Which term describes a step completed in the operatory with the patient?

Which term describes a step completed in the operatory with the patient?

• A. Impression
• B. Final Impression
• C. Model
• D. Operatory Procedure

Answer: (D)

In the dental operatory, the actions performed with the patient present are called operatory procedures. This term serves as the broad category for any treatment step carried out in that room, from examining and cleaning to preparing a tooth or taking an impression. The other terms refer to outputs or specific tasks rather than the act of performing a step in the chair: an impression is a mold taken in the mouth, a final impression is the refined mold used for fabrication, and a model is a cast made from an impression, usually in the lab. So the best fit for a step completed in the operatory with the patient is the operatory procedure.

In the dental operatory, the actions performed with the patient present are called operatory procedures. This term serves as the broad category for any treatment step carried out in that room, from examining and cleaning to preparing a tooth or taking an impression. The other terms refer to outputs or specific tasks rather than the act of performing a step in the chair: an impression is a mold taken in the mouth, a final impression is the refined mold used for fabrication, and a model is a cast made from an impression, usually in the lab. So the best fit for a step completed in the operatory with the patient is the operatory procedure.