WELCOME

Clinical Professionalism

Making it a triple threat between YOU, YOUR INSTRUCTOR, and YOUR PATIENT

By Leah Spittle RDH, BS

What is a Dental Hygienist to patients?

A “teeth cleaner”?

A Dental Assistant?

A “Dental Nurse”?

Someone who yells at me to floss every 6 months?

What is a Clinical Dental Hygiene Professional?

YOU!

80%/20% Rule

Licensed Dental Professional Specializing in Preventative oral health Education of patients Provide dental hygiene

diagnosis

Definition according to ADHA

The dental hygienist employs critical decision-making skills to reach conclusions about the patient’s needs related to oral health and disease that fall within the dental hygiene scope of practice. The hygienist then develops the dental hygiene treatment plan which is incorporated into the comprehensive treatment plan developed by the dentist and/or other health care providers. The development of a dental hygiene diagnosis requires the use of skills to identify the source of the patient’s problem.

What is clinical professionalism?

It’s not just the job you DO…it’s how you DO the job!

It is shown through thoughts, appearance, and actions

It’s the display of how a Dental Hygienist conducts themselves in a professional situation Educational institution

Pre clinic and clinic Public health venue Dental office It is essential to patient

care

Clinical Professionalism: Three parts making you a

“triple threat”Part 1YOU

Clinical Professionalism and YOU

Appearance Maintain proper personal hygiene

Bathe/shower daily Deodorant is worn Hair brushed and styled

appropriately NO heavy perfume or lotions Nails: clean, cut, polish not

chipped Teeth brushed and breath

fresh Make-up: not required but if

worn no excessive or dramatic looks

Look awake and alert Scrubs: pressed, free of pet

hair, lint etc. Shoes clean and tied Socks matching and worn

above ankle bone

Clinical Professionalism andYOU

NEVER use negative self-talk

Practice showing self respect in clinic and other parts of life Never say these to yourself,

your instructor, or your patient “I can’t!” “This sucks” “I will never get this” “I’ll never pass” “I’m going to fail” “I’ll never be like so-n-

so….” “This is stupid” “This is HOPELESS”

Be Positive!

Clinical Professionalism and YOU

Never be afraid to ask for help

If you do not understand something- address it again!

Clinical Professionalism: Three parts making you a

“triple threat”Part 2

YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Clinical Professionalism and

YOUR INSTRUCTOR BE RESPECTFUL!

They want you to succeed! Never question their method of

instruction Never question their reason

for passing or failing you in front of a patient

If you have a problem address it after clinic

Avoid loud, boisterous talk in clinic

Saying these things are not appropriate and are childish “But that is not what

another instructor told me”

“Well so-n-so passed me last time!”

Never tell an instructor NO!

Clinical Professionalism: Three parts making you a

“triple threat”Part 3

YOUR PATIENT

Clinical Professionalism and

YOUR PATIENT Speak clearly

Loud enough for your patient to hear you, but not so loud the whole clinic can

Annunciate your words Consider the elderly or

the hearing impairedRemove maskDo not sit with arms

crossed

Clinical Professionalism and

YOUR PATIENT Listen to them

Patients want to be heard Do not rush them when

they answer your questions

Clinical Professionalism and

YOUR PATIENT Use and maintain eye

contact Never turn your back to

them when asking questions

Confidently look them in the eye when talking with them

Use affirming head nods letting them know you understand

Clinical Professionalism and

YOUR PATIENT Be confident in your

skills/treatment with your patient Certain words/phrases can

make the patient anxious or uncomfortable

Do NOT say: “Oops” “I’m sorry”-over and over

again “Am I hurting you”-over

and over again “YOU’RE BLEEDING!” “I see blood” “This looks bad” “This looks gross” “That doesn’t look normal!”

Clinical Professionalism and

YOUR PATIENT Be respectful and polite

Greet them with a smile and “Hello”

Use proper, courteous terms“Yes ma’am”….”Yes

Sir”PleaseThank youExcuse me

Use “Permission Statements”

Clinical Professionalism and

YOUR PATIENT NEVER use slang terms,

inappropriate language, or swear words Never say:

Any swear word AT ALL!

“Crap”“This sucks”“Whatever”“Oh my…” (OMG)

To Review

Reviewing what we have learned

Being a dental hygienist is not just about cleaning someone’s teeth.

It is about showcasing clinical professionalism and individual respect for yourself, your instructor, and your patient.

Clinical professionalism and individual respect is shown through words, thoughts, actions, and appearance.

Practice Clinical ProfessionalismNOW!

Before you know it you will have your first patient in YOUR CHAIR!

As instructors we want you to have fun and succeed!

Clinical Professionalism begins with YOU!