DEHY1400

This course introduces the first year dental hygiene student to the profession of dental hygiene. Students gain knowledge and understanding of patient assessments, medical histories, dental histories, medical emergencies and infection control protocol in the dental setting. Students will learn charting, documentation, and components of the dental record. Identification of soft and hard deposits, use of dental indices and stain removal techniques are introduced. The topics of patient communication, health literacy, and cultural competence are addressed.
Student Learning Outcomes:

• Explain the history of the dental hygiene profession and role of the dental hygienist.
• Relate the significance of personal, medical and dental histories to provide safe dental care for patients.
• Describe procedures for managing medical emergencies in the dental office.
• Discuss how health literacy facilitates culturally competent patient care.
• Explain confidentiality and privacy of patient information related to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Identify transmissible diseases and infection control protocols.
• Explain use of personal protective equipment in the dental setting.
• Demonstrate dental charting and documentation procedures for patient records.