The paperwork quarter in one pass: the legal record, HIPAA and scope, honest patient education, and SDS. A quarter of the exam — and the easiest points on it.
The chart is a legal document: entries factual, complete, made at the time of treatment, signed/initialed. A polish note: date, procedure + areas, agent, findings/education, initials. If it isn't written, it didn't happen. Paper corrections: single line + correction + date + initials — never erase or white-out.
PHI = any identifying health information, spoken included; share the minimum necessary, only with those involved in care. Scope: the state dental practice act — not the employer — decides whether an assistant may polish, with what training and supervision. If your state requires a credential you lack: decline, discuss, document. "The doctor told me to" is not a defense.
The honest pitch: polishing removes surface stain and plaque from visible crowns — it doesn't whiten, treat disease, or replace cleanings. Pellicle returns in minutes, plaque within hours — so daily brushing + interdental cleaning is the real prevention. Pre-op: describe the cup, paste, vibration. Post-op: rinse; grit fades.
Safety Data Sheet — one per hazardous product (prophy paste included), from the manufacturer, required by OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard ("right to know"), and accessible to all employees at all times. Contents: hazards, composition, first aid, handling/storage, spill response.
Review the full lessons any time, or head back to your dashboard.
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