Vocabulary Words Every Dental Receptionist Should Know

Appointment

Definition: A scheduled meeting or arrangement.

• I have a doctor's appointment this afternoon.
• She made an appointment to see the dentist.
• His appointment was confirmed by email.

Appointment in a sentence

Dentist

Definition: A doctor who specializes in the care of teeth and gums.

• I have an appointment with the dentist tomorrow.
• She visits the dentist for check-ups every six months.
• Understanding the role of a dentist is important for oral health.

Dentist in a sentence

Patient

Definition: Able to wait without getting angry.

• She is very patient with her students.
• It's important to be patient when learning.
• He waited patiently for his turn.

Patient in a sentence

Teeth

Definition: the hard structures in the mouth used for biting and chewing

• She brushed her teeth every morning and night.
• The dentist checked my teeth for cavities.
• He lost a tooth and put it under his pillow.

Teeth in a sentence

Clean

Definition: To make something free of dirt or mess.

• I need to clean my room before my friends come.
• She will clean the dishes after dinner.
• We should clean up the classroom together.

Clean in a sentence

Smile

Definition: A facial expression showing happiness, made by curving the lips.

• Her smile brightened the room.
• He loves to smile at everyone he meets.
• A smile can make someone's day better.

Smile in a sentence

Brush

Definition: A tool with bristles used for painting or cleaning.

• She used a brush to paint the picture.
• Don't forget to brush your teeth twice a day.
• He bought a new brush for his art supplies.

Brush in a sentence

Floss

Definition: A thin thread used to clean between teeth.

• You should floss daily for better dental health.
• He uses mint-flavored floss after brushing.
• Floss can help remove food stuck between teeth.

Floss in a sentence

Check-up

Definition: A medical examination to assess health.

• He scheduled a check-up with his doctor.
• Regular check-ups are important for staying healthy.
• She always goes for a check-up once a year.

Cavity

Definition: a hole or space within something

• The dentist found a cavity in his tooth.
• She filled the cavity with a special material.
• The cavity in the wall was caused by water damage.

Cavity in a sentence

X-ray

Definition: an imaging technique that uses radiation to see inside the body

• The doctor ordered an x-ray to check for fractures.
• He was nervous about getting an x-ray.
• Understanding x-rays is important for medical diagnoses.

X-ray in a sentence

Pain

Definition: An unpleasant feeling often caused by injury or illness.

• He felt pain in his leg after the fall.
• She took medicine to relieve the pain.
• The pain in her stomach made her uncomfortable.

Pain in a sentence

Insurance

Definition: A contract that provides protection against financial loss.

• Car insurance helps pay for damages in an accident.
• I have health insurance to cover doctor visits.
• You should get insurance for valuable items.

Insurance in a sentence

Schedule

Definition: A plan that shows when tasks or events will happen.

• I have a busy schedule this week.
• She made a schedule for her study time.
• They checked the schedule for movie times.

Schedule in a sentence

Office

Definition: A place where people work, often in an administrative capacity.

• She works in an office downtown.
• They have a meeting in the office tomorrow.
• His office is very organized and tidy.

Office in a sentence

Welcome

Definition: To greet someone in a friendly way; to accept.

• They welcome new students to the school.
• She felt a warm welcome from her friends.
• His welcome was genuine and kind.

Welcome in a sentence

Help

Definition: To assist someone with something.

• Can you help me with my homework?
• She helped her mother in the kitchen.
• He always helps his friends.

Help in a sentence

Form

Definition: The shape or structure of something; also can mean to create.

• The teacher asked us to fill out a form.
• He likes to form new ideas during discussions.
• Understanding the different forms of art can enhance appreciation.

Form in a sentence

Treatment

Definition: The way of dealing with a patient or condition; care given to someone.

• He received treatment for his illness.
• The treatment helped her recover quickly.
• They discussed treatment options with the doctor.

Treatment in a sentence

Visit

Definition: To go to see someone or a place.

• We will visit our grandparents this weekend.
• She wants to visit the museum during the school trip.
• I plan to visit my friend after school.

Visit in a sentence

Tooth

Definition: One of the hard structures in the mouth used for biting.

• I lost a tooth when I was a child.
• She brushed her tooth every day.
• He visited the dentist to fix his tooth.

Tooth in a sentence

Gum

Definition: A chewy substance used for freshening breath or as candy.

• He likes to chew gum during class.
• She bought a pack of gum from the store.
• The gum lost its flavor quickly.

Gum in a sentence

File

Definition: A collection of documents or data stored together.

• I need to organize my files on the computer.
• He saved the file in a new folder.
• Please check the file for the latest updates.

File in a sentence

Record

Definition: To capture or store information; a written account of something.

• I will record the lecture for later.
• They set a new record in the race.
• She likes to record her thoughts in a journal.

Record in a sentence

Hygiene

Definition: The practice of keeping clean to maintain health.

