Water purification is one of the many basic advantages of living in an advanced culture. In the 20th century, many governments decided to start supplementing the drinking water they provide with fluorides in order to control tooth decay among the general population. The decision on whether to implement fluoridation in major cities in the United States is left up to the local government. However, there are very few municipal water treatment plants that do not practice fluoridation, and every major city in the country has opted in. About 67% of all Americans receive fluoridated water from their tap.

Despite its focus on the well being of the general population, many people are opposed to the fluoridation of water by the government. They cite lack in substantial research, cost effectiveness, supposed health risks, and an unwillingness to submit to mass medication as reasons to oppose the additives. Some developed countries have abandoned the practice.

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Dental assistants are required to help the dentist in various kinds of tasks like taking care of patients, official tasks and laboratory jobs. However, they are forbidden to perform the licensed tasks performed by the dental hygienists. Dental assistants help the dentists in their work. Their work is to make the patients comfortable during the treatment and organize their dental reports and records.

Dental Assistants stand along with the dentist and help him during the treatments by handing him the required tools and equipments. They are required to thoroughly clean the instruments and equipments, assemble the instruments on tray for the treatments and advise the patients regarding the precautions to be taken after the dental treatment. Many dental assistants perform the task of preparing lotions and the material for creating impressions, conduct the necessary dental tests and deal with the collected x ray films as advised by the dentist. They cut stitches or sutures as well. They are also required to apply disinfectants and give anesthetic injections on the affected area for the treatment. They clean the extra amount of filling material used during the process of filling. If required, they also fix rubber clips to mark out the infected teeth for separate treatment.

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Filed under: Dental Assistant