Skills that I learned in the dental hygiene program:
- Dietary Counseling for Prevention of Dental Decay and Screening for Caries for children and Adults.
- Oral Prophylaxis: (Hand instruments).
- Deep scaling and root planning on heavy patients (SRP).
- Fluoride Treatment (varnish and tray application).
- Tooth Whitening.
- Exposing, mounting, and interpreting Radiographs such as Full mouth series, Bitewings (XCP), and Panorex.
- Blood pressure screening: Educating patients on the importance of blood pressure & what actions they have to take to maintain a normal blood pressure reading.
- Head and Neck Cancer screening examination: (Extraoral & Intraoral).
- Dental charting using Dentimax.
- Periodontal screening.
- Pit and Fissure sealants with rubber dam placement and cotton roll isolation.
- Engine polishing with the use of different levels of coarseness depending on the patient’s needs (Fine, medium & coarse grit).
- Assessing patient’s risk of caries using the CAMBRA form and taking further action based on this form and clinical findings.
- Application of topical agents and Oraqix.
- Taking and pouring alginate impressions.
- Administering Local Anesthesia (Infiltration) and Nitrous Oxide on those who require more comfort during their dental visit.
- Placement and Evaluation of Arestin sites.
- Discussion of smoking cessation with patients.
