In this course, students continue to practice and further refine their dental hygiene skills. Students further their experience in treatment of the periodontally involved patient. Students refine techniques for treatment planning for root planing, and non-surgical periodontal treatment. Utilization of radiographs, local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation in patient care is further developed. Students integrate knowledge and skills developed in all previous course work to date. Students begin extramural rotations into the local community with faculty supervision. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Course Outcomes
- Exhibit professionalism through personal appearance, attitude, and conduct appropriate for the humanistic learning environment and delivery of ethical dental hygiene care.
- Employ knowledgeable professional and culturally sensitive communication skills that apply health equity concepts.
- Demonstrate continued competence in the use of infection control, sterilization, & exposure control procedures.
- Present a summary of the patient's complete assessment including all aspects of their history and charting particularly for patients with complex medical considerations.
- Develop and present comprehensive DH treatment plans for the delivery of dental hygiene therapy to adult periodontally involved and geriatric patients.
- Perform competency evaluations, utilizing patient-centered communication and clinical techniques while delivering dental hygiene treatment for clinic patients.
- Demonstrate proficiency with periodontal therapy instrumentation techniques.
- Interpret radiographs, recognizing normal and abnormal conditions of the oral cavity and anatomy in radiographs.
- Evaluate the patient response, prognosis, and re-evaluation/recare plan.
- Assess the patient for pain control procedures and utilize local anesthesia and/or nitrous oxide appropriately considering patient-centered care and safety.
- Identify and manage potential complications resulting from patient treatment.
- Integrate and correlate the basic behavioral and dental sciences learned to date as they apply to the care of the dental hygiene patient.
- Present written reflections and observations regarding DH care provided in the clinic and a variety of service-learning rotations.