Accession

Accession, in the context of dental treatment, refers to the process of acquiring and cataloging new dental specimens or materials into a dental collection or inventory. This process is crucial for maintaining comprehensive records, ensuring proper storage and preservation, and facilitating future research and education.

When a dental practice or laboratory acquires a new dental specimen or material, such as a tooth, dental implant, or restorative material, the accession process begins. This typically involves several steps:

• Identification: The first step is to accurately identify the specimen or material. This may include documenting the type of tooth, the location within the mouth, the condition of the tooth or material, and any relevant patient information (if applicable).
• Cataloging: Once the specimen or material is identified, it is assigned a unique accession number or code. This number serves as a unique identifier, allowing the item to be easily tracked and referenced within the dental collection or inventory.
• Documentation: Detailed records are created for each accessioned item. This documentation may include information such as the date of acquisition, the source (e.g., a patient, a dental supply company, or another dental practice), a description of the item, and any relevant clinical or historical information.
• Storage: The accessioned item is then carefully stored in a designated, appropriate manner to ensure its preservation. This may involve storing teeth in a secure, climate-controlled environment, or housing other dental materials in dedicated storage containers or cabinets.
• Accessibility: The dental collection or inventory is typically organized in a way that allows for easy retrieval and access to the accessioned items. This may involve the use of digital databases, physical filing systems, or a combination of both.
   

The importance of the accession process in dental treatment cannot be overstated. Properly accessioned and maintained dental specimens and materials serve various purposes:

• Research and Education: Accessioned dental specimens and materials can be invaluable resources for researchers and educators in the field of dentistry. They can be used to study the anatomy, pathology, and treatment of dental conditions, as well as to develop and test new dental materials and techniques.
• Quality Assurance: The accession process helps dental professionals ensure the quality and integrity of the materials they use in patient care. By maintaining detailed records of the source, composition, and performance of these materials, dentists can make informed decisions about their use and identify any potential issues or defects.
• Forensic Analysis: In cases of legal or criminal investigations, accessioned dental specimens may be crucial for identification purposes or for analyzing dental evidence.
• Historical Preservation: Dental collections and inventories can also serve as important historical archives, providing insights into the evolution of dental practices, materials, and techniques over time.

D0472

Dental Code D0472: Accession of tissue, gross examination, preparation and transmission of written report

D0473

Dental Code D0473: Accession of tissue, gross and microscopic examination, preparation and transmission of written report

D0474

Dental Code D0474: Accession of tissue, gross and microscopic examination, including assessment of surgical margins for presence of disease, preparation and transmission of written report

D0480

Dental Code D0480: Accession of exfoliative cytologic smears, microscopic examination, preparation and transmission of written report

D0486

Dental Code D0486: Laboratory accession of transepithelial cytologic sample, microscopic examination, preparation and transmission of written report