DHY 204 Clinical Dental Hygiene IV

This clinical experience course incorporates all previous and current knowledge and techniques learned in related dental hygiene courses into treatment for a full spectrum of patients. The course's seminar emphasizes problem solving and sharing of clinical experiences.

Credits

4

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: DHY 103

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

DHY 204 Clinical Dental Hygiene IV

Campus Location

  • Dover

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: DHY 103

Course Credits and Hours

4 credit(s)

1 lecture hours/week

13 lab hours/week

Course Description

This clinical experience course incorporates all previous and current knowledge and techniques learned in related dental hygiene courses into treatment for a full spectrum of patients. The course's seminar emphasizes problem solving and sharing of clinical experiences.

Additional Materials

Dental Hygiene First and Second Year Student Kit
Dental Hygiene Policy and Procedures Manual
Allied Health/Science Department Program Student Policy Manual

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Demonstrate professional behavior consistent with the values of the dental hygiene profession. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 2, 3, 6)
  2. Employ a safe working environment to protect the dental health team and the patient. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 3, 6)
  3. Evaluate and apply the principles of data collection and patient assessment in patient care delivery. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 3, 4, 5, 6)
  4. Demonstrate the principles of instrumentation in patient care delivery. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7; PGC 1, 3, 4)
  5. Conduct comprehensive dental hygiene treatment for patients from a full spectrum of patient populations exhibiting various states of oral health. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 6)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Demonstrate professional behavior consistent with the values of the dental hygiene profession.
    1. Write a self-evaluation of clinical experiences weekly.
    2. Discuss clinical experiences in a seminar format.
    3. Respond to an ethical dilemma experienced during patient treatment.
    4. Demonstrate effective oral, non-verbal, and written communication in the clinical setting with patients and members of the dental team.
    5. Demonstrate professional behavior patterns that meet employer expectations and professional association guidelines including but not limited to attending, arriving on time and staying until the conclusion of the educational experience, dressing appropriately, preparing adequately, and displaying appropriate interpersonal dynamics and communication skills.
    6. Demonstrate appropriate patient management skills.
    7. Demonstrate a commitment to completing dental hygiene treatment for all patients and continuing their care throughout the clinical course.
  2. Employ a safe working environment to protect the dental health team and the patient.
    1. Apply appropriate infection control protocol during all dental hygiene procedures.
    2. Demonstrate the proper operation and maintenance of dental equipment.
    3. Demonstrate the principles of patient, operator, and light positioning during dental hygiene procedures.
    4. Demonstrate proof of current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
    5. Apply principles of radiation safety.
  3. Evaluate and apply the principles of data collection and patient assessment in patient care delivery.
    1. Construct comprehensive medical history documents based on appropriate follow-up questions and medical references.
    2. Recognize contraindications to and/or the need for modifications to dental hygiene care.
    3. Demonstrate the techniques to determine and record the vital signs of a patient.
    4. Employ the techniques for performing an extraoral and an intraoral examination.
    5. Document clinical findings using appropriate descriptive terminology.
    6. Classify the care level of a patient based on assessment data.
    7. Develop a dental hygiene treatment plan based on patient needs.
    8. Evaluate a patient's periodontal health using the periodontal probe and other diagnostic aids.
    9. Chart periodontal findings on an initial and final periodontal record.
    10. Chart subgingival calculus per discretion of the clinical instructor(s).
    11. Chart caries/ restorative findings using appropriate diagnostic aids.
    12. Assess a patient's oral hygiene through completion of a patient hygiene performance (PHP) index.
    13. Evaluate the patient's general and oral health status at subsequent appointments using the appropriate diagnostic aids.
    14. Prepare all patient records and clinical forms promptly, accurately, and legibly.
    15. Produce diagnostically acceptable radiographs/images, including periapicals, bitewings, and full mouth series, as determined by patient need.
    16. Assess dental radiographs/images in terms of diagnostic quality and findings.
    17. Use intraoral and/or extraoral camera equipment to obtain photographs of oral conditions.
  4. Demonstrate the principles of instrumentation in patient care delivery.
    1. Identify all instruments in the student kit.
    2. Demonstrate the use of examination instruments to assess oral health.
    3. Demonstrate effective removal of dental deposits and stains.
    4. Demonstrate effective periodontal debridement on patients in the Clinical Care Level (CL) Classifications of II, IIP and III/IV.
    5. Demonstrate engine and air powder polishing techniques.
    6. Employ methods to assess sharpness and complete instrument sharpening effectively.
    7. Demonstrate the use of the ultrasonic scaler (piezo/cavitron) as determined by patient need.
    8. Prepare the appropriate armamentarium for the delivery of local anesthesia by the dentist.
  5. Conduct comprehensive dental hygiene treatment for patients from a full spectrum of patient populations exhibiting various states of oral health.
    1. Conduct dental hygiene treatment on patients from a full spectrum of populations, including a minimum of one each: child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric.
    2. Demonstrate appropriate clinical management skills.
    3. Conduct dental hygiene treatment on patients with varying degrees of difficulty including Clinical Care Level Classifications of I, II, IIP and III or IV.
    4. Conduct all dental hygiene treatment planned for a minimum of three periodontally involved patients, one of which is Clinical Care Level Classification of III or IV.
    5. Conduct education regarding oral physiotherapy and other preventive measures for various patient populations.
    6. Demonstrate the procedures for applying professional topical fluorides.
    7. Apply pit and fissure sealants.
    8. Demonstrate the techniques for taking alginate impressions and pouring working models.
    9. Demonstrate the procedures for fabricating mouthguards or fluoride trays.
    10. Demonstrate professional methods for cleaning removable prosthetic appliances.
    11. Demonstrate professional methods for desensitizing teeth.
    12. Use the appropriate antimicrobial agent for subgingival oral irrigation.
    13. Demonstrate the techniques for application of topical anesthetics.
    14. Examine patients at continuing care visits to determine the success of previous procedures completed and patient behavior modification.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

  1. Collect and analyze baseline data in a critical and scientific manner regarding the patient's health status to determine dental hygiene treatment needs.
  2. Utilizing professional communication skills and behaviors, initiate and responsibly advocate health care promotion and disease prevention for diverse populations.
  3. Provide dental hygiene care in a safe manner.
  4. Utilizing self-assessment skills, evaluate clinical performance and the effectiveness of dental hygiene treatment.
  5. Accurately document information related to dental hygiene care through proper record keeping.
  6. Recognize and manage the professional and ethical issues of dental hygiene practice in a dynamic environment.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.