Article Analysis
In this article analysis, I examined how dental professionals across four countries—Colombia, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States—responded to infection control challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. I focused on how practitioners perceived and implemented enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols in their practices. Analyzing a published descriptive study, I discussed the barriers dental teams faced, such as PPE shortages, inconsistent guidance, physical strain, and financial stress. I also reflected on how these findings relate to dental hygiene and the importance of preparing for future public health crises by improving accessibility to PPE, unifying guidance, and supporting dental professionals more effectively. This paper emphasizes the valuable lessons learned during the pandemic and how they can guide better infection control practices moving forward.
Lab Presentation
This presentation explores the oral manifestations of celiac disease, an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten. It highlights common clinical signs such as enamel defects, delayed tooth eruption, aphthous ulcers, and xerostomia, and discusses how these symptoms can impact dental care. Through this research, I learned the importance of recognizing systemic health conditions in dental patients and how tailored care can improve both diagnosis and treatment outcomes in dental hygiene practice.
Histology Presentation
This presentation focuses on lymphadenopathy, the swelling and enlargement of lymph nodes, often caused by infection, inflammation, or systemic disease. It explains how oral conditions, such as cavities and gum disease, can contribute to lymph node enlargement, especially in the cervical region. Through this project, I learned the importance of performing thorough extraoral exams and understanding the link between oral health and systemic conditions, which plays a crucial role in early detection.
Case Study
This was a mock case study assignment based on a hypothetical patient scenario involving a 50-year-old male who presented with concerns about staining and dry mouth. The case detailed a complex periodontal condition—Stage III, Grade C periodontitis—with bone loss, furcation involvement, and high caries risk due to smoking and infrequent dental visits. Although not a real patient, this assignment allowed me to apply clinical knowledge, develop a detailed treatment and home care plan, and practice critical thinking in managing multifactorial oral health issues.
Radiology Lab Presentation
This presentation focused on the importance of infection control and risk management in the radiology lab. It covered proper protocols for preventing disease transmission, including the use of PPE, hand hygiene, and proper sensor protection. We also discussed the role of risk management in minimizing legal issues, ensuring patient safety, and reducing unnecessary radiation exposure. One key takeaway was how patient education can build trust and improve compliance, especially when patients are hesitant to accept necessary radiographs.
Poster Presentation
This poster presentation explored the role of infection control and PPE in dental hygiene, with a focus on protocols adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. We highlighted the importance of proper PPE selection, donning and doffing techniques, and managing aerosol-generating procedures. The project also addressed CDC and OSHA recommendations, sterilization practices, and the significance of immunization in protecting both patients and providers. This experience deepened my understanding of risk management and reinforced how dental hygienists play a vital role in ensuring safety through adherence to current infection control standards.
Comprehensive Paper
In this paper, I explored the topic of tobacco cessation with a focus on electronic cigarettes. I chose this subject because many people close to me use e-cigarettes, and I wanted to better understand their effects on oral and systemic health. Through my research, I learned how vaping can alter the oral microbiome, contribute to periodontal disease, and expose users to harmful substances like toxic metals and propylene glycol. I also discussed how to tailor cessation counseling based on a patient’s age and smoking history. Writing this paper gave me the knowledge and confidence to have meaningful conversations with patients about smoking and vaping and to help them find safer alternatives.
Foundational Skills Paper
In this writing assignment, I explained the importance of using a modified pen grasp in dental hygiene instrumentation. I discussed how this grasp reduces musculoskeletal strain, improves tactile sensitivity, and allows for better control and precision during assessment and treatment procedures. I also covered correct finger positioning, the role of the fulcrum, and the three types of pressure—pinch, fulcrum, and lateral—used during instrumentation. This assignment helped me understand how small technique adjustments can make a big impact on clinical efficiency, ergonomics, and patient safety.
Reflection Paper
For this assignment, I watched the OSAP video “If Saliva Were Red,” which demonstrated how easily cross-contamination can occur during dental procedures by visualizing saliva as red dye. This video showed how contaminated gloves can spread pathogens to surfaces like keyboards, light handles, face shields, gowns, and even the patient’s clothing. It reinforced the importance of following proper infection control protocols, such as changing gloves, using barriers, and performing hand hygiene consistently. Watching this video made me more aware of how even small actions can lead to widespread contamination. I will carry this knowledge into clinical practice to ensure safer care for both patients and providers.
Technique-Based Assignments
These two assignments focused on the techniques and anatomical considerations for instrumenting premolars and first molars. In the premolar paper, I discussed the unique challenges caused by root concavities, especially the mesial developmental depression on maxillary first premolars, and emphasized the importance of selecting the correct instruments based on root morphology. In the first molar paper, I explored the use of crosshatching strokes, fulcrum placement, and instrument angulation to effectively access furcations and concavities, especially in deep periodontal pockets. Both assignments strengthened my understanding of how root anatomy directly affects instrumentation strategy, and the importance of adapting technique to ensure thorough debridement while preventing trauma.