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Clinical Areas

OPERATORY
A dental operatory also referred to as a
“Treatment Room,” is where patient care
takes place. Operatories include a patient
chair, stools for the providers, an overhead
operating light, cabinets stocked with
supplies, a delivery system, sink and often
times an intra-oral x-ray device. Operatories
are assigned to either the dentist or the
hygienist, allowing each to be stocked with
readily available materials and instruments
used by the individual provider. The number
of operatories will vary depending on the
size and needs of the practice. FIGURE 1 .7 DENTAL OPERATORY

STERILIZATION AREA
The sterilization area is composed of equipment used to sterilize hand pieces and instruments.
The use of specialized equipment ensures that all reusable items are completely free of any
infectious microorganisms.

FIGURE 1. 8 STERILIZATION EQUIPMENT FIGURE 1.9 STERILIZATION EQUIPMENT

PANORAMIC AREA
The panoramic machine is used to take an x-
ray, which displays the entire mouth in a
single image. Though smaller x-rays, such
as Bitewings, can be taken within the
operatory, the panoramic x-ray requires the
use of a much larger machine, and therefore
a separate area is required.

FIGURE 1.10 PANORAMIC MACHINE

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