Clinical Dental Hygiene Lab (DEHL)

This is the first of four clinical dental hygiene courses. Students begin patient care on relatively non-complex patients in a closely monitored clinical environment. They apply clinic policies, safety practices, assessment procedures, radiographic techniques, instrumentation, stain removal and the application of fluorides learned in pre-clinical courses to create individualized care plans. New skills or more advanced techniques are attained in patient education, treatment planning, root detoxification, periodontal assessment and recording, instrument sharpening, debridement techniques inclusive of cleaning dental prosthesis, stain removal and application of preventive adjunctive products.

This course provides continuing clinical practice and mastery of basic patient assessment and education, instrumentation, radiographic techniques, and customized treatment specific to individual patient care. Students are introduced to adjunctive techniques utilizing ultrasonic scaling devices and air-powder polishers.

This lab expands and applies information learned in DEH 2300. Critical thinking is developed with consideration for pharmacologic aspects of patient treatment and care planning. Safe dental hygiene practice is emphasized. This course provides student opportunities to practice pharmacologic procedures and pain control practices in a laboratory and pre-clinical setting. Local anesthesia administration and nitrous oxide monitoring are main foci.

This course is designed to give the dental hygiene student an opportunity to apply concepts and methods learned in DEH 2701 to realistic community settings. Student project and dental research will be designed and implemented inclusive of evaluation tools.

This course continues to emphasize proficiency in oral prophylaxis, root surface debridement, and individualized treatment planning. In addition, the student will utilize intraoral photography, provide nutritional counseling, treat special needs patients, and use critical thinking in developing comprehensive maintenance treatment planning and care appointments. A comprehensive periodontally involved patient treatment case is required.

This is the final course in a series of four clinical courses. This course emphasizes increased efficiency in the provision of oral prophylaxis, root surface detoxification, comprehensive treatment planning and use of ultrasonics and air polishers. Critical thinking skills are emphasized during patient care to include evidence-based sequential treatment planning. Self-assessment and application of professional ethical judgment is expected in all areas of clinical practices. In addition, students prepare for state licensure and entry level employment.