Rubber Dam
A thin sheet of latex or non-latex material stretched across the operative field to isolate one or more teeth from the oral environment during dental procedures.
Full Definition
A rubber dam (also referred to as a dental dam) is an isolation device used primarily in endodontic treatment and restorative dentistry to maintain a dry operative field, prevent contamination, and reduce the risk of ingestion or aspiration of instruments or materials. Editors should note that 'rubber dam' is written as two words without a hyphen in most professional and regulatory documents. The term 'dental dam' may appear in patient-facing materials but is also used in sexual health contexts, so editors must be vigilant about document audience. In clinical records, its use (or non-use) is often specifically noted due to clinical governance and medico-legal significance.
Usage
Usage note: Two words, no hyphen. Do not substitute 'dental dam' in clinical records without confirming the document audience, given the term's dual usage.
In Context
- "Rubber dam was placed on UR5 prior to root canal instrumentation in accordance with current ESE guidelines." — Clinical notes
- "The operative report should note whether rubber dam isolation was achieved or whether an alternative method was used." — Quality assurance review