DENTAL TERMs

Throughout the DPid (Dental Prosthetics Identification) website you will come across various terms that we hope to clarify below. However, if you have any additional questions about these terms or topics, or anything else you read on our site, please contact us.

Terms

2D Code – A graphical representation of information, where the information is found within the code itself (no internet connection required) or obtained by linking to the information via the internet. There are numerous 2D Codes including QR Codes, Bar Codes, and Data Matrix codes. DPid uses Data Matrix Codes because of their higher security and because of the sizing capabilities they offer (they are capable of being read at a smaller scale compared to most other 2D Codes).

2D Code Reading Applications– Application Software, also referred to as an “Application”, or an “App,” is computer software designed to assist the user in performing a specific task. The App can manipulate text, numbers, or graphics or a combination of each. Apps can be purchased, or sometimes downloaded for free, through an App Store for most smart phones and electronic tablets.

2D Code Reading Devices - Commonly available smart phones and other related devices that are properly equipped with Applications (or “Apps”) to scan and recognize a 2D Code, convert it to a URL and direct the device’s browser to a website.

Acrylic Type - The composition of the plastic material used to secure teeth and resemble gums in dentures.  The particular mixture of the monomer, polymerization initiator, and other compounds determines the final appearance.  Acrylic is used because of its wear resistance, light weight, and strength.

Attachment – A mechanical means of attaching with interlocking components (i.e., matrix/female and patrix/male), a fixed (screwed into place) or removable (clicked into place) dental prosthetic into jaw bone or surrounding permanent teeth.

Bruxim Splint - A dental appliance used to prevent damage to natural teeth caused by involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth.

CAD/CAM - A computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) of various types of restorative prosthetic teeth.

Ceramic - Ceramic prosthetic teeth are created by mixing porcelain powders and liquids into a base shape, then sculpting and finally firing at a high temperature to form a hard natural-looking tooth shape.

Certifications of Dental Prosthetics or Appliances – Documents that indicate, in whole or in part, that indicate that certain manufacturing and quality standards or requirements have been met by dental laboratories or dental practices. For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has enacted a number of regulations and the National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL) has established a set of standards to ensure devices are documented, identified, and traceable.

Certified Dental Lab (CDL) – A Dental Laboratory that obtains certification by providing assurances that it has met specific standards relating to quality control, safety, business and manufacturing practices. A Certified Dental Laboratory consistently monitors and strives to improve the quality and efficiency of its services and facilities. Typically a Certified Dental Laboratory is recognized by the National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL) and the American Dental Association (ADA).

Certified Dental Lab Technician (CDT) – A dental laboratory technician who has been certified through a series of three examinations a written comprehensive exam, a specialty practical exam, and a specialty written exam. There are six specialty areas in which a Dental Laboratory Technician can be certified: complete dentures, partial dentures, crown and bridge, ceramics, orthodontics, and implants. A CDT uses impressions, or molds of a patient’s teeth to create crowns, bridges, dentures, and other dental prosthetics or appliances. They work closely with dentists who provide a prescription of the patient’s dental prosthetic requirements.

Complete Denture - A dental prosthetic manufactured to replace missing teeth and is supported by the patient’s existing soft and hard tissue.  A complete dentureis also referred to as false teeth. Typically dentures are removable but there are dental implants that rely on a mechanical attachment. There are two parts to a complete denture: the upper (maxillary) and the lower (mandibular).

Component(s) of Dental Prosthetics or Appliances – Individual items used in the making of the dental prosthetic or appliance. For example a denture may typically include teeth, acrylic, soft liners, resin tooth bonding agent, or possibly hydrophilic resin coating.

Country of Origin – The country in which the dental prosthetic or appliance was manufactured. This is typically the country where the dental laboratory is physically located.

Crown –  A manufactured tooth designed to fit over an existing natural tooth typically when it cannot be repaired with a filling. Crowns may also be used to support and hold a bridge in place spanning a number of missing teeth. Crowns can be all metal such as gold, porcelain fused to metal (PFM), or all ceramic.  Ceramic crowns, look the most natural. Metal crowns may include gold, palladium, or a base metal such as nickel or chromium.

