HELP GRCC Curriculum Database (2026-2027 Academic Year) Print-Friendly Page (opens a new window) Add to Catalog (opens a new window)

DHY 259 - Clinical Dental Hygiene III

2. Analyze preliminary dental hygiene diagnostic statements based on assessment findings to address the patient’s treatment needs.

3. Identify classifications for clinic patients according to calculus and periodontal classifications, and identification of caries and periodontal risk by assessments.

4. Create and apply dental hygiene care plans by using the evidence-based decision-making process ADPIED to determine a patient care plan that reflects realistic goals and treatment strategies including appropriate desensitizing and pain management. 

5. Interpret problem-solving strategies and management of patients using critical thinking skills to provide effective and efficient dental hygiene services. 

6. Execute effective interpersonal communication skills to diverse population groups and other members of the health care team. 

7. Write complete and accurate recordings of all documentation relevant to patient care.

8. Digitally, expose, process, mount, and analyze diagnostic radiographs for technical errors as well as classifying anatomic landmarks and pathology according to the  American Dental Association guidelines for exposing radiographs.

9. Provide dental hygiene care for all types of classifications of periodontal disease, including patients who exhibit moderate to severe periodontal disease by graduation.

10. Practice self-assessment skills in preparation for life-long learning. 

11. Demonstrate a code of behavior consistent with teamwork by participating in sterilization, radiography, and office assisting rotations adhering to HIPAA regulations. 

12. Demonstrate professional responsibility and ethical behavior of a dental hygienist according to the ADHA Code of Ethics.

13. Demonstrate understanding of HIPAA by complying with regulations for patient privacy.

14. When communicating, use language that is appropriate to the audience. 

15. Demonstrate the ability to work well in teams and with others. 
Course Outline:

DHY 259 Course Outline 

1. PREPARATION FOR DENTAL HYGIENE TREATMENT
   1. Clinical Procedures
   2. Medical Emergency Care
2. ASSESSMENT
   1. Medical, Dental, and Psychosocial Histories
   2. Vital Signs
   3. Intraoral/Extraoral Condition Identification and Documentation
   4. Hard Tissue Charting
   5. Dental Radiograph Imaging
      1. Exposing, Processing, and Mounting
      2. Radiograph Interpretations
   6. Calculus Detection
      1. Patient Experiences 
      2. Mock CDCA
   7. Periodontal Charting
      1. Patient Experiences
      2. Mock CDCA
   8. Intraoral Camera
   9. Pulp Vitality Testing
3. DENTAL HYGIENE DIAGNOSIS
   1. Periodontal Risk- Periodontal Assessment Summary
   2. Caries (CAMBRA) Risk
4. PLANNING (DH CARE PLAN)
   1. Age Demographics- Child, Adolescent, Adult, Geriatric, and Special Needs
   2. Classifications of Periodontal Disease
5. IMPLEMENTATION
   1. Prevention
      1. Preventive Counseling and Behavior Change- Tobacco Cessation
      2. DH Care Planning and Patient Education
      3. Sealant Application
      4. Dental Dam Placement and Removal
   2. Treatment
      1. Pain Management
         1. Local Anesthesia
         2. Oraqix
      2. Instrument Care and Sharpening
      3. Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy 
         1. Hand Instrumentation and Lateral Pressure 
         2. Ultrasonic Debridement
      4. Adjunctive Therapy- Arestin
6. EVALUATION
   1. Evaluating Patient Goals and Outcomes
   2. Continuing Care (recall maintenance)
   3. Periodontal Re-Evaluation Appointment
7. DOCUMENTATION
   1. Documentation of Dental Hygiene Care

Process Evaluations and Competency Evaluations: 10-20%

Clinical Laboratory Experiences (introduce new skills and/or equipment): 20-30%

 
Mandatory Course Components:
Instrumentation Skills Evaluation 

Process Evaluations

Competencies

Patient Treatment Evaluations (Appointments) 

OSCE Midterm Exam- Objective Subjective Comprehensive Evaluation

MOCK ADEX Clinical Exam

 
Equivalent Courses:
None