DHY 118 - Pre-Clinic I Laboratory

This course is the first of two dental hygiene preclinical laboratory courses with an emphasis on acquiring beginning dental hygiene instrumentation skills. Other skill content includes patient assessment procedures and other non-instrumentation dental hygiene skills.

2.  Describe and demonstrate ergonomically correct operator and patient positioning to be used for instrumentation techniques.

3.  Describe the technique for the use of a front surface mouth mirror.

4.  Explain and demonstrate the technique for use of the periodontal probe.

5.  Describe and demonstrate the procedure used to obtain a patient’s blood pressure.

6.  Explain and demonstrate the technique for use of the 11/12 ODU explorer.

7.  Describe and demonstrate the assessment and evaluation of a patient’s overall medical condition using a current medical history and current blood pressure reading.

8.  Demonstrate the application of topical fluoride varnish and topical fluoride in foam trays.

9.  Describe the rationale for and demonstrate manual supra and sub-gingival assessment techniques using the correct explorer and probe incorporating the principles of instrument shape, adaptation, angulation, activation, lateral pressure, visibility, accessibility, and prevention of patient trauma.

10.  Perform assigned sterilization duties efficiently and effectively as outlined in the following clinical rotation objectives.

1. Perform assigned team sterilization rotation duties efficiently and completely as outlined in the following clinical rotation objectives.
2. Demonstrate punctuality and model the appropriate (PPE) attire to work in the sterilization area.
3. Demonstrate appropriate surface disinfection, proper asepsis technique, instrument sterilization, and storage techniques for all instruments and equipment used in the dental hygiene clinic.
4. Demonstrate appropriate operation of sterilization equipment.

11.  Describe and perform an extraoral soft tissue examination and correctly document all findings.

12.  Describe and perform an intraoral soft tissue examination and correctly document all findings.

13.  Describe and demonstrate hard tissue charting by correctly documenting on the patient’s computerized hard tissue chart.

14.  Describe and demonstrate periodontal charting by correctly documenting on the patient’s computerized periodontal chart.

15.  Demonstrate effective flossing on a partner or patient.

16.  Describe the rationale for and demonstrate the ability to set-up, use and maintain the rubber cup polisher.

17.  Know and use active listening skills. 

18.  Work well in teams and with others. 
Course Outline:
I.  Orientation to the Course

A. Laboratory  

1. Instrument Kit and Materials

2. Uniform Requirements

3. Emergency Preparedness

a. Medical

b. Weather

c. Other

II.  Introduction to Oral Care

A. Ergonomics

1. Operator

a. Posture

b. “Clock” Positions

c. Illuminating the Oral Cavity

2. Patient

3. Occupational Hazards

a. Importance of Neutral Body Positions

III.  Dental Instruments – Assessment

A.  Mouth Mirror 

1. Indirect Vision

2. Indirect Illumination

3. Transillumination

4. Retraction

B. Explorers

1. ODU 11/12

2. 3 CH

C. Periodontal Probe 

IV. Patient Assessment

A. Medical Histories

B. Blood Pressure 

C. Extraoral Examination 

D. Intraoral Examination

E. Hard Tissue Charting 

F.  Periodontal charting

G. Sub-gingival Calculus Detection 

V.  Patient Treatment Procedures and Processes

A. Stains and Polishing                                                          

1. Rubber Cup 

2. Flossing

B. Fluoride Treatments   

           1.  Varnish

           2.  Trays

VI.  Sterilization area

Typodont Practice: 10-20%

Clinical Laboratory Exercises: 10-15%

Process Evaluations/Competency Evaluations: 5-10%

Audiovisual Material/Power-Points: 0-5%

Large and Small Group Demonstration: 0-10%
Mandatory Course Components:
Mid-term instrumentation skills examination

Final instrumentation skills examination

Clinical skills process evaluations

Instrumentation quizzes
Equivalent Courses:
None