COURSE DESCRIPTION

Introduces clinical knowledge and skills for the performance of dental hygiene services that include basic skill components, lab manikins, and patient practice. Lecture 3 hours. Clinic 6 hours. Total 9 hours per week.

GENERAL COURSE PURPOSE

An introduction course to prepare the dental hygiene student with the basic knowledge and skills to perform clinical skills required preparatory to performing the oral prophylaxis and other dental hygiene services rendered to patients.

ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCIES

Acceptance to the dental hygiene program.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Specific objectives for each classroom preparation will be presented prior to each lecture period. General course objectives are as follows:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. identify the parts and operation of the dental chair, light, and use of water and air
2. systematically and thoroughly clean and maintain the dental unit and equipment on a regular basis
3. define terminology and discuss the principles of sterilization and the control of disease transmission during dental procedures including rationale and methods of control
4. display methods of hand washing, disinfection and instrument handling to insure the prevention of disease transmission
5. demonstrate an understanding of the sterile technique and maintenance of the sterile chain during clinical procedure
6. take the necessary precautions to prevent transmission of disease when operator or patient present significant medical history
7. utilize the correct principles of patient and operator positioning to insure comfort and accessibility in performing intra-oral procedures
8. interpret and utilize information from the medical/dental history in the provision of total patient care
9. demonstrate the correct instrument grasp, finger rests and use of the mouth mirror
10. demonstrate the effective use of light and air
11. discuss the overall, extra-oral and intra-oral appraisal of the patient and the significance of this information to dental hygiene procedures and the health of the patient
12. systematically perform the complete extra and intra-oral examination
13. identify any structural and functional deviations from normal observed during theoral examination which may alter dental hygiene procedures
14. discuss the design and demonstrate the correct use of the mouth mirror, explorerand periodontal probe
15. describe and differentiate curet and sickle scalers in terms of blade design, precautions, principles of instrumentation and versatility of use
16. identify and discuss the variety of dental deposits, accretions and stains, their characteristics, composition, possible etiology, clinical significance and methods of removal
17. perform clinical procedures without traumatizing hard and soft tissues
18. discuss the criteria for selection, uses, design and techniques for all instruments; mouth mirror, explorers, probe, curets and sickles
19. describe and discuss the curet as the instrument of choice for scaling in terms of blade design, precautions, principles of instrumentation and versatility of use
20. demonstrate proper care, maintenance and use of the dental unit, handpiece, prophylaxis angle and equipment used in the dental clinic
21. demonstrate correct patient and operator positioning, light and air and a dry field of operation for maximum visibility and efficiency during scaling and polishing procedures
22. utilize the correct grasp, fulcrum, stroke, pressure, duration and speed during scaling and polishing procedures
23. follow a systematic sequence during scaling and polishing procedures
24. perform clinical procedures without traumatizing hard and soft tissues
25. utilize proper symbols to record the existing conditions of the human dentition
26. explain the benefits of fluoride on the teeth through topical administration
27. discuss the concept of fluoride incorporation into the tooth surface during application
28. demonstrate the correct techniques for the topical application of fluoride utilizing cotton roll holders, ion fluoridators and custom trays with either a gel or solution fluoride preparation
29. demonstrate the understanding of the indications and contraindications for the different fluoride preparations
30. discuss the types and use of disclosing agents.