• Good hygiene is important for staying healthy.
• He learned about personal hygiene in health class.
• She practices hygiene by washing her hands regularly.

Hygiene in a sentence

Cleaning

Definition: The act of removing dirt, dust, or unwanted items from a place.

• She is cleaning her room to prepare for guests.
• Cleaning the house takes some time every week.
• Understanding cleaning techniques can help maintain a tidy space.

Cleaning in a sentence

Referral

Definition: the act of directing someone to a different person or place

• She received a referral to a specialist for her condition.
• The doctor made a referral for further testing.
• He appreciated the referral to the best dentist in town.

Referral in a sentence

Extraction

Definition: The process of removing something from a source, often used in contexts like data or resources.

• The extraction of minerals from the earth can be harmful.
• She learned about the extraction of DNA in science class.
• Extraction methods vary depending on the material.

Extraction in a sentence

Filling

Definition: The material used to fill a space, such as in a pastry or a tooth.

• The pie had a delicious apple filling.
• She chose chocolate filling for her cake.
• Filling can enhance the flavor of many dishes.

Filling in a sentence

Consultation

Definition: A meeting to discuss or seek advice on a topic.

• She had a consultation with a doctor.
• The consultation helped clarify their options.
• They scheduled a consultation for the project.

Consultation in a sentence

Procedure

Definition: a series of steps to accomplish a task

• Follow the procedure to complete the assignment.
• The procedure for the experiment was explained.
• He learned the procedure for making cookies.

Procedure in a sentence

Receptionist

Definition: A person who greets visitors and handles inquiries at a front desk.

• The receptionist answered the phone politely.
• She works as a receptionist at a busy office.
• The receptionist helped me find the right room.

Receptionist in a sentence

Dental

Definition: Relating to teeth or dentistry.

• He has a dental appointment to get his teeth checked.
• Dental health is important for overall well-being.
• She learned about dental procedures in her class.

Dental in a sentence

Chart

Definition: A visual representation of data or information.

• We used a chart to show our progress.
• The chart displays the results of the survey.
• Can you read this chart for me?

Chart in a sentence

Follow-up

Definition: an action that comes after an initial action; checking on something

• She scheduled a follow-up appointment with the doctor.
• The teacher did a follow-up on the students’ progress.
• A follow-up email can help clarify any questions.

Symptoms

Definition: physical or mental signs of an illness

• Common symptoms of the flu include fever and cough.
• He noted the symptoms and reported them to the doctor.
• She learned to recognize the symptoms of allergies.

Orthodontics

Definition: the branch of dentistry focused on correcting teeth

• Orthodontics helps align teeth for better function.
• She is training in orthodontics to become a specialist.
• Understanding orthodontics can improve oral health.

Orthodontics in a sentence

Anesthesia

Definition: A medical treatment that prevents pain during surgery; a state of controlled unconsciousness.

• The doctor explained the anesthesia process before surgery.
• He felt no pain because of the anesthesia.
• Anesthesia is crucial for many medical procedures.

Anesthesia in a sentence

Periodontal

Definition: Relating to the structures around and supporting the teeth.

• She visited the dentist for a periodontal check-up.
• Periodontal health is important for overall well-being.
• The doctor explained the importance of periodontal care.

Periodontal in a sentence

Diagnosis

Definition: The identification of a disease or problem based on symptoms.

• The doctor made a diagnosis after the exam.
• She received a diagnosis of a mild illness.
• He explained the diagnosis to the patient.

Diagnosis in a sentence

Consent

Definition: Permission for something to happen or agreement to do something.

• You need to get parental consent for the field trip.
• He gave his consent to share the information.
• Understanding consent is important in many situations.

Consent in a sentence

Records

Definition: Documents or pieces of information that are kept for reference or evidence.

• The school keeps records of all student grades.
• She checked the records for attendance.
• Understanding records is important for organization.

Radiograph

Definition: an image produced on a sensitive surface by radiation

• The doctor examined the radiograph to check for fractures.
• She had a radiograph taken of her teeth.
• Radiographs are useful in diagnosing medical conditions.

Radiograph in a sentence

Prophylaxis

Definition: Preventive treatment to protect against disease.

• Vaccination is a form of prophylaxis against illness.
• The doctor recommended prophylaxis for travelers.
• Prophylaxis can reduce the risk of infection.

Prophylaxis in a sentence

Reimbursement

Definition: The act of paying back money spent.

• He received reimbursement for his work expenses.
• The reimbursement process can take a few days.
• Understanding reimbursement policies is important.

Reimbursement in a sentence

Orthodontist

Definition: a dentist specializing in orthodontics

• The orthodontist recommended braces for her teeth.
• He visited the orthodontist for an evaluation.
• Understanding the role of an orthodontist is key in dental care.

Orthodontist in a sentence

Restoration

Definition: The act of returning something to its original condition or state.

