Mar 28, 2024  
Spring 2019 Catalog 
    
Spring 2019 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

DH 175 - Oral Health Services III


Credit Hours: 3

Practical experience will be gained in applying the dental hygiene process of care during the treatment and management of dental hygiene patients and will include assessment, planning, implementation, self-assessment and critical thinking for the evaluation of patient care.  Experiences will include taking and interpreting digital dental radiographs, application of topical fluorides and varnishes, use of topical anesthetic agents, patient education, instrument sharpening, care of removable dental appliances and the application of sealant materials to prevent tooth decay.  Practical exercises in the management of medical emergencies will be conducted.  Current infection control and patient confidentiality procedures will be followed.  Students must recruit patients for treatment.  An introduction to Interprofessional Education is included.  Minimum passing grade is “C-” plus completion of specific clinical requirements. 

Course Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • apply principles of professional, legal and ethical conduct, along with effective professional communication skills in all interactions with patients, peers, and other health care professionals;
  • apply medicolegal principles to the systematic collection, analysis and accurate recording of general, personal and oral health status of patients;
  • compose a planned sequence of care based on the dental hygiene diagnosis by identifying oral conditions, potential problems, etiologic and risk factors, and available treatment modalities;
  • analyze assessment data to implement a basic individualized patient education program;
  • choose appropriate preventive and therapeutic treatment procedures to promote and maintain oral health;
  • evaluate the effectiveness of planned clinical and educational services and modify as necessary;
  • apply evidence-based decision-making knowledge when providing dental hygiene services;
  • demonstrate skills for comprehensive patient care to include the placement of sealants; and
  • exhibit understanding and application of self-assessment and critical thinking. 


Prerequisites: All required second semester courses in the Dental Hygiene curriculum must be passed.
Corequisites: Current BLS certification.
SS (N)

Withdrawal from or failure of a required course prevents further progression in the curriculum. General education courses may be taken earlier than indicated but may not be taken later than the prescribed schedule.