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 and evaluation of treatment. 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. Minimum passing grade is “C-” plus completion of specific clinical requirements.

Course Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to demonstrate competency in the following areas:

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;
establishe 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;
utilize assessment data to implement a basic, individualized patient education program;
provide preventive and therapeutic treatment as well as pain and anxiety management techniques and maintain oral health;
evaluate the effectiveness of planned clinical and educational services and modify as necessary;
apply problem-solving skills when providing dental hygiene services; and
demonstrate skills for comprehensive patient care to include the proper use of the ultrasonic instrumentation and placement of sealants.

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