Math problems that dentists use?

Question

I have to do this project in school. And i have to find out and write an example of a math problem that a dentist use. if you know any websites that show this please answer me.

Answer 1

Boy, I can't wait to see a good answer for this. I had to take Calculus to get into dental school and 31 years later, I have not had to use it once.

Math... Sometimes I calculate a child's dose for a medication based on his weight.

If the dose for a medication is 250 mg per 70 kg body weight, what would be the proper dose for a 45 pound child?

To get the answer, you have to figure out how many mg per kg, figure out how many pounds per kg and take it from there.

250/70 = about 3.57 mg per kg of body weight

2.2 lb = 1 kg so:

45 lb / 2.2 = 20.45 kg

3.57 mg X 20.45 kg = 73 mg proper dose

Did I do that right or did I kill the kid? Check my math.

Otherwise, we sometimes measure stuff, but that's about all. The orthodontists use various simple math formulas for stuff that I don't know too much about. None of it involves calculus, though.

Answer 2

The only thing that comes to mind is if the dentist has to calculate the right dosage of anesthesia whether local (novacaine/lidocaine) or general anesthesia with nitrous oxide (puts the person to sleep). They might calculate the person's height and weight to get the proper amount.

Please, however, don't Ever inhale any type of gas or solvent including from whipped cream dispensers which is nitrous oxide as dentists have extensive training and are licensed. Other examples of inhalants, or products that kids or teens 'huff' (huffing is another term for inhalant) include glue, paint, gasoline, aerosol spray can, incense and shoe polish. All are poisons when inhaled and can actually eat away at the brain tissue as well as the bone marrow (fatty inner lining of the bones that cushions joints and makes blood cells). A friend has a traumatic brain injury (tbi) and bone marrow damage from huffing at age 12, now in her 30's. The damage is permanent. For more info on the dangers of huffing: National Inhalant Prevention Coalition www.inhalants.org

Answer 3

I work the front desk at a dental office and we use math everyday to calculate how much a patient has to pay after their insurance is billed. However, the dentist doesn't use math.

Answer 4

What? My boss is an oral surgeon. The most math he uses is how many cc for this person's weight and height. Of course he also needs measurements for implants and stuff like that but what on earth type of math problem are you looking for.

Answer 5

I'm a dentist and I've never heard of this, sorry.