
Percent: 6% of 40
Change decimal to a percent: 4% = .04
There are four quadrants, how many teeth are in each quadrant?
Ratio and Proportion
An equation showing that two ratios are equal.
Source: Math on Call - A Mathematics Handbook Great
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Math Continued…
"Numbers and Operations: Dental Assistant Problem:." Numbers and Operations: Dental Assistant Problem:. Web. 27 May 2016.
Problem: A dental assistant needs to order a year's supply of cavity-detecting x-ray film. The practice consists of 800 adults and 700 children who are supposed to come in every 6 months to have checkups. 90% of the patients follow this procedure.
Adults need 4 films for Bitewing x-rays. Children need 2 films for Bitewing x-rays. Kodak distributes the film in packages of 100 units.
How many packages should the dental assistant order?
Solution:
800 adults x 2 visits/year x 90% show-up rate = adult visits
1,600 visits x .90 = 1,440 adult visits
1,440 adult visits x 4 films = 5,760 films for adults
700 children x 2 visits/year x 90% show-up rate = child visits
1,400 visits x .90 = 1,260 child visits
1,260 child visits x 2 films = 2,520 films for children
5,760 + 2,520 = 8,280 films needed
8,280 films ÷100 (films per package) = 82.8 = 83 packages
Summary
Math in the dental field is used quite often. It can be using a chart, billing, converting measurements, or just basic math.
Knowing how to convert measurements when giving a dosage is very important.
Knowing how to use this knowledge while working is essential and a great way to succeed in this field.
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