Provides an orientation to dental hygiene practice. Focuses on the assessment techniques of the dental hygiene process of care model. Introduces infectious diseases important to dentistry, hazardous materials management, waste management, and rules of regulatory agencies (DCCA, OSHA, CDC and ADA). Teaches disinfection, instrument decontamination, sterilization procedures, tray set-up preparation and protocols, and emergency procedures for hazardous and biohazardous waste and materials. Focuses on dental hygiene assessment procedures including: review of health/dental history, vital signs, extra/intraoral examination, assessment of the dentition, and comprehensive periodontal examination. Discusses rationale for collection of assessment data and associated clinical procedures. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
Admission to Dental Hygiene program.