Health / Dentistry Glossary

American Medical Association (AMA): A professional association of physicians dedicated to promoting the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health.

Ancillary Care: Diagnostic and/or supportive services such as radiology, physical therapy, pharmacy or laboratory work.

Anesthetic: A class of drugs that eliminates or reduces pain. See local anesthetic.

Anniversary Date: The day after a coverage period ends under a health benefits plan. Usually, the month and day that a health benefits plan first goes into effect becomes its anniversary date each year.

Annual Out-Of-Pocket Maximum: The most a plan member will pay per year for covered health expenses before the plan pays 100% of covered health expenses for the rest of that year.

Anterior: Refers to the teeth and tissues located towards the front of the mouth (upper or lower incisors and canines).

Any Occupation: Under this definition, an employee will be considered disabled only if s/he is unable to work in any occupation for which s/he is qualified by education, training, or experience. This is clo . . . View Full Definition

Apex: The tip or end of the root of the tooth.

Apicoectomy: The amputation of the apex of a tooth.

Appeals: A process available to the patient, their family member, treating provider or authorized representative to request reconsideration of a previous adverse determination.

Asepsis: Prevention from contact with micro-organisms. The state of the surgical field desirable for implant surgery.

Assignment Of Benefits: When a covered person authorizes his or her health benefits plan to directly pay a health care provider for covered services. Traditional health insurance pays benefits directly to the cover . . . View Full Definition

Attached Gingiva: The portion of the gingiva extending from the marginal gingiva to the alveolar mucosa. The attached gingiva is fairly dense and tightly bound down to the underlying periosteum, tooth, and bone.

Attachment: A mechanical device for the fixation, retention and stabilization of a dental prosthesis.

Augmentation: The placement of autogenous or alloplastic materials to correct bony insufficiencies.

Autograft: A graft taken from one part of the patient's body and transplanted to another part.

Behavioral Care Services: Assessment and therapeutic services used in the treatment of mental health and substance abuse problems.

Beneficiary: A person who is eligible to receive benefits under a health benefits plan. Sometimes 'beneficiary' is used for eligible dependents enrolled under a benefits plan: 'beneficiary' can also be u . . . View Full Definition

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