Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice 4th Ed. Chapter 1

Dental Hygiene - The science and practice of preventative oral healthcare, including the management of behaviors to prevent oral disease and to promote health. Dental Hygienists - licensed preventative oral health professionals who have graduated from accredited dental hygiene programs in institutions of higher education. Dental hygienists provide education, clinical services, and consultation to individuals and populations of all ages in many settings and capacities. Dental Hygiene Process of Care - a systematic approach to dental hygiene care that involves six key behaviors or steps, including the following: Assessment Diagnosis Planning Implementation Evaluation Documentation Assessment - They systematic collection of data to identify oral and general health status based on client problems, needs, and strengths Diagnosis - The use of critical decision-making skills to reach conclusions about the client's dental hygiene needs based on all available assessment data and evidence in the literature / uses critical analysis of all assessment findings to identify existing or potential client needs and oral health problems