S1 The Profession of Dental Hygiene

Direct Access

Initiating treatment based on assessment without a dentist's specific authorization or presence.

Primary Prevention

Strategies used to prevent disease onset, reverse mild disease, or arrest disease.

Secondary Prevention

Restorative and therapeutic care, such as removing calculus to prevent deep pockets.

Tertiary Prevention

Reconstructive care to restore function, such as replacing a missing tooth.

Dental Hygienist

Licensed primary oral health professional supporting overall health through promoting oral health.

Dr. Alfred C. Fones

The dentist who realized decay in children and trained the first hygienist.

Irene Newman

The world's first dental hygienist.

Surgeon General's Report Finding

Oral health is systemic and access to care is a major unmet need.

Direct Supervision

Dentist must be on the premises and available, but not in the room.

Indirect Supervision

Dentist's prior consent is required, but their physical presence is not.

Autonomy and Respect

The right to informed consent, full disclosure, and respectful treatment.

Confidentiality

Respecting the privacy of client information to value individual autonomy.

Societal Trust

Public trust in the profession based on ethical actions and behavior.

Non-maleficence

The fundamental obligation to "do no harm" and minimize client risk.

Beneficence

Promoting the well-being of individuals and the public through health promotion.

Justice and Fairness

Supporting fair, equitable, and affordable distribution of oral healthcare resources.

Veracity

The obligation to tell the truth and maintain honesty in relationships.

What is the role of prevention in dentistry?

reduces oral diseases which improves overall oral health and long-term health in society

What is a hygienist's role in access to dental care?

Hygienists improve access to care through education, prevention, and treatment, including managing periodontal disease, preventing caries, and screening for oral cancer.

primary prevention example

nutrition education on sugar sweetened beverages to reduce caries

secondary prevention example

removal of calculus prevent continued attachment and formation of deep pocket

tertiary prevention example

replacement of a missing tooth to restore function