• The restoration of the old building took several years.
• They worked on the restoration of the painting.
• Understanding restoration helps preserve history.

Restoration in a sentence

Materials

Definition: Substances or components used to create something.

• We need to gather materials for our science project.
• Different materials can affect the quality of a product.
• She chose eco-friendly materials for her artwork.

Materials in a sentence

Sterilization

Definition: The process of making something free from bacteria or other living microorganisms.

• Sterilization is crucial in medical settings to prevent infection.
• The dentist used sterilization methods for his tools.
• They practiced sterilization techniques in the lab.

Sterilization in a sentence

Charting

Definition: The process of creating charts to display information visually.

• Charting data helps us understand trends.
• She is charting the results of the experiment.
• They spent the afternoon charting their progress.

Charting in a sentence

Billing

Definition: the process of sending bills for payments

• They handle the billing for the company.
• She checked her billing statement for errors.
• Billing can be done online for convenience.

Billing in a sentence

Sedation

Definition: The process of calming a patient using medication, often before a procedure.

• The doctor used sedation to help her relax.
• Sedation is common for dental procedures.
• They discussed sedation options with the patient.

Sedation in a sentence

Emergency

Definition: A serious situation requiring immediate action.

• Call 911 in case of an emergency.
• They practiced emergency drills at school.
• He handled the emergency with calmness.

Emergency in a sentence

Scheduling

Definition: The process of planning and organizing events, tasks, or activities.

• Scheduling classes helps students manage their time.
• He uses a planner for effective scheduling.
• Understanding scheduling improves organization skills.

Scheduling in a sentence

Compliance

Definition: Following rules or standards.

• The company is in compliance with safety regulations.
• They ensured compliance with the new laws.
• She checked for compliance with the guidelines.

Compliance in a sentence

Examination

Definition: a detailed inspection or test

• The examination covered all the material we studied.
• She was nervous about her final examination.
• He passed the examination with flying colors.

Examination in a sentence

Radiography

Definition: the use of X-rays to see inside objects or bodies

• Radiography is used to check for broken bones.
• The doctor ordered a radiography of her ankle.
• She studied radiography in her medical program.

Radiography in a sentence

Occlusion

Definition: The act of closing or blocking; in dentistry, how teeth fit together when biting.

• The occlusion of the airway can lead to health issues.
• He learned about occlusion in his dental studies.
• Proper occlusion is crucial for effective chewing.

Occlusion in a sentence

Hygienist

Definition: A professional who specializes in dental hygiene and care.

• The dental hygienist cleaned my teeth and gave advice.
• She wants to become a dental hygienist after college.
• The hygienist emphasized the importance of brushing daily.

Hygienist in a sentence

Fluoride

Definition: A mineral that helps prevent tooth decay.

• Fluoride is often added to toothpaste.
• Drinking water may contain fluoride for dental health.
• The dentist recommended fluoride treatments.

Fluoride in a sentence

Crown

Definition: A decorative headpiece worn by royalty as a symbol of power.

• The queen wore a beautiful crown during the ceremony.
• He was crowned king in a grand celebration.
• The crown is often made of precious metals and jewels.

Crown in a sentence

Bridge

Definition: A structure built to cross over a river, road, or other obstacles.

• They walked across the bridge to get to the park.
• The bridge connects the two cities.
• She took a photo of the beautiful bridge.

Bridge in a sentence

Implant

Definition: to place something into a living organism

• The doctor will implant the device in her arm.
• They decided to implant the seeds in the garden.
• He learned about the process of implanting organs.

Implant in a sentence

Veneer

Definition: a thin layer covering something

• The table has a beautiful wood veneer.
• He used a veneer to give the furniture a polished look.
• The veneer makes the old wood look new.

Veneer in a sentence

Endodontics

Definition: The branch of dentistry that deals with the treatment of dental pulp and root issues.

• Endodontics focuses on saving damaged teeth.
• He specialized in endodontics to help patients in pain.
• Understanding endodontics is important for dental health.

Endodontics in a sentence

Malpractice

Definition: improper or negligent treatment by a professional

• The doctor was sued for malpractice after the incident.
• She studied malpractice cases in medical school.
• Malpractice can lead to serious consequences.

Malpractice in a sentence

Patient-centered

Definition: An approach that focuses on the patient's needs, preferences, and values in healthcare.

• Patient-centered care improves communication between doctors and patients.
• She learned about patient-centered practices in her training.
• The hospital promotes a patient-centered philosophy.

Triage

Definition: The process of determining the priority of patients' treatments based on the severity of their condition.

• In an emergency, triage helps doctors manage patients.
• She learned about triage during her medical training.
• Effective triage can save lives in critical situations.

Triage in a sentence

Ergonomics

Definition: The study of people's efficiency in their working environment.

• Ergonomics helps design comfortable workspaces.
• She learned about ergonomics to improve her desk setup.
• Proper ergonomics can prevent injuries at work.

Ergonomics in a sentence