DH 100 - Dental Hygiene Profession

Credits: 1

Provides overview of the Dental Hygiene Profession including the history and organizational structure of the American Dental Hygiene Association, and the ethical/legal aspects of the profession. Required dental office observation required.

Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Lecture Hours: 15 Lab Hours: 0
Meets MTA Requirement: None
Pass/NoCredit: No

Outcomes and Objectives 1. Gain an understanding of being a licensed professional and member of the dental health team.

A. Define terms related to the Dental Hygiene profession and treatment.

B. Discuss the role of a dental hygienist in dental hygiene care.

C. List and explain the 3 types of service in planning dental hygiene care.

D. Explain how the three main factors influence Clinical Dental Hygiene Practice.

E. List the main goal of a dental hygienist with respect to patients.

F. List a number of objectives related to clinical practice with respect to patients.

Outcome 2: Gain an understanding and appreciation of the history and growth of the Dental Hygiene profession.

A. Identify the different stages of beliefs, problems, and treatments that appeared through the history of dentistry.

B. List important historical dental profession dates.

C. Identify the important articles and authors who began writing about prevention and dental hygiene.

D. List the persons involved with the formation of the idea of a “dental hygienist” and their idea of what a hygienist should be.

E. Identify the “Father of Dental Hygiene”.

F. List the “Father of ” given throughout history.

G. Relate the education that the first dental hygiene class experienced to the current DH programs.

H. Explain the development of licensing through history.

I. List the persons and explain their suggestions or actions in licensing a dental hygienist.

J. Define the methods currently used to evaluate a candidate for licensure to practice dental hygiene.

K. List who grants licensure.

3. Understand the structure and importance of being an active member of the A.D.H.A.

A. List the persons involved in the formation of the first constituent and the national organization.

B. Explain the purpose and goals of ADHA, including the main objective of A.D.H.A.

C. Define what a component, constituent, and district societies/association encompass.

D. Explain the purpose of the Board of Trustees and of the House of Delegates on the national level. List how the members are selected for
each.

E. Explain the organization of the national level including foundation, councils and committees.

F. List examples of the officers of association; note whether they are elected or appointed.

G. List and state the criteria for the different types of memberships in A.D.H.A.

H. Explain what benefits you can derive from A.D.H.A. and discuss the importance and responsibility of being an active member.

4. Incorporate and utilize ethical decision making into their choices of behavior.

A. Define ethics and ethical reasoning.

B. Describe three major ethical theories.

C. Explain the seven core values governing professional behavior.

D. Describe the three parameters we consider when making a decision.

E. Explain the current ADHA Code of Ethics.

F. List and explain the responsibilities a Dental Hygienist is accountable for to promote her/his professionalism.

5. Understand and support the professional duties and legal responsibilities of the dental health team.

A. Define legal terms that regulate the dental profession.

B. Describe the two types of torts.

C. Explain the general duties of the doctor to the patient.

D. Explain the general duties of the patient to the doctor.

E. List and explain two essentials elements to prove good dental practice.

F. State the purpose of a hygienist carrying liability insurance.

G. Differentiate between assignment, general, indirect and direct supervision.

H. List and explain methods of defense against malpractice.

I. Define terms related tor professional negligence.

J. Distinguish between criminal law, administrative and civil law.

K. Contrast between a DA, RDA, RDH certified as an RDA, and RDH, and their respective functions according to the State of Michigan Board
of Dentistry.

L. Define the purpose of continuing education; compare voluntary and mandatory continuing education as criteria for license renewal or
membership in professional associations.

M. Define Federal and State Dental Laws

N. Define HIPAA and what it regulates

O. Identify parameters of the Patient Bill of Rights

P. List protective laws for Employers and Employees.

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