Comprehensive Dental Hygiene Assessment and Examination Techniques

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards aimed at enhancing understanding of dental hygiene assessment and examination techniques.

Comprehensive dental hygiene assessment

Involves data collection and documentation.

Subjective assessment data

Indicators noticed by the clinician that suggest abnormalities.

Objective assessment data

Indicators observed by the client about their personal health.

Intraoral examination

Assessment including inspection and palpation of oral structures.

Lips assessment

Visual inspection and palpation of lips for color, texture, lesions.

Normal findings for lips

Continuous color, firm texture, no lesions, intact commissures.

Variations from normal lips

Dryness, cracks, ulcerations, herpetic lesions.

Abnormal findings for lips

Pigmented lesions, basal cell carcinoma, facial paralysis.

Buccal and labial mucosa assessment

Bidigital palpation and visual inspection of the mucosa.

Normal findings for buccal mucosa

Pinkish, firm, moist, with no lesions.

Variations from normal buccal mucosa

Traumatic ulcerations, Fordyce spots, linea alba.

Abnormal findings for buccal mucosa

Candidiasis, halitosis, odontogenic infections.

Palate assessment

Visual inspection and palpation for lesions and tissue changes.

Normal findings for palate

Pink or pigmented tissues, well hydrated, no lesions.

Variations from normal palate

Petechiae, torus palatinus, food burns.

Abnormal findings for palate

Denture stomatitis, sagging palate, tonsillitis.

Tongue assessment

Visual inspection and palpation of tongue surfaces.

Normal findings for tongue

Bilateral symmetry, reddish-pink color, moist and vascular.

Variations from normal tongue

Fissured tongue, geographic tongue, macroglossia.

Abnormal findings for tongue

Hairy leukoplakia, oral carcinoma, color changes.

Floor of mouth assessment

Visual inspection and bimanual palpation for lesions.

Normal findings for floor of mouth

Bilateral symmetry, moist and vascular, red/pink coloration.

Abnormal findings for floor of mouth

Sialolithiasis, ranula, xerostomia.

Types of palate

Hard palate and soft palate assessed for color and lesions.

Clinical characteristics of lesions

Descriptions include size, shape, and color.

Macule

Flat area with color change, less than 1cm.

Papule

Palpable, solid elevation less than 0.5cm.

Nodule

Solid, elevated mass 0.5-2cm in size.

Ulcer

Loss of epithelium extending into connective tissue.

periodontal examination

Assessment to evaluate gingival health and periodontal support.

Gingival index assessment

Numerically expresses gingival health through observed criteria.

Clinical attachment level (CAL)

Measures true attachment loss of periodontal tissue.

Bidigital palpation

Using fingers and thumbs for compressing and rolling structures.

Bimanual palpation

Using fingers of both hands for simultaneous assessment.

Auscultation

Listening for abnormal sounds, such as TMJ noises.

Olfaction

Sensing odors to detect abnormal findings.

Lymphadenopathy

Enlarged lymph nodes indicating infection or disease.

TMJ assessment

Palpation and function testing for the temporomandibular joint.

Buccal region assessment

Inspection of parotid gland and masseter muscle.

Abscess

A localized collection of pus accompanied by inflammation.

Xerostomia

Dry mouth condition that impacts oral health.

Enlargement

Increase in size of tissue or organs, often abnormal.

Oral cancer

Malignant lesions found within oral cavity requiring vigilance.

Candidiasis

Fungal infection presenting commonly as white lesions.

Oral carcinoma

Cancers specifically arising from oral tissues.

Caries management protocols

Individualized procedures to address dental caries risk.

Polishing agents

Substances used to aesthetically clean and smooth teeth.

Coronal polishing procedure

Cosmetic cleaning of tooth surfaces to remove stains.

VELscope technology

Fluorescence technology used for oral cancer detection.

Adjunctive screening devices

Tools assisting in identifying lesions not visible to the naked eye.

Bilateral palpation

Using both hands for symmetrical comparison of structures.

Occlusion classification

Angle’s classification system categorizing dental arches' relationships.

Crossbite

Maxillary teeth positioned lingually to mandibular teeth.

Overbite

Vertical overlap distance of maxillary incisors over mandibular.

Overjet

Horizontal distance between maxillary and mandibular incisors.

Client-centered care

Care model focusing on individual client needs and perspectives.

Cultural sensitivity

Awareness and respect of client's cultural beliefs in care.

Barriers to care

Obstacles preventing clients from seeking or receiving dental treatment.

Psychological barriers

Emotional factors affecting reluctance to seek dental care.

Education barriers

Limitations in understanding dental information or instructions.

Socioeconomic barriers

Financial or employment-related obstacles to accessing care.

Access barriers

Geographical or logistical issues limiting care availability.

Motivational interviewing

Technique to facilitate client behavior change in health practices.

Biofilm removal

Process of cleansing teeth to eliminate plaque and tartar.

Oral health education

Instructional strategies provided to improve dental health.

Intramuscular injection

Administration route for medications to achieve swift effects.

Carious dentin

Decay affecting the inner structure of the tooth.

White spot lesions

Early signs of caries, marked by demineralization.

Desensitizing agents

Materials applied to reduce sensitivity in patients' teeth.

Dental unit waterline safety

Protocols ensuring cleanliness of water used in treatments.

Retreatment considerations

Factors involved when addressing previously treated dental issues.

Community dental health programs

Public health initiatives aimed at improving oral health awareness.

Tele-dentistry

Remote dental care approach using digital communication technologies.

Dental hygiene care plan

Documented strategy for a client-centered dental hygiene approach.

Patient motivation

Drives to encourage adherence to recommended dental care practices.

Saliva role in oral health

Protection, cleansing, and digestion function provided by saliva.

Endodontic treatment

Procedure addressing issues in the pulp of the tooth.

Restoration materials

Elements used to repair or reconstruct teeth.

Oral health literacy

Understanding and use of dental health information effectively.

Preventative care

Strategies to avert dental problems from developing.

Continuing education for hygienists

Lifelong learning necessary to maintain competence in dental hygiene.

Teledentistry efficacy

Effectiveness of remote dental consultations and evaluations.

Emergency dental procedures

Actions taken for immediate dental care following trauma.

Government health regulations

Policies governing dental practice standards and responsibilities.

Professional ethics in dental hygiene

Moral principles guiding dental hygienists in practice.

Client autonomy in treatment choices

Respecting client's rights to make informed decisions about care.

Informed consent

Process ensuring clients understand and agree to proposed treatments.

Documentation in dental records

Accurate logs of client assessments, treatments, and outcomes.

Oral health disparities

Differences in oral health status among various population groups.

Outcome evaluation in dental hygiene

Assessment of results following dental care interventions.

Peer review in dental hygiene

Evaluation process by fellow professionals to ensure quality of care.

Restorative dentistry techniques

Methods applied to restore tooth function and aesthetics.

Caring for diverse populations

Tailoring dental care delivery to meet varying cultural needs.

Periodontal disease progression

Understanding of how periodontal issues advance over time.

Clinical trial methods

Structured research approaches to evaluate dental hygiene treatments.

ADHD considerations in dental care

Strategies for managing clients with attention difficulties.

Behavior management in pediatric dentistry

Techniques to ensure cooperation during dental treatment for children.