Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program.  This course introduces students to the history, philosophy and practical application of dental hygiene services in preparation for participation in dental hygiene clinics.  Students will learn basic themes, concepts, issues and skills needed to pursue a career in dental hygiene.  Material learned in this course precedes and correlates with beginning clinical skill activities in co-requisiite DH 104, Dental Hygiene Practice I.
 

Apply basic principles of dental hygiene treatment by performing dental hygiene services at an introductory level on manikins and student partners in preparation for provision of client care.

Access and research learning resources for subsequent program course work and in preparation for Dental Hygiene National Board Examination.

1. Weekly journal reflections

2. Weekly quizzes

3. Critique of ergonomics videotaping

4. Research and presentation on a dental-related internet web site

5. Research and presentation on a dental related topic

6. Dental Practice Software Assignments

7. Completion of Online Continuing Education Courses

8. Attendance at professional association meetings

9. Class Attendance

10. Final comprehensive exam 

Themes:

• Role of the dental hygienist as member of a team.

• Evolution of the profession

• The dental hygiene process of care.

Concepts:

• Professionalism

• Patient Assessment

• Dental hygiene care plan

• Deposit removal

• Fluorides

• Continuing care

• Documentation

• PCC Clinic Protocols

• Basic medical emergency procedures

Issues:

• Prevention of job related injuries

• Bloodborne pathogen safety

SKILL COMPETENCIES:

1. Follow standard precautions and hazardous materials guidelines in the dental hygiene clinical areas.

2. Complete basic patient assessment procedures.

3. Design DH care plans to meet individual patient needs

4. Perform dental hygiene procedures on dental manikins and student partners.

5. Answer basic questions concerning patient education preventive measures.

6. Design appropriate continuing care intervals for individual patients

7. Record documentation in patient charts accurately.

8. Use ergonomically correct positioning and treatment techniques..

9. Use the dental hygiene process of care while performing dental hygiene services.

10. Use inquiry and listening skills when communicating.

11. Work collaboratively as a dental team member.

12. Manage time efficiently.

13. Use critical thinking and decision making skills.

14. Access and research professional information sources.