DHE 255LC - Dental Hygiene IV Clinical

1. Demonstrate candidate requirements and procedures in preparation for the ADEX clinical examinations.
2. Demonstrate advanced fulcrum techniques, advanced instrumentation, powered instrumentation, techniques for heavy calculus removal, and advanced techniques for root surface debridement at the level of competency for patients in all stages of periodontal disease.
3. Synthesize an individualized dental hygiene treatment plan for the periodontal patient.
4. Demonstrate the use of laser technology at the level of competency.
5. Demonstrate skills for completing patient care in preparation for entry level employment.

1. Demonstrate continued adherence to infection control and standard precautions.
2. Integrate the dental hygiene code of ethics in patient care, maintain accurate patient records, and communicate effectively with peers, medical, and dental professionals.
3. Utilize reinforcement scaling, advanced fulcrum methods, and specialized instruments such as furcation tools and mini-bladed Gracey curettes for thorough periodontal assessments and treatment.
4. Identify and assess advanced periodontal diseases, create tailored care plans, educate patients on their oral health, and conduct post-treatment re-evaluations.
5. Demonstrate proper patient classification using the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) periodontal classifications.
6. Select appropriate ultrasonic inserts and employ effective instrumentation techniques for a wide range of patient care scenarios.
7. Engage in mock exams, simulated patient scenarios, and the Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) to build clinical competence and readiness for real-world dental hygiene practice.
8. Demonstrate ability to provide comprehensive care and time-management skills in preparation for employment.
9. Demonstrate the laser safety precautions and laser use to support nonsurgical periodontal therapy.

1. Maintaining Standard Precautions and Infection Control
   1. Pre and Post Operatory Disinfection and set-up/disposal
   2. Personal Protective Equipment use and maintenance during patient care
   3. Sterilization procedures for instruments and oral care items
2. Applying dental hygiene code of ethics
   1. Patient care
   2. Patient records
   3. Communications with peers, medical and dental professionals
3. Comprehensive Patient Care
   1. Medical history and vitals assessments
   2. Extraoral, intraoral, periodontal, deposit and dental assessments
      1. AAP Periodontal Disease Classification
      2. Occlusal Evaluation
   3. Radiographs
      1. Exposure
      2. Assessment and interpretation
   4. Treatment planning
   5. Patient Education
      1. Plaque control 
      2. Nutrition
      3. Caries risk
      4. Homecare instructions
   6. Appointment planning
   7. Preventative treatments
      1. Sealants
      2. Fluoride
   8. Reevaluation of Treatment and Maintenance
   9. Continuing care determination
4. Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy
   1. Scaling and Root Planning Indications and Limitations
   2. Sonic and Ultrasonic Therapy in Periodontal Services
      1. Insert selection
      2. Instrumentation technique
   3. Hand Instrumentation and fulcruming techniques
      1. Furcation instruments
      2. Mini-bladed Gracey curettes
      3. Rigid Gracey Curettes
      4. Files
   4. Laser use
      1. Safety precautions
      2. Treatment planning
      3. Use to support nonsurgical periodontal therapy
5. Antimicrobials, Antibiotics, and Soft Tissue Dental Lasers in Periodontal Therapy
   1. Arestin
   2. Use of lasers
   3. Safety procedures
   4. Steps for bacterial reduction
6. American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) Preparation
   1. Identifying individual needs
   2. Mock exams
      1. Simulated Patient
      2. Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE)
7. Diverse Patient Care
   1. Offsite Clinical Experiences
8. Preparing for Entry Level Employment
   1. Real World Experiences
9. Successful placement of composite and amalgam restorations into Kilgore tooth