INTRODUCTION TO DENTAL HYGIENE

Dr. Shahzadi Tayyaba Hashmi

shahzadi@inaya.edu.sa

DEFINITION:• The practice of keeping the mouth, teeth and gums clean

and healthy to prevent disease as by regular brushing and flossing and visits to a dentist

• Also known as oral hygiene

DENTAL HYGIENE

• A person trained and licensed to provide preventive dental services, such as cleaning the teeth and taking x-rays, usually in conjunction with a dentist

DENTAL HYGIENIST

• A registered dental hygienist (RDH) is a licensed dental professional who specializes in preventive oral health, typically focusing on techniques in oral hygiene

• Dental hygienist work together with dentist to contribute to a co-therapist environment, while providing optimum oral health care to the public

REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST

• Dental hygienists provide three types of services to their patients.

• The first of these is preventive services to promote and maintain good oral health

• The second is educational services to help patients in developing behaviors that promote better oral heath and help them understand the importance of practicing these behaviors

• The third type of service provided is therapeutic services which are treatments meant to stop disease and maintain healthy tissues in the mouth

SERVICES PROVIDED BY DENTAL HYGIENISTS

SERVICES PROVIDED BY DENTAL HYGIENISTS

• The dental hygiene process of care has five steps

1. ASSESSING THE PATIENT: This includes, but is not limited to,

• a full review of the patient's medical history • necessary x-rays to be taken, a clinical exam, periodontal assessment by probing and exploring areas

of the patients mouth,During this stage a thorough documentation must be

implemented

DENTAL HYGIENE PROCESS OF CARE

2. DENTAL HYGIENE DIAGNOSIS: • Assessing of data pertaining to a patient’s condition in

terms that will help identify problems so as to lead to a professional treatment plan

• The final diagnosis of disease lies with approval granted by the doctor

DENTAL HYGIENE PROCESS OF CARE

3. PLANNING: • Creating a sequential treatment plan for the patient• The treatment plan will vary based on the patient's

immediate needs

4. IMPLEMENTATION: • Carrying out the plan in a timely and effective manner

5. EVALUATION: Determining the effectiveness of the treatment plan that was administered.

DENTAL HYGIENE PROCESS OF CARE

• Some of the services provided by dental hygienists may include:

A. Patients screening procedures such as:• Assessment of oral health conditions• Review of health history• Head and neck inspection• Dental charting and taking B.P and pulse

B. Taking and developing dental radiographs

C. Removing calculus and plaque from all surfaces of teeth

D. Applying preventive materials to the teeth (e.g sealants and fluorides)

JOB DESCRIPTION

E. Teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health ( tooth brushing, flossing, nutritional counseling)

F. Counseling patients about good nutrition and its impact on oral health

G. Making impressions of patients teeth for study casts ( models of teeth used by dentist to evaluate patient treatment needs

H. Performing documentation

and office management activities

JOB DESCRIPTION

DENTAL HYGIENE CLINIC

RECEPTION AREA

WAITING ROOM

DENTAL CLINIC

PATIENT’S CHAIR

OPERATOR’S STOOL

DENTAL CABINETS

AUTOCLAVE