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.
- DowncodingA practice of third-party payers in which the benefit code has been changed to a less complex and/or lower cost procedure than was reported, except where delineated in contract agreements.
- DressingMedication, bandages or other therapeutic material applied to a wound.
- Drgs (diagnosing Related Groups) A system of classifying hospital patients on the basis of diagnosis, consisting of distinct groupings. A DRG assignment to a case is based on the patient's 1) principal diagnosis; 2) treatment procedures performed; 3) age; 4) gender; and 5) discharge status.
- Dry SocketLocalized inflammation of the tooth socket following extraction due to infection or loss of blood clot osteitis.
- Dual Choice ProgramA benefit package from which an eligible individual can choose to enroll in either an alternative dental benefit program or a traditional dental benefit program.
- Early And Periodic Screening, Diagnosis And Treatment Program (EPSDT)A federal program that provides comprehensive health care for children through periodic screenings, diagnostic and treatment services.
- EdentulousWithout teeth.
- Eligibility Date The date an individual and/or dependents become eligible for benefits under a dental benefit contract. Often referred to as effective date.
- Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)A federal act, passed in 1974, which established new standards and reporting/disclosure requirements for employer-funded pension and welfare benefit programs. To date, self-funded health benefit plans operating under ERISA have been held to be exempt from most state insurance laws, although(...)
- EnamelHard calcified tissue covering dentin of the crown of tooth.
- Endodontics Endodontics is the branch of dentistry which is concerned with the morphology, physiology and pathology of the human dental pulp and periradicular tissues. Its study and practice encompass the basic and clinical sciences including biology of the normal pulp, the etiology, diagnosis,(...)
- EndodontistA dental specialist who limits his/her practice to treating disease and injuries of the pulp and associated periradicular conditions.
- EndostealDevice placed into the alveolar and basal bone of the mandible or maxilla and transecting only one cortical plate.
- EnrolleeIndividual covered by a benefit plan. See beneficiary.
- Enteralany technique of administration in which the agent is absorbed through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or oral mucosa (i.e., oral, rectal, sublingual).
- EntitySomething that exists as a particular and discrete unit. Persons and corporations are equivalent entities under the law.
- Eposteal Subperiosteal implant that conforms to the superior surface of an edentulous area of alveolar bone.
- EquilibrationReshaping of the occlusal surfaces of teeth to create harmonious contact relationships between the upper and lower teeth also known as occlusal adjustment.
- Established PatientA patient who has received professional services from a dentist or another dentist of the same specialty who belongs to the same group practice, within the past three years, subject to state laws.
- EvaluationThe patient assessment that may include gathering of information through interview, observation, examination, and use of specific tests that allows a dentist to diagnose existing conditions. Please refer to specific oral evaluation code descriptors for more complete definitions.