Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

The student will continue to broaden and reinforce information learned in DH 101 and 102.  This will be accomplished by applying and relating theory and care to patients with more challenging oral conditions, medical considerations and special needs.  Co-requisite DH 106

1. Provide dental hygiene therapy to an increasing number and difficulty of clinical patients by applying and relating higher levels of knowledge and skills during clinical sessions, and through case study discussions in the classroom.

2. Apply knowledge and treatment adaptations required for patients presenting with special needs.

3. Recognize and relate special needs and compromised medical conditions information in preparation for passing these tested portions on the Dental Hygiene National Board.

Weekly quizzes
Weekly journals
Completion of online continuing education courses
Dental practice software assignments
Attendance at professional association meetings
Class Attendance
Research and write a formal paper on a student-selected special needs topic
Create and present a professional Clinic Table presentation on the student-chosen special needs topic

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues)

• Treatment of patients with dental fear
• Providing tobacco cessation programs
• Treatment of the pediatric patient with special considerations
• Treatment of the geriatric patient
• Treatment of adult patients who are medically compromised, disabled, or who have special needs
• Use of ultrasonic scalers on clinical patients
• Identifying patients who require special modifications of treatment
• Helping patients with special needs reach optimum oral health
• Acceptance and compassion for patients with diverse needs
• Dental Hygiene Process of Care
• Relieving patiemt anxiety and fear
• Providing access to dental care
• Safety of patients with special needs
• Patient motivation and education
• Operator safety

1. COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

1. Follow OSHA guidelines while performing patient care.
2. Utilize the Dental Hygiene Process of Care during patient treatment.
3. Assess patient’s needs and make appropriate modifications when necessary.
4. Design dental hygiene care plans, patient education, and maintenance recommendations to meet individual needs of each patient.
5. Provide beginning periodontal instrumentation and ultrasonic debridement therapy.
6. Use inquiry and listening communication skills.
7. Utilize critical thinking, decision making and time management skills.
8. Access professional and research resources.
9. Utilize public speaking skills during class presentation and discussions.
10. Utilize writing skills.