Custom Abutment - A modified natural tooth or implant fixture that is used to support a removable dental prosthetic or anchor a fixed dental prosthetic.

Date of Manufacture and of Subsequent Changes of Dental Prosthetics or Appliances – The date the dental prosthetic or appliance was completed by the dental laboratory. The date of any subsequent change to the dental prosthetic or appliance is the date of any change, repair, or remanufacturing of the dental prosthetic or appliance.

Data Matrix Code – A 2D Code developed in 1989 by International Data Matrix, Inc. (ID Matrix) used by a number of industries and government agencies, including the Aerospace Industry and the U.S. Department of Defense. Data Matrix Codes are preferred over other 2D Codes because of their higher level of security, and because of the sizing capability they offer (they are capable of being read at a smaller scale compared to most other 2D Codes).

Dental Appliance Manufacturer’s Audit System (DAMAS) – Initially established for UK Dental Laboratories, the U.S. National Dental Lab Association established and owns the rights to the DAMAS system in North America. The DAMAS system provides a specific process for improving Dental Laboratory documentation.  The DAMAS process addresses correspondence and agreements with dentists, patients, and suppliers, purchasing agreements, training, equipment control, labeling, complaints, and traceability.

DAMAS standards are very similar to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Quality System/Good Manufacturing Practice (QS/GMP) specifications, which all dental laboratories conducting business in the United States are required to meet.

Dental Bridge – A series of teeth designed to replace missing natural teeth by bridging the gap between and attaching to the modified natural teeth on either side. A bridge can be glued or mechanically attached to a modified natural tooth or implant abutment that provides support. Bridges can be made of gold, porcelain fused to metal (PFM), or can be all ceramic.

Dental Laboratory – A facility where dental prosthetics or appliances are manufactured for a patient following the directions of a licensed dentist’s prescription.

Dental Prosthetics or Appliances – An artificial substitute for a missing tooth or teeth, primarily for functional and/or cosmetic reasons.

Dentist – A licensed health-care professional who specializes in the care and repair of teeth.

Dental Practice or Dental Laboratory DPid Account – An account set-up with DPid by either a dental practice or dental laboratory allowing the practice or laboratory to access and update a DPid patient’s Tier 1 information. A DPid account will also allow the dental practice or dental laboratory to search and create reports of DPid patients relevant to their respective business.

Dental Prosthetic Categories – DPid Tier 1 allows essential data to be entered relating to Attachments, Bruxim Splints, CAD/CAM, Ceramic, Complete Dentures, Crown & Bridge, Custom Abutments, Denture Gold Teeth, Implants, Mouth Guards, Orthodontics, Partial Dentures, Pressable Ceramics, and Sleep Apnea Devices. Each category drills down offering greater detail relating to manufacturer, type, reference number, lot number, FDA product code and regulation number (if applicable), as well as any other data necessary to repair or remanufacture the dental prosthetic or appliance.

Denture Gold Teeth - May or may not have a design, ranging from a simple star shape (many designs are available) to a solid gold tooth.

Denture Identification State Mandates - A number of states' laws mandate some form of dental prosthetic identification.  Typically, states with such laws require the patient’s name and/or Social Security Number to be used to identify the prosthetic.

DPid Code – DPid uses a Data Matrix 2D Code (a graphical representation of information) because of its higher security and sizing capabilities (Data Matrix Codes are capable of being read at a smaller scale compared to most other 2D Codes). The DPid Code is typically located with a DPid Identification Number. Both are unique and relate to an individual patient. When a patient’s DPid Code is scanned it will link ONLY to their specific information.

DPid Account Activation – Typically done by a dental laboratory technician when initially entering the patient’s name and dental prosthetic data, per the dentist’s prescription, into the patient’s Tier 1. The dental laboratory technician will use their Business Account password and the patient’s DPid Identification Number to logon. The first time a patient logs onto their Tier 1, he or she will be required to change the temporary password to one of the patient's choosing.

