A+ 2026/2027
Week 1 Learning Objectives
Scope of Dental Hygiene Practice
Definition of the scope of dental hygiene practice
Includes preventive measures, treatment of early disease, and methods for replacing lost tissues
Involves primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention
Clinical Services and Prevention Levels
Primary Prevention: Measures to prevent disease or injury before it occurs
Examples: oral evaluation, dental prophylaxis, fluoride application, health education
Secondary Prevention: Treatment of early disease to prevent further progression
Examples: dental restorations, periodontal debridement, fluoride use
Tertiary Prevention: Methods to replace lost tissues and rehabilitate the oral cavity
Examples: prosthodontics, implants, oral maxillofacial surgery
Supervision Types
General Supervision: Dentist authorizes procedures but does not need to be present
Direct Supervision: Dentist must be present in the office during dental care
Dental Hygiene Process of Care
ADPIED: Assess, diagnose, plan, implement, evaluate, document
ADPIED is a structured approach used in healthcare to ensure thorough patient care. It involves
assessing the patient's condition, diagnosing the issue, creating a plan for treatment, implementing that
plan, evaluating the results, and documenting all the steps taken.
Each stage involves specific actions like data collection, treatment planning, and evaluation
Documentation is crucial for tracking patient progress and treatment outcomes
Legal, Ethical, and Personal Factors
, Ethical Dilemma vs Ethical Issue: Dilemmas involve morally correct choices, while issues are more
defined
Understanding and navigating legal, ethical, and personal factors is essential in dental hygiene practice
Week 2 Learning Objectives
Effective Health Communication
Verbal and nonverbal communication play vital roles in effective health communication
Health literacy and cultural considerations are important for clear communication
Building rapport with patients of different age groups and cultural backgrounds
Communication Strategies and Questioning Techniques
Health communication skills include expertise, relationship building, and motivational interviewing
Using plain language and culturally appropriate information enhances communication effectiveness
Open-ended questions and reflective listening aid in gathering accurate patient information
Building Rapport and Trust
Importance of building rapport with patients for trust and effective care
Rapport building techniques for different age groups like infants, adolescents, and cultural
considerations
Cultural competence in oral care to respect patients' beliefs and values
Week 3 Learning Objectives
The periodontium refers to the supporting structures of the teeth, consisting of the gingiva, periodontal
ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone. The gingiva is the soft tissue surrounding the teeth, while the
periodontal ligament is a fibrous tissue that connects the tooth root to the surrounding bone.
Cementum covers the tooth root and helps anchor it to the periodontal ligament. Finally, the alveolar
bone forms the sockets in which the teeth are held in place within the jawbone.
Understanding the key terms and structures of the periodontium
Functions of gingiva, cementum, PDL, and alveolar bone in supporting the tooth
Clinical features and examination of periodontal tissues for comprehensive assessment
Periodontal Examination
Importance of periodontal examination for oral care planning