Dental administrative assistants are not only the first point of contact for patients but also the communication bridge between clinicians and insurance providers. To thrive in this role, you must speak the language of dentistry — accurately, confidently, and compassionately.
This article introduces 100 key dental terms, explained in plain English for entry-level dental administrative office professionals. Understanding these terms will help you interpret treatment plans, explain procedures, and coordinate billing with precision.
Even though dental administrative assistants do not perform clinical procedures, they are often the first to interpret treatment notes, explain procedures to patients, and communicate with insurance providers. Understanding these terms ensures accuracy, professionalism, and seamless collaboration within the dental team.
Beyond the Basics: What You Will Learn with Experience
Mastering terminology is just the beginning. As you gain experience in the dental field, your knowledge evolves far beyond definitions.
With practice, you will learn to:
Interpret treatment sequences and understand how each appointment fits into a patient’s care plan.
Communicate fluently with insurance providers and handle complex claim submissions.
Understand a variety of fees and procedural codes, ensuring accurate billing.
Coordinate between clinicians, laboratories, and specialists, maintaining continuity of care.
Educate patients by explaining procedures clearly and building trust through professional language.
With experience, you will transition from an entry-level receptionist to a skilled dental administrative assistant or even office coordinator, fluent in both clinical terminology and administrative systems.
1. Anatomy and Oral Structures
Term
Definition
Enamel
The hard outer surface of a tooth that protects against decay.
Dentin
The sensitive layer beneath enamel transmitting sensations to the pulp.
Pulp
The inner soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels.
Gingiva
The gums surrounding and supporting the teeth.
Periodontium
Structures supporting the teeth, including gums, ligament, and bone.
Alveolar bone
Jawbone section where tooth roots are anchored.
Cementum
Calcified layer covering the root surface.
Crown
Visible portion of a tooth above the gum line.
Root
The part of a tooth embedded in the bone.
Occlusion
The alignment and contact between upper and lower teeth.
2. Common Dental Procedures
Term
Definition
Prophylaxis
Routine cleaning to remove plaque and prevent disease.
Scaling and root planing
Deep cleaning for gum disease treatment.
Restoration
Repairing a damaged or decayed tooth.
Endodontic therapy
Root canal procedure (removal of infected pulp and canals filling)
Crown placement
Covering a damaged tooth with a custom cap.
Bridge
Fixed replacement for missing teeth.
Implant
Titanium post replacing a natural tooth root.
Veneer
Thin cosmetic shell bonded to the tooth’s surface.
Whitening
Chemical or laser treatment to brighten teeth.
3. Diagnostic and Imaging Terms
Term
Definition
Bitewing radiograph
X-ray showing upper and lower and upper posterior teeth in occlusion.
Periapical radiograph
X-ray showing the full tooth, including root and bone.
Panoramic X-ray
Broad image of jaws, teeth, and sinuses.
CBCT (Cone Beam CT)
3D imaging for detailed dental and bone structure.
Intraoral camera
Device capturing close-up images of teeth.
Digital sensor
Electronic plate that records dental X-rays.
Diagnostic impression
Mold of teeth for study models.
Charting
Recording conditions and treatments in patient records.
4. Preventive and Periodontal Care
Term
Definition
Plaque
Soft, sticky bacterial film on teeth.
Calculus
Hardened plaque (tartar) requiring professional removal.
Periodontitis
Advanced gum disease causing bone loss.
Gingivitis
Inflammation of the gums.
Fluoride varnish
Protective coating to strengthen enamel.
Sealant
Thin barrier applied to chewing surfaces to prevent decay.
Oral irrigation
Flushing the mouth to remove debris.
Debridement
Removal of heavy plaque and calculus.
Pocket
Gap between the teeth and gums.
5. Restorative Dentistry
Term
Definition
Composite resin
Tooth-colored filling material.
Amalgam
Silver-colored alloy used for fillings.
Full crown
Restoration covering the entire tooth.
Post and core
Internal support placed before a crown.
Temporary restoration
Short-term filling before final treatment.
Bonding agent
Adhesive securing restorations.
Matrix band
Tool that shapes fillings during placement.
Shade guide
Chart for matching tooth color.
6. Prosthodontics
Term
Definition
Complete denture
Full removable replacement of teeth for one arch.
Partial denture
Removable replacement for several missing teeth.
Reline
Resurfacing a denture to improve fit.
Rebase
Replacing the base material of a denture.
Clasp
Metal hook holding a partial denture in place.
Framework
Metal skeleton supporting a denture.
Occlusal rim
Wax form used to record bite relationships.
Try-in
Trial fitting before final denture fabrication.
Impression tray
Device used to hold impression material.
Bite registration
Record of how upper and lower teeth meet.
7. Endodontics and Oral Surgery
Term
Definition
Apex
Tip of the tooth root.
Pulp chamber
Central space containing pulp tissue.
File
Instrument used in root canal cleaning.
Obturation
Sealing of the root canal space.
Apicoectomy
Surgical removal of the root apex.
Dry socket
Painful condition after extraction.
Bone graft
Surgery to rebuild bone tissue.
Suture
Stitch used to close a wound.
Alveolitis
Inflammation of the tooth socket.
Hemostasis
The process of stopping bleeding.
8. Orthodontics
Term
Definition
Bracket
Small metal or ceramic attachment on teeth for braces.
Archwire
Wire that connects brackets and moves teeth.
Ligature
Elastic or wire securing an archwire.
Elastics
Rubber bands used to adjust alignment.
Retainer
Appliance maintaining tooth position post-treatment.
Aligner
Clear tray moving teeth gradually.
Expansion
Widening of the dental arch.
Overjet
Horizontal projection of upper teeth over lowers.
Overbite
Vertical overlap of upper front teeth.
Malocclusion
Misalignment of the teeth or bite.
9. Infection Control and Sterilization
Term
Definition
Autoclave
Machine that sterilizes instruments with steam pressure.
Disinfection
Reducing microorganisms on surfaces.
Sterilization pouch
Bag maintaining sterility after autoclaving.
PPE
Personal Protective Equipment: gloves, masks, gowns.
Biohazard
Material contaminated with infectious waste.
Cross-contamination
Transfer of pathogens between surfaces.
Universal precautions
Safety measures applied to all patients.
Sharps container
Puncture-proof container for needles/blades.
Spore test
Biological test confirming sterilization efficacy.
Chain of asepsis
Organized method for maintaining sterility.
10. Administrative and Insurance Vocabulary
Term
Definition
Procedure code
Number assigned to a specific dental treatment.
Treatment plan
Outline of recommended dental services.
Predetermination
Insurer’s pre-approval for coverage.
Copayment
Patient’s required portion of the bill.
Deductible
Initial payment before insurance covers costs.
Fee guide
Provincial or association list of standard fees.
Coordination of benefits
Determining which insurer pays first.
Claim submission
Sending forms to request payment.
Recall system
Scheduling patients for regular visits.
Ledger
Financial record of patient transactions.
Knowing dental terminology transforms administrative assistants into informed professionals. You’ll communicate confidently with both patients and clinicians, minimize insurance errors, and provide better overall patient experiences. Dental terminology is the foundation of administrative excellence. Ready to strengthen your dental office vocabulary and career? Join Acadent’s Dental Administrative Assistant Training Program, a bilingual (English/French) course that teaches you the terminology, communication skills, billing and insurance systems every professional needs.