DPid (Data Matrix) Code & Identification Number – Are associated with each other and appear together with the following specifications: approximately 3/8" X 1/2" (.95cm X 1.27cm) with the thickness of a piece of adhesive tape (0.0015” / .0038cm) and printed with a black, or equally high contrasting ink, on a translucent material with an adhesive backing. The translucent material may allow the DPid Code & Identification Number to aesthetically blend into the patient’s dental prosthetic or appliance when embedded.

DPid Identification Card – Displays a DPid (Data Matrix) Code & Identification Number identical to the one that may be embedded in the patient’s dental prosthetic or appliance. The card will also contain DPid contact information and options on how to access the patient’s Tier 1 information. In cases where the patient’s DPid Code & Identification Number are not embedded in their dental prosthetic or appliance, the patient’s Identification Card should accompany the dental prosthetic or appliance whenever given to the dentist or dental laboratory for repairs or remanufacturing. This is very important because it provides essential information enabling the dentist or dental laboratory technician to access the patient’s Tier 1 information for reference and updating.

DPid Identification Number – A 5 digit alpha/numeric code (such as A123B) that is assigned to an individual’s unique DPid (Data Matrix) Code with both typically located together. The Identification number is important for a number of reasons: 1) to activate and initially enter the patient’s Tier 1 and optional Tier 2 information and 2) to provide an alternative means of accessing Tier 1 and optional Tier 2 information via the DPid website in the event the DPid Code on the dental prosthetic (if embedded) or on the Identification Card are unreadable.

DPid Information Packet – Provided to all patients and consists of: 1) a pamphlet explaining how the DPid (Dental Prosthetics Identification) process works; 2) a unique DPid (Data Matrix) Code & Identification Number (5 digit alpha/numeric code); 3) an Identification Card with an identical unique DPid Code & Identification Number, DPid contact information, and options on how to access Tier 1 and optional Tier 2 information; and 4) a temporary password for activating and initially entering Tier 1 information into the patient’s personal account.

DPid Network – A network of Dental Practices and Dental Laboratories that utilize the DPid system. Participating in the DPid Network provides a number of benefits for the patient, dental practice, and dental laboratory, one of which is having access to edit and update any DPid patient’s Tier 1 dental prosthetic or appliance manufacturing data in the event a repair or remanufacture is required. For the patient’s convenience, all participating dental practices and dental laboratories are listed on the DPid website in case of an emergency or relocation.

Embedded DPid Code & Identification Number – A DPid Code & Identification Number (approximately 9/32” X 3/8” [.71cm X .95cm] and the thickness of a piece of adhesive tape [0.0015” / .0038cm]), can typically be embedded into the following dental prosthetics or appliances: a complete & partial denture, orthodontic, Bruxim Splint, mouth guard, and sleep apnea device. For ALL other dental prosthetics or appliances the DPid Identification Card can be used in its place.

Emergency Access by First Responders – There may be a circumstance when a DPid patient may require emergency assistance. In this event, when DPid is contacted by a First Responder (e.g., police, fire, or EMT Medical personnel), every effort will be taken to assist the First Responder while maintaining the patient’s privacy and security. In the case of an extreme emergency, when time is critical, information may be released to prevent further harm to the patient.

Identifiers and Lot Numbers of Dental Prosthetics or Appliances – A labeling system using a series of letters, numbers, or combination thereof relating to a specific product or component made on a specific date and/or at a specific location. This can be especially important in the event of a recall or to bring together those who have been separated, such as a patient and his or her denture.

Implant – A single or series of prosthetic teeth that are mechanically attached to the patient’s jaw. The Implant is typically screwed into the patient’s jaw bone and the implant abutment is the part to which the dental restoration is attached.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) – Enacted in 1996 to assure individuals’ health information was properly protected.  HIPAA is important because it allows for the smooth flow and exchange of health-related information while maintaining the privacy of patient.

Manufacturer and Brand Names of Dental Prosthetics or Appliances– The names of the manufacturers or companies that make or produce the various components or products used in manufacturing a dental prosthetic or appliance. They may also be identified in greater detail by including their specific group or series.

