Medical Terms

C.R.N.P.

A C.R.N.P, Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner assesses a patient’s health status by attaining health histories, performing physical exams and ordering and interpreting diagnostic testes. The nurse practitioner practices medicine under the supervision of a physician and consults with the physician to establish a healthcare plan.

Expanded Function Dental
Assistant (EFDA)

An Expanded Function Dental Assistant is trained to perform chair side assistant duties in all phases of restorative, surgical, endodontic, prosthodontic, and periodontal treatment as provided in general dentistry. Some of the additional duties include the making of temporary bridges and crowns, removal of sutures, performing light curettage and cavitron debridgement, and applying topical fluoride.

An Expanded Function Dental Assistant program is 2 years long, including 3 clinical internships. After learning the skills of an expanded function dental assistant, students receive intensive training in placing, contouring and finishing amalgam and composite restorations. They also learn how to place and remove rubber dams.

Family Medicine Doctor

A family medicine doctor takes care of any and every illness. His or her training includes experiences in surgery, gynecology, internal medicine, pediatrics, and more.

Osteopathic Physicians

Osteopathic physicians use all conventional methods of diagnosis and treatment but are trained to place additional emphasis on the achievement of normal body mechanics as central to maintaining good health.

What Is OMT?

Osteopathic manipulative treatment, or OMT, is hands-on care. It involves using the hands to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. Using OMT, your osteopathic physician (D.O.) will move your muscles and joints using techniques including stretching, gentle pressure and resistance.

Physician Assistant (PA)

A physician assistant (PA) is a health care professional licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision and is trained to do many tasks that physicians usually do. As part of their responsibilities, PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, and in Pennsylvania can write prescriptions. PAs must complete an accredited, formal education program and pass a certifying exam. Those PAs who pass the exam may use the credential “PA-C.”