DH 300: Principles of Clinical Dental Hygiene
Semester 1
This case study helped me meet the DH Assessments competency by integrating patient data like an elevated BP (127/79) and a chief complaint of receding gums to form a foundation for treatment planning. While initially challenging to prioritize the systemic risk (BP) over the patient's oral concern, I grew in my ability to assess the "whole patient" and justify the need for medical referral. My future goal is to ensure seamless application of the ASA classification system to every case to guide appropriate clinical management.
DH 303: Infection Control In Dentistry
I learned the specific transmission routes for the Influenza virus, including aerosols and direct contact within six feet, which directly helped me meet the Infection Control competency by outlining necessary prevention strategies like vaccination and hand hygiene. A challenge was ensuring all prevention steps applied to both the patient and the clinician, but I grew by mastering the clinical protocols required for highly contagious diseases. My future goal is to remain current on the evolving CDC guidelines for infection control during aerosol-generating dental procedures.
DH 311: Pre-Clinic
Clinic 311 served as the foundational stepping stone that prepared me for the rigors of full clinical rotations, providing the essential environment to master precise instrumentation skills. It was here that I transitioned from theory to practice, gaining confidence in patient management and becoming fluent in complex dental terminology. By getting comfortable with appointment sequencing in this controlled setting, I built the professional stamina and technical accuracy required to provide high-quality care to my future patients.
DH 355: Preventive Dentistry and Nutrition
By creating both the Patient Education Book and the OHI Brochure, I successfully met the Dental Health Education competency by learning to translate complex topics like periodontal staging and the Bass brushing technique into clear, accessible materials. While initially challenging to simplify scientific details while maintaining clinical accuracy, I grew in my ability to develop comprehensive, user-friendly educational tools. My future goal is to incorporate motivational interviewing principles in the clinic to better tailor the educational content and delivery for maximum patient compliance.
DH 354: Pathology
This report helped me meet the Infection Control competency by detailing the signs of Oral Candidiasis and stressing the importance of both antifungal treatment and patient education on lifestyle factors. I grew in my understanding of predisposing factors (like denture use or systemic conditions) and applied this knowledge to outline clear patient instructions for appliance disinfection to prevent reinfection. My future goal is to integrate a comprehensive health history review with oral exam findings to quickly identify patients at high risk for opportunistic infections.
DH 351: Clinic
Semester 2
My growth is evident in my strategic approach to treatment, focusing on improved time management through mindful instrumentation and having a clear plan of attack for each procedure. I demonstrated technical proficiency by achieving effective stain removal using the correct instruments and consistently earned a perfect 4.0 grade in periodontal probing accuracy, reflecting strong attention to detail. My areas for future improvement include enhancing my diagnostic skills by effectively using air to detect supragingival calculus and refining my instrument adaptation skills, especially when working on teeth affected by malocclusion
DH 352: Special Patient Care Project
The DH 352 case scenarios on Heart Failure and Myocardial Infarction helped me meet the Special Patient Care competency by training me to identify critical medical red flags on the health history, such as a recent heart attack (within 6 months), and understand the clinical implications. I grew in my ability to prioritize patient safety by knowing when a medical clearance is required and by outlining necessary chairside modifications, like limiting epinephrine and monitoring vitals, which was initially challenging due to the complexity of cardiac history. My future goal is to master the verbal interview techniques necessary to extract all required medical details from special needs patients before proceeding with any treatment.
DH 388: Introduction Seminar in Dental Hygiene
The DH 388 Risk Assessment Project helped me meet the Professionalism competency by requiring me to compile a comprehensive patient profile, integrating complex medical history (like high-stress levels and family history of hypertension) with periodontal findings. This assignment challenged me to perform a thorough ASA classification and formulate tailored recommendations for a patient with generalized gingival inflammation and malocclusion, significantly growing my ability to holistically assess risk. My future goal is to consistently apply the comprehensive risk assessment process to ensure ethical and safe treatment planning for all patients.
DH 308: Introduction to Periodontics
My study in Periodontics provided vital understanding of the disease process, specifically how the bacterial shift from health-associated organisms to gram-negative pathogens is central to periodontal destruction. Recognizing this shift explains why frequent recall appointments are critical, as their timing is deliberately set to disrupt the maturing anaerobic biofilm. Strong case study work allowed me to effectively synthesize the roles of microbial, systemic, and host factors to accurately diagnose complex cases and formulate evidence-based treatment and maintenance plans.