Pre-Clinical Practice

Must be taken concurrently with DH 304 Dental Hygiene Theory I. This course focuses on clinical application processes which include infectious diseases, infection and exposure control. Concept and skill application to include sterilization, dental unit operation and maintenance, ergonomics, patient medical/dental history assessment, patient vitals, emergency care, basic instrument design, principles of instrumentation techniques, dental , extra/intra-oral assessment, introduction to periodontal and dental charting, inspection of teeth, dental hygiene diagnosis and care planning, oral prophylaxis, disclosing, coronal polishing, fluoride application, patient management, time management, documenting manual and electronic information in a dental software system. Students are required to pass instrumentation proficiencies on a typodont, prior to applying their instrumentation skills on a student classmate. Students will be required to bring in two patients for assessments, building upon their skill level. An instrumentation practicum exam will be required as part of the exit exam to move into DH 315 Clinical Practice I.