The following are research projects that were done during my time at NYCCT in the dental hygiene program. Please click on the hyperlink to be directed to each of the texts that were described.
With the prevalence of tobacco use, particularly electronic cigarettes, and its impact on oral and systemic health, this paper highlights the harmful ingredients in e-cigarettes, their effects on oral health; such as, increased risk of gum disease and tooth loss, and the potential systemic health risks due to limited research on long-term effects. The importance of smoking counseling by dental professionals is emphasized as a crucial step in managing patients’ oral and overall health.
The research provided me with increased awareness of the risks associated with e-cigarette usage, enabling me to educate and counsel patients effectively. Understanding the harmful effects of tobacco on oral health, including gum disease and inflammation, allows me to tailor their counseling approaches and treatment plans. Another important point that I realized was that there is a need for patience and empathy in counseling sessions, ensuring patients feel supported and motivated to quit smoking. Overall, I feel that this knowledge has increased my capabilities in addressing tobacco cessation and contributing to improved patient health outcomes.
This paper delves into the complexities of dental care, covering topics such as patient-to-dentist ratios, economic disparities, and educational access. It discusses the involvement of dental therapists in certain states and examines the influence of corporate practices on patient treatment. Vulnerable groups, including older adults, are highlighted, along with the effects of COVID-19 on dental disparities. Personally, it has assisted in increasing my understanding of dental challenges, promoting a comprehensive and ethical approach to patient well-being.
As part of our second second semester curriculum, a case study was assigned to us, in which we had to review the patient’s overall health, including medical and oral health and come up with a treatment plan that was tailored towards the best results for the specific patient. This specific case involved a patient with periodontal issues requiring non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) like scaling and root planing (SRP). While completing this project, it was a eye-opening experience that showed that treatment planning for patients are not to be done with the “cookie cutter approach”, but to tailor the plan to the patient’s best interests and outcomes. This knowledge will continue to ensure thorough treatment planning, effective referrals, and patient education on home care practices.
Periapical Cemental Dysplasia (PCD)
Periapical cemental dysplasia (PCD) is a rare benign bone condition primarily seen in middle-aged African women, often in the mandible’s front region. It can be asymptomatic or cause mild symptoms like pain. Diagnosis can be tricky due to its evolving radiographic appearance. Biopsies are considered in symptomatic cases or for treatment planning. Understanding PCD’s demographics, clinical signs, and differential diagnosis is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, ensuring appropriate care without unnecessary procedures. This knowledge helps in patient education, engagement regarding their oral health and allowing me to be aware of possible conditions in making suggestions towards an effective differential diagnosis.
