Dental Hygiene Process of Care

These flashcards cover the essential concepts and vocabulary related to the Dental Hygiene Process of Care, including steps involved in patient assessment, treatment planning, implementation, evaluation, and legal and ethical considerations.

Assessment

The first step in the Dental Hygiene Process of Care where data is collected regarding the patient's Chief Complaint, Health History, behavioral and lifestyle factors, dental charting, exams, periodontal data, and radiographs.

DH Diagnosis

Identifies patients’ needs that can be met through dental hygiene treatment and education, including periodontal classification and caries risk assessment.

DH Care Plan

A formal written plan that outlines interventions and secures informed consent, specifying necessary interventions to meet patient needs for oral health.

Implementation

The step where dental hygiene services are performed to reduce or eliminate the etiology of oral health issues.

Evaluation

The process of determining if the patient requires further care, retreatment, or a maintenance plan after receiving dental hygiene services.

Documentation

The formal record of the Care/Tx Plan as part of the patient's dental record, including assessment data, diagnosis, care plan, and implementation details.

Informed Consent

Voluntary affirmation by the patient allowing examination or treatment, which requires communication about their oral health and treatment options before signing.

Anticipatory Guidance

Education provided to patients or caregivers that anticipates growth and developmental milestones and potential health problems.

Core Values of Dental Hygiene

Fundamental principles guiding the practice of dental hygiene, including autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, confidentiality, and veracity.

Caries Risk Assessment

An evaluation that identifies factors contributing to a patient's risk of developing dental caries.

ASA Physical Status Classification

A system to determine the physical status of a patient, categorizing them from healthy (I) to dying (VI) based on their health conditions.

Standard of Care

The level of clinical performance expected for safe and effective dental hygiene practice, which may vary by state.

Legal and Ethical Concepts

Principles that govern the practice of dental hygiene, including HIPAA compliance, professional liability, and scope of practice.

Behavioral and Lifestyle Factors

Patient characteristics and habits that could affect oral health, including dietary habits, tobacco use, and personal health history.

Evidence-Based Practice

The conscientious use of current best evidence in making decisions about individual patient care.

Master Treatment Plan Components

Phases of treatment including assessment, therapy, evaluation, surgical, restorative, and maintenance procedures in dental hygiene care.