Mechanical Attachment – A mechanical means of attaching with interlocking components (i.e., matrix/female and patrix/male), a fixed (screwed into place) or removable (clicked into place) dental prosthetic into jaw bone or surrounding permanent teeth

Mouth Guard - A removable dental appliance made of resilient material used to protect natural teeth from injury.

Ownership Identification of Dental Prosthetics or Appliances – Indicates or identifies the individual who owns the dental prosthetic or appliance.

Orthodontic - A removable dental appliance designed to support, align, or correct irregular positioning of natural teeth.

Partial Denture - Anything less than a complete denture that replaces some of the natural teeth (dentition) and surrounding tissue of the upper jaw (maxillary) and/or lower jaw (mandibular) teeth. It can be either removable or fixed. Removable dentures are typically supported by surrounding natural teeth, soft tissue, or both using acrylic resin or metal. Fixed dentures, sometimes called a bridge, are attached to natural teeth with crowns on either side anchoring the bridge.

Patient Denture Identification Agreement – Depending on state denture identification mandates, the patient may have the option to have some type of ownership identification indicated on his or her dental prosthetic. In cases where a patient has a choice, some elect not to have ownership identification indicated as a matter of personal privacy. DPid aims to alleviate that concern by using a HIPAA compliant DPid (Data Matrix) Code. If the patient opts not to have any ownership identification physically located on the dental prosthetic or if the prosthetic is too small, a DPid Identification Card will provide a viable alternative.

Password for Dental Practice or Dental Laboratory – The dental practice or dental laboratory is provided a Business Account password only after subscribing to a monthly or annual agreement. This will allow them access to Tier 1 and Pertinent Health Information for any DPid patient (not just their patients) who is in need of a repair or remanufacture. Please keep in mind that only a participating DPid dental practice or dental laboratory has the ability to search and create reports of its own DPid participating patients.

Password for Patient –The patient is provided a temporary password when agreeing to participate in the DPid program. The patient will be required to change the temporary password to one of his or her choosing when first logging onto Tier 1. Because the patient’s optional Tier 2 information is more sensitive, it requires a higher level of security. When electing to enter information into Tier 2, the patient will need to select and answer three challenge questions from a predetermined list. One of these three challenge questions will need to be answered correctly prior to gaining access to Tier 2 information. Due to the sensitivity of the information, it is recommended that the patient and/or trusted representatives of the patient maintain the confidentiality of the password.

Personal Health Record (PHR) – Similar to Electronic Health Record (EHR), Electronic Patient Record (EPR), and Electronic Medical Record (EMR).  However, each contains somewhat different information with its own specific purpose. Generally they are all created and maintained within an institution such as a hospital, clinic, or physician’s office, to give patients, physicians and other health care providers, and payers or insurers access to patient’s medical records. Although the patient has the ability to enter Pertinent Health Information in their optional Tier 2, the intent is to list only dental health concerns that may impact the patient's well-being with respect to the manufacturing materials or procedure of inserting a dental prosthetic or appliance.  It is NOT intended to contain Personal Health Records (PHR) of the patient that have no impact on the work being done by the dentist or dental laboratory technician. If a patient or a trusted representative of a patient is uncertain about what, if any, Pertinent Health Information needs to be entered in Tier 2, DPid strongly suggests such a patient or representative consult with the dentist

Pertinent Health Information – Dental-related health information that may impact the well-being of the patient with respect to the manufacturing materials or the procedure of inserting a dental prosthetic. Pertinent Health Information may include concerns such as allergies to certain metals or materials used in the manufacturing of a dental prosthetic or appliance, medications that may cause excessive bleeding during a dental procedure involving insertion of a dental prosthetic or appliance, or any other health condition that a dentist or dental laboratory technician, unfamiliar with the patient, may need to know in order to maintain the well-being of the patient.

Pressable Ceramic - A single pressable ceramic tooth (crown) is formed by pressing ceramic material into a mould at a high temperature and is used to cover a modified natural tooth restoring the missing tooth structure.

Read Only Format – Information capable of being displayed and read, but not edited or deleted.

