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.
- Oral And Maxillofacial SurgeryOral and maxillofacial surgery is the specialty of dentistry which includes the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects involving both the functional and esthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region.
- Oral DiagnosisThe determination by a dentist of the oral health condition of an individual patient achieved through the evaluation of data gathered by means of history taking, direct examination, patient conference, and such clinical aids and tests as may be necessary in the judgment of the dentist.
- Oral Health LiteracyThe degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate oral health decisions.
- Orthodontic RetainerAppliance to stabilize teeth following orthodontic treatment.
- Orthodontics And Dentofacial OrthopedicsOrthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics is the dental specialty that includes the diagnosis, prevention, interception, and correction of malocclusion, as well as neuromuscular and skeletal abnormalities of the developing or mature orofacial structures.
- OrthodontistA dental specialist whose practice is limited to the interception and treatment of malocclusion and other neuromuscular and skeletal abnormalities of the teeth and their surrounding structures.
- OrthognathicFunctional relationship of maxilla and mandible.
- Orthotic DeviceApparatus used to support, align, prevent or correct deformities, or to improve the function of movable parts of the body.
- OshaAbbreviation for Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Federal agency in the US responsible for making and enforcing employee safety regulations.
- OsteoplastySurgical procedure that modifies the configuration of bone.
- OsteotomySurgical cutting of bone.
- OverbillingThe misrepresentation of a fee as higher than actual charges; for example, when a patient is charged one fee and an insurance company is billed a higher fee to benefit the patient's co-payment, or to increase a fee to a patient solely because the patient is covered under a dental benefits plan.
- OvercodingReporting a more complex and/or higher cost procedure than was actually performed.
- Overdenture A removable prosthetic device that overlies and may be supported by retained tooth roots or implants.