Attrition
Attrition is the natural wearing down of teeth that happens over time through normal use or habits. It's different from tooth decay or cavities because it's physical wearing rather than disease. In dental jobs, professionals need to understand attrition to help prevent it, treat its effects, and educate patients about proper dental care. This term often appears alongside other dental conditions like erosion or abrasion. When you see this term in resumes or job descriptions, it usually relates to a dental professional's experience in diagnosing, treating, or preventing tooth wear.
Examples in Resumes
Developed treatment plans for patients with severe Attrition and wear patterns
Conducted patient education sessions about Tooth Attrition prevention and management
Specialized in treating age-related Dental Attrition cases
Typical job title: "Dental Professionals"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Dental Professionals
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you approach complex cases of severe dental attrition in elderly patients?
Expected Answer: A senior dentist should discuss comprehensive treatment planning, considering factors like age, overall oral health, and patient's lifestyle. They should mention various treatment options from conservative approaches to full mouth rehabilitation when necessary.
Q: What strategies have you implemented in your practice to prevent attrition-related problems?
Expected Answer: Should explain patient education programs, early intervention techniques, and preventive measures like night guards. Should also discuss how they train staff to identify early signs of attrition.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you differentiate between attrition and other forms of tooth wear?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the differences between attrition (wear from tooth-to-tooth contact), erosion (chemical wear), and abrasion (wear from external forces), with examples of each.
Q: What treatment options would you recommend for mild to moderate attrition?
Expected Answer: Should discuss various treatment approaches like protective night guards, direct bonding, or crowns, and explain when each option is most appropriate.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic signs of dental attrition?
Expected Answer: Should identify basic signs like flattened teeth, shortened teeth, or sharp edges on teeth, and demonstrate understanding of when to refer to senior staff.
Q: How would you explain attrition to a patient?
Expected Answer: Should show ability to communicate clearly with patients about what attrition is, its causes, and basic preventive measures, using simple, non-technical language.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic identification of attrition signs
- Patient education on prevention
- Documentation of wear patterns
- Preventive care recommendations
Mid (2-5 years)
- Treatment planning for mild cases
- Night guard fitting and adjustments
- Patient case management
- Differential diagnosis of wear patterns
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex case management
- Full mouth rehabilitation planning
- Team training and supervision
- Advanced treatment techniques
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to distinguish between different types of tooth wear
- Lack of preventive care knowledge
- Poor patient communication skills
- No experience with treatment planning
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