Repair or Remanufacturing of Dental Prosthetics or Appliances – The restoration or reproduction of a dental prosthetic or appliance.

Sleep Apnea Device - Similar to a mouth guard, the custom made device snaps over the upper and lower existing natural teeth or dental arches making it possible for the lower jaw to be moved forward helping to open the breathing airway.

Smart Phone –A mobile phone built on a mobile computing platform with more advanced computing ability and connectivity than a feature phone. A smart phone will typically have a high resolution touch screen and web browser capability with high speed data access via WiFi and mobile broadband.

State Mandates on Denture Identification – A number of states' laws mandate some form of dental prosthetic identification.  Typically, states with such laws require the  patient’s name and/or Social Security Number to be used to identify the prosthetic. Depending on state denture identification mandates, the patient may have the option to have some type of ownership identification indicated on his or her dental prosthetic. In cases where a patient has a choice, some elect not to have ownership identification indicated simply because of personal privacy. DPid aims to alleviate that concern by using a HIPAA compliant DPid (Data Matrix) Code. If the patient opts not to have any ownership identification physically located on his or her dental prosthetic or if the dental prosthetic is too small, the DPid Identification Card will provide a viable alternative.

Temporary Password – Is a password included in each patient’s DPid Information Packet. The patient will be required to change the temporary password to one of his or her choosing when first logging on to Tier 1.

Tier 1 Information – Tier 1 information will typically include the following: patient’s first, middle, and last name; manufacture date of dental prosthetic; manufacturing country of origin of the dental prosthetic; Dental Laboratory business name, address, phone, email, contact person, and if the dental laboratory is CDT (Certified Dental Laboratory Technician on staff), CDL (Certified Dental Laboratory), DAMAS (Dental Appliance Manufacturer’s Audit System) Certified Laboratory, or a State-Registered Dental Laboratory; Dentist business name, address, phone, email, dentist name, and dentist license number; notification that Pertinent Health Information is listed on the optional Tier 2 that may impact the well-being of the patient with respect to the manufacturing materials or the procedure of inserting the dental prosthetic; and all essential data listed on the data listed on the Dental Prosthetic Categories to manufacture, repair, or re-manufacture the dental prosthetic. This information is typically entered by the dental laboratory technician per the dentist’s prescription regarding the manufacturing data of the dental prosthetic or appliance. It is strongly recommended that Tier 1 information be updated every time work is performed on the patient’s dental prosthetic or appliance. Current and accurate information can save time and reduce costs.

Tier 2 Information - Tier 2 information will typically include the following:  patient's date of birth, address, phone, email, and emergency contact information. The primary reason to have Tier 2 information is the notification on Tier 1 that there is Pertinent Health Information that may impact the well-being of the patient with respect to the manufacturing materials or the procedure of inserting a dental prosthetic. Only if Pertinent Health Information is entered in Tier 2 will an icon automatically appear as an alert in Tier 1. If a Pertinent Health Information icon appears in Tier 1, the dentist or dental laboratory technician, after gaining authorized access to the patient’s Tier 1 information, can click on the icon to view the patient’s Pertinent Health Information. The dentist and dental laboratory technician ONLY have viewing access to the Pertinent Health Information and do NOT have access to any other Tier 2 information. Due to the sensitive nature of Tier 2 information, it is optional and requires a higher level of security. It is recommended that patient or trusted representative of the patient take the responsibility to enter and update the information.

Tooth Shade - Is an association  of color between  a prosthetic tooth and a natural tooth.  Depending on the type of prosthetic being manufactured for the patient, a prosthetic tooth can be either selected from a tooth card of replacement teeth (such as for a denture) to a completely custom-designed tooth artistically created (such as for a crown) to closely match the patient's remaining or previous natural teeth. 

Unique Identification – DPid provides unique identification for each one of its registered dental prosthetics or appliances through the unique DPid (Data Matrix) Code and Identification Number. This provides traceability (documentation of country of origin, manufacturing dental laboratory, and prescribing dentist) and transparency (documentation of the quality of materials used in manufacturing) for each device.