Glossary
Our glossary features any dental term you need to know, from A to Z. Still confused about something? Give us a call — we’re happy to help.
- Scraping and cleaning the walls of a real or potential space, such as a gingival pocket or bone, to remove pathologic material.
- Current Dental Terminology (CDT)The ADA reference manual that contains the Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature and other information pertinent to patient record keeping and claim preparation by a dental office; published biennially (e.g., CDT 2009-2010).
- Current Procedural Terminology (CPT)A listing of descriptive terms and identifying codes developed by the American Medical Association (AMA) for reporting practitioner services and procedures to medical plans and Medicare.
- CuspPointed or rounded eminence on or near the masticating surface of a tooth.
- CuspidSingle cusped tooth located between the incisors and bicuspids.
- CystPathological cavity, usually lined with epithelium, containing fluid or soft matter.
- CytologyThe study of cells, including their anatomy, chemistry, physiology and pathology.
- Debridement Removal of subgingival and/or supragingival plaque and calculus which obstructs the ability to perform an evaluation.
- DecayThe lay term for carious lesions in a tooth decomposition of tooth structure.
- DeciduousHaving the property of falling off or shedding a term used to describe the primary teeth.
- Deciduous DentitionRefers to the deciduous or primary teeth in the dental arch.
- DeductibleThe amount of dental expense for which the beneficiary is responsible before a third party will assume any liability for payment of benefits. Deductible may be an annual or one-time charge, and may vary in amount from program to program. See family deductible.
- Deep Sedationa drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients cannot be easily aroused but respond purposefully following repeated or painful stimulation. The ability to independently maintain ventilatory function may be impaired. Patients may require assistance in maintaining a patent(...)
- Definitive ProsthesisProsthesis to be used over an extended period of time.
- Dental AssessmentA limited clinical inspection that is performed to identify possible signs of oral or systemic disease, malformation, or injury, and the potential need for referral for diagnosis and treatment.
- Dental Benefit OrganizationAny organization offering a dental benefit plan. Also known as dental plan organization.
- Dental Benefit PlanEntitles covered individuals to specified dental services in return for a fixed, periodic payment made in advance of treatment. Such plans often include the use of deductibles, coinsurance, and/or maximums to control the cost of the program to the purchaser.
- Dental Benefit ProgramThe specific dental benefit plan being offered to enrollees by the sponsor.
- Dental Enrollment CredentialingA formal process that defines the standards and requirements for participation in third-party programs. The process verifies professional qualifications in order to allow licensed dentists to provide services to members of these programs.
- Dental HomeThe ongoing relationship between the dentist who is the Primary Dental Care Provider and the patient, which includes comprehensive oral health care, beginning no later than age one, pursuant to ADA policy.