2021-2022 Pierce College Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Pierce College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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DHYG 301 Fundamentals of Dental Hygiene Practice I (5 credits)



Prerequisite Current enrollment in the Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene program.

Course Description
The first in a series of seven linked courses to develop introductory dental hygiene clinical skills required for the safe and effective practice of dental hygiene. This course applies knowledge in dental hygiene theory and science from DHYG 310. Collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data using American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines.

Student Outcomes
1. In a pre-clinic setting using current evidence-based dental hygiene theory and science, accurately and consistently:
a. recognize, describe and demonstrate the principles of proper body mechanics related to patient and operator positioning.
b. describe and demonstrate the basic principles of dental instrumentation to include grasp, fulcrum, instrument design and identification, adaptation, initiation of motion, proper use, care and storage.
c. describe and demonstrate the use of the dental air and water tip, high and low velocity suction, mirror, probe, explorer, sickle scalers and universal curettes.
d. using correct terminology and evidence-based research, explain the rational and purpose for each of the following dental hygiene skills: comprehensive health history ( including a social, medical, medication and dental history), extra-oral examination, intra-oral examination, periodontal risk assessment and tooth charting. Include any alterations to care.
e. interpret a comprehensive health history, including a social, medical, medication, and dental history, and identify any alterations to care based on the interpretation.
f. identify when additional information is needed to a complete a comprehensive interpretation of the patient’s health and treatment and seek assistance from your professor(s) to ensure quality patient care.
g. describe the parameters and techniques for patient vital signs, identify normal and abnormal values for these signs, and demonstrate the correct techniques for pulse rate, respiration rate and blood pressure readings.
h. explain and recognize the difference between “normal” and “abnormal” extra-oral and intra-oral findings for a patient examination and periodontal assessment, discuss the relevance of these findings to patient health and care.
i. using diagrams, models or patients, consistently locate and identify all physical structures associated with general patient survey, taking vital signs, extra-oral, intra-oral, and periodontal assessment examination, explain the relevance of these structures to patient assessment and care.
j. using diagrams, models or patients, consistently describe and identify variations in occlusion classification to include Angle’s classification of occlusion.
k. demonstrate ethical and professional behaviors consistent with a dental hygiene professional, and in compliance with the policies and procedures detailed in the Pierce College Student Handbook, the Pierce College Dental Hygiene Student Handbook and accompanying Clinic Policies, and the American Dental Hygiene Associations’ Code of Ethics.
l. demonstrate thorough and legal chart entries for clinical practice using accurate format, sequence, order, terminology, spelling and findings.
m. using any oral healthcare equipment or instrument, demonstrate evidence-based theory and science of infection and exposure control for location/setting.
n. demonstrate and apply proper care and maintenance of the dental unit and related equipment.
o. using diagrams, models or patients, consistently analyze and interpret the sequence of human development related to occlusion in both the pedodontic and adult dentition, including variations for tooth eruption, potential problems with the eruption of the permanent dentition, and eruption factors.
p. identify, organize and format relevant clinical reference materials for chairside use that support patient assessment procedures and application of departmental policies and procedures. As applicable, add to your ePortfolio.

2. Consistently and accurately demonstrate professionalism and communication skills using correct terminology and vocabulary necessary to discuss the oral health treatment plan and procedures with patients, peers, and other health care professionals and health care teams to foster wellness and healthy behaviors
3. Consistently and accurately self-assess your application of dental hygiene theory and techniques in patient assessment, dental hygiene diagnosis, treatment planning, radiology, treatment documentation and dental hygiene skills to develop the ability to assess yourself, and if applicable, your healthcare team to confirm and verify quality patient care. (Quality patient care parameters will vary from patient to patient.)



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