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.
- National Association Of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)Professional or trade association for state departments of insurance (http://www.naic.org).
- National Provider Identified (NPI)This is an identifier assigned by the federal government to all providers considered to be HIPAA covered entities. Dentists who are not covered entities may elect to obtain an NPI at their discretion, or may be enumerated if required by a participating provider agreement with a third-party(...)
- Necessary TreatmentA necessary dental procedure or service as determined by a dentist, to either establish or maintain a patient's oral health. Such determinations are based on the professional diagnostic judgment of the dentist, and the standards of care that prevail in the professional community.
- Noble AlloysNoble Metal Content > 25% (gold + platinum group*).
- Non-AutogenousA graft from donor other than patient.
- Nonduplication Of BenefitsTerm used to describe one of the ways the secondary carrier may calculate its portion of the payment if a patient is covered by two benefit plans. The secondary carrier calculates what it would have paid if it were the primary plan and subtracts what the other plan paid. For example, if the(...)
- Nonparticipating Dentist Any dentist who does not have a contractual agreement with a dental benefit organization to render dental care to members of a dental benefit program.
- ObturateWith reference to endodontics, refers to the sealing of the canal(s) of tooth roots during root canal therapy procedure with an appropriately prescribed material such as gutta percha in combination with a suitable luting agent.
- ObturatorA disc or plate which closes an opening; a prosthesis that closes an opening in the palate.
- OcclusalPertaining to the biting surfaces of the premolar and molar teeth or contacting surfaces of opposing teeth or opposing occlusion rims.
- Occlusal RadiographAn intraoral radiograph made with the film, phosphorous plate, emulsion or digital sensor being held between the occluded teeth.
- Occlusal SurfaceA surface of a posterior tooth or occlusion rim that is intended to make contact with an opposing occlusal surface. (The Journal of Prosthodontic Dentistry; The Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms; July 2005, page 57)
- OcclusionAny contact between biting or chewing surfaces of maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower) teeth.
- OdontogenicRefers to tooth-forming tissues.
- OdontoplastyAdjustment of tooth length, size, and/or shape; includes removal of enamel projections.
- OnlayA dental restoration made outside the oral cavity that covers one or more cusp tips and adjoining occlusal surfaces, but not the entire external surface. It is retained by luting cement. (American College of Prosthodontics; The Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms)
- Open EnrollmentThe annual period in which employees can select from a choice of benefit programs
- Open PanelThis type of dental benefits plan allows covered patients to receive care from any dentist and allows any dentist to participate. Any dentist may accept or refuse to treat patients enrolled in the plan. Open panel plans often are described as freedom of choice plans.
- Open ReductionRe-approximation of fractured bony segments accomplished through cutting the adjacent soft tissues and bone to allow direct access.
- OperculectomyRemoval of the operculum.