Research Project #1
During the second semester of the DH program, two classmates and I did a research project “Chemotherapy and Dental Hygiene”. The research was based on how chemotherapy can affect the oral cavity and what are the precautions a person should take into consideration before, during, and after the chemotherapy treatment.
My group and I were very interested in presenting this topic because there are many people that know someone who is going through cancer. This gives the dental hygienist an opportunity to enhance their knowledge on how to educate and treat a patient who will undergo chemotherapy. We felt as well that it was important for the public to be aware of the side effects chemotherapy may cause to the person’s oral health, and educate them on oral hygiene for the purpose to help someone who is going through a difficult time in their treatment.
The project enhanced my clinical understanding by comprehending that it is essential to have knowledge on how to guide a patient about dental care. OHI education is extremely important to teach the patient who is almost undergoing chemotherapy or is currently undergoing chemotherapy. The chemotherapy treatment has damaging side effects, and the sooner a patient is taught oral hygiene and the importance of periodontal maintenance, the better chances the oral cavity can be obtained in adequate conditions.
The link to the brochure provides the purpose and importance of this research project together with peer-reviewed and non peer-reviewed references.
The research project was presented to the students and faculty at the NYCCT Health Fair.
Brochure Oral Cancer and Dental Hygiene
Research Project #2
In Summer 2019, I had to do a few research projects for my Pharmacology class. One of the projects was to research about the making of generic drugs and if it is safe for Americans to consume them.
This project was interesting for me to research because many others including myself consume generic drugs due to it being more affordable. Even though they are more affordable, I always wondered if it was safe for the public to consume. It is important to know if the generic drugs are being made in safe conditions.
The project enhanced my clinical understanding by acknowledging the different kinds of generic medications and the purpose for their use. Also, it is important to be aware of where certain generic brands come from. This helps to assure that any generic drug anyone is consuming is not hazardous. When a patient mentions any generic medication, whether OTC/prescribed, it gives me the opportunity to educate the patient about any side effects or harm a generic drug may give based on where it is being produced.
The link to the research paper provides the purpose and importance of this research project together with peer-reviewed and non peer-reviewed references.
Research Project #3
In my third semester, I did a research project for my Oral Pathology class. The research paper was about Addison’s Disease. The research consisted about the signs and symptoms, diagnostic tests, and the importance of how a dental hygienist should treat a patient with Addison’s Disease in a clinical setting. The project was interesting to me because I did not have much knowledge about the signs and symptoms that a patient with Addison’s Disease could have.
It enhances my clinical understanding by keeping always in mind about the importance of keeping the patient’s stress level to a minimum, and to advise the patient to consume oral Hydrocortisone before any dental hygiene procedures to help maintain the stress level at a minimum.
The link to the research paper provides the purpose and importance of this research project together with peer-reviewed and non peer-reviewed references.
