Mar 29, 2024  
2021 - 2022 Catalog 
    
2021 - 2022 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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DH 115 - Clinical Techniques

Credits: 5
Instructional Contact Hours: 9

Presents theory and application of various periodontal instruments, plaque and stain removal and instrument sharpening skills that are necessary for proper use in the dental hygiene diagnostic and therapeutic services. Emphasizes proper documentation of findings.

Prerequisite(s): DH 100 , DH 101  each with a C (2.0) minimum grade and admission to the Dental Hygiene Program.
Corequisite(s): DH 110 , DH 111 , DH 112 , DH 114 , DH 116 , DH 118  
Lecture Hours: 45 Lab Hours: 90
Meets MTA Requirement: None
Pass/NoCredit: No

Outcomes and Objectives  

  1. State the ergonomic positioning of operator (Neutral Seating), patient and equipment utilized during patient treatment to prevent occupational injury based on specified criteria
    1. Explain the uses of a mouth mirror to maintain neutral seated positioning for all treatment areas of the oral cavity
    2. Describe the positioning of the operator in relationship to the patient and area of the oral cavity
    3. Describe the positioning of the patient in relationship to the operator
    4. List conditions that contraindicate patient positioning in a supine position
    5. Describe the position of the overhead light and instrument tray during patient treatment for various areas of the oral cavity
    6. Explain how and when magnification loupes/ancillary lights are beneficial
    7. Discuss risk factors and prevention activities for cumulative trauma
  2. Summarize the principles of instrument design for effective scaling procedures.
    1. Identify each part of a periodontal instrument
    2. Identify each working-end of a periodontal instrument by its design name and number
    3. Discuss how the design features of instrument handles and shanks relate to the instrument's use
    4. Describe the advantages and limitations of the various design features available for instrument handles and shanks
    5. Explain how various handle design characteristics can reduce the pinch force required to grasp the instrument
    6. Identify instruments with a simple and complex shank design
    7. Identify the face, back, lateral surfaces, cutting edges and toe or tip on each working-end
    8. Identify where and how a periodontal instrument may be utilized by evaluating its design features and classification
  3. Summarize the principles of instrumentation to assure calculus removal.
    1. Understand the relationship among correct finger position in the modified pen grasp, the prevention of musculoskeletal problems, and the control of a periodontal instrument during instrumentation
    2. Demonstrate the modified pen grasp of a mouth mirror and periodontal instrument utilizing precise finger placement on the handle of a periodontal instrument
    3. Demonstrate the palm grasp when utilizing an air/water syringe
    4. Recognize incorrect finger position in the modified pen grasp of a mirror and periodontal instrument and describe how to correct the problem
    5. Demonstrate finger rests with the mouth mirror and dominant hand in various areas of the oral cavity
    6. Explain the relationship of how a finger rest prevents injury to the patient and operator
    7. Identify the leading, middle, and heel-third of the working-end of various dental instruments
    8. Utilize the wrist-rocking, digital activation motions and roll the handle to maintain adaptation while maintaining correct grasp and neutral wrist position using various assessment/periodontal instruments in the oral cavity
    9. Explain problems associated with incorrect adaptation during periodontal instrumentation
    10. Describe vertical, oblique, and horizontal instrumentation strokes
    11. Compare and contrast assessment and calculus removal strokes
    12. Describe how to utilize assessment instruments to assess furcation and mucogingival involvement
  4. Discuss the relevant aspects to selective coronal polishing.
    1. Describe the difference between a cleaning agent and a polishing agent
    2. Explain the basis for selection of the grit of polishing paste for each individual patient
    3. Discuss the rationale for avoiding polishing procedures on cementum, dentin, restorations and areas of demineralization
    4. Discuss how to assess an intrinsic vs. extrinsic stain
  5. Discuss the importance of instrument sharpening
    1. Compare and contrast the moving stone/moving instrument sharpening techniques
    2. Compare and contrast the use and various shapes of an Arkansas and Ceramic stone
    3. Explain the proper relationship of the stone to various periodontal instruments when using the moving stone technique
    4. Explain how a plastic test stick is utilized to determine the sharpness of the entire cutting edge
    5. Value sharp instruments and the practice of sharpening at the first sign of dullness or before each use of an instrument
    6. Explain proper infection control procedures for instruments and stones when sharpening
  6. Demonstrate basic professional communication strategies when interacting with patients.
    1. Discuss the ways in which a clinician’s choice of words can facilitate or hinder communication with patients regarding dental hygiene care and periodontal instrumentation
    2. Discuss the terms informed consent, capacity for consent, written consent, and informed refusal as these terms apply to periodontal instrumentation
  7. Demonstrate the principles of comprehensive record keeping
    1. Identify key terms and concepts related to written and computerized dental records and charting
    2. Describe concepts related to ensuring confidentiality and privacy of patient information
    3. Discuss the various components of a patient’s permanent, comprehensive dental record
    4. Explain a systematic method for documenting patient visits
  8. Demonstrate professional communication skills and apply principles of professional and ethical behavior involved in all aspects of patient care.
    1. Formulate a statement when greeting a patient in the reception room
    2. Formulate a Medical History statement to a member of the health care team
    3. Formulate a statement for dismissing the patient to the office professional
  9. Demonstrate ergonomic positioning of the operator and patient for treatment of various areas of the oral cavity.
    1. Demonstrate proficiency in identifying and briefly explaining the function and location of the dental clinic, unit/operatory and chairs according to specified criteria at stated competencies.
    2. Demonstrate proficiency in operator positioning in relationship to a seated/reclined patient according to specified criteria at stated competencies.
    3. Demonstrate proficiency in seating and positioning of a patient in the dental chair according to specified criteria at stated competencies. 
    4. Demonstrate proficiency in positioning of the Bracket Tray/Assistant Control Arm and the dental light in relationship to the patient and operator according to specified criteria at stated competencies
    5. Demonstrate proficiency in dismissal of a patient according to specified criteria at stated competencies
  10. Demonstrate basic principles of instrumentation.
    1. Demonstrate proficiency in engraving of an item or instrument handle according to specified criteria at stated competency.
    2. Demonstrate proficiency in utilization of the mouth mirror in all areas of the dentition according to specified criteria at stated competencies
    3. Demonstrate proficiency in utilization of the probe(s) with mouth mirror on 2 teeth per sextant of the dentition according to specified criteria at stated competencies.
    4. Demonstrate proficiency in utilization of the explorer(s) with mouth mirror on 2 teeth per sextant of the dentition according to specified criteria at stated competencies.
    5. Demonstrate proficiency in utilization of the sickle(s) with mouth mirror on 2 teeth per sextant of the dentition according to specified criteria at stated competencies.
    6. Demonstrate proficiency in utilization of the curet(s) with mouth mirror on 2 teeth per sextant of the dentition according to specified criteria at stated competencies.
    7. Demonstrate utilization of the gracey(s) with mouth mirror on 2 teeth per sextant of the dentition according to specified criteria at stated competencies.
  11. Demonstrate basic selective coronal polishing procedures.
    1. Demonstrate proficiency in motor polishing various areas of the dentition utilizing a selected polishing agent, hand-piece and disposable attachment according to specified criteria at stated competencies.
  12. Demonstrate basic principles of instrument sharpening.
    1. Demonstrate Moving Stone technique of instrument sharpening.
  13. Demonstrate basic principles of comprehensive record keeping
    1. Demonstrate proficiency in documentation of services provided during patient care   



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