History of Dental Hygiene

Definition of Dental Hygienist

  • A licensed primary oral health care professional

  • Utilizes the ADPIED process of care to prevent disease and promote wellness.

ADPIED Process of Care

  • Assess: Collect health histories, vital signs, x-rays, and oral-facial exams.

  • Diagnose: Identify oral health risks such as gum disease, lesions, nutrition, and tobacco use.

  • Plan: Develop individualized care plans in collaboration with the dentist and patient.

  • Implement: Provide cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, education, and counseling.

  • Evaluate: Check patient outcomes and adjust care as needed based on findings.

  • Document: Record accurate and professional clinical notes.

Education and Professional Skills of Dental Hygienists

  • Graduate from accredited dental hygiene (DH) programs.

  • Collaborate within the dental team and the broader healthcare system.

  • Support overall health through various functions and roles.

Functions of Dental Hygiene

  • Education: Providing knowledge on oral health practices.

  • Assessment: Evaluating patient health through various diagnostic measures.

  • Diagnosis: Identifying oral health conditions and risks.

  • Prevention: Implementing strategies to prevent oral diseases.

  • Nonsurgical Therapy: Providing treatment options that do not involve surgery.

  • Research: Engaging in studies to enhance dental practices.

  • Administration: Overseeing dental hygiene operations and personnel.

  • Entrepreneurship: Building private practices or dental-related businesses.

Professional Roles of Dental Hygienists

  • Clinician: Providing hands-on patient care in a clinical setting.

  • Corporate: Working in corporate settings to enhance dental hygiene product use.

  • Public Health: Focusing on community health initiatives.

  • Researcher: Conducting studies to advance knowledge in dental hygiene.

  • Educator: Teaching dental hygiene practices at various institutions.

  • Administrator: Managing dental hygiene departments or practices.

  • Entrepreneur: Establishing and running private dental businesses.

History of Dental Hygiene

  • 1902: Dr. C.M. Wright advocates for a sub-specialty in dentistry.

  • 1910: Increased demand for dental hygienists noted.

  • 1913: Dr. Alfred Fones opens the first dental hygiene school in Bridgeport, CT, training his cousin, Irene Newman, who becomes the world’s first dental hygienist.

    • Focused primarily on disease prevention.

    • Dr. Alfred C. Fones is recognized as the "Father of Dental Hygiene".

Significant Historical Events

  • Irene Newman:

    • Single mother, trained by Dr. Fones for a year, becoming the first licensed dental hygienist in 1917.

    • Became the first president of an organized dental hygiene society in CT.

  • Dental Hygiene Expansion (1920-1950):

    • 1920-1929: The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) founded; journal published; licensed hygienists practicing across various states.

    • 1930-1950: Establishment of guidelines for dental hygiene programs; term “registered dental hygienist” becomes recognized.

    • 1959: Esther M. Wilkins publishes the first edition of “Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist”.

Further Developments in Dental Hygiene

  • Over six decades, several milestones were achieved:

    • Board exams implemented.

    • The Forsyth experiment lays foundations for mid-level dental hygiene providers.

    • Local anesthesia becomes permitted for dental hygienists.

    • More states adopt unsupervised dental hygiene practices.

    • Self-regulation and collaborative agreements with dentists enhance care for diverse populations.

    • Advanced dental hygiene practitioners (ADHP) and dental therapists begin to offer restorative care.

Key Figures in Dental Hygiene

  • Dr. Clayton Gracey: Invented Gracey Curets in 1945 to remove deposits from periodontal pockets.

  • Dr. Esther Wilkins:

    • Became a certified hygienist in 1939, later became a dentist in 1949.

    • Founded dental hygiene program at the University of Washington in 1950.

    • Published “Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist” in 1960 following dissatisfaction with existing literature.

    • Earned advanced periodontal certification in 1966 at Tufts University; became a professor and was later named Professor Emeritus.

Development of Dental Hygiene in Rochester, NY

  • 1916: George Eastman funds the Rochester Dental Dispensary to provide care to underprivileged children.

  • Dr. Harvey Burkhart: The director who hires dental hygienists to fulfill Eastman’s mission; shifts the focus from repair to prevention.

  • Establishes The School for Dental Hygienists on October 9, 1916, with the approval of the NYS Board of Regents.

School for Dental Hygiene, Rochester, NY

  • Opening: October 9, 1916; initially located at Catherine Strong Hall; later moved to the Dental Dispensary in October 1917.

  • Dr. Burkhart: Served as both Dental Dispensary Director and First Principal of the school.

  • Enrollees came from across the nation, leading to dormitory construction.

Notable Achievements

  • First Graduating Class (1917): Marked significant historic milestones for dental hygiene education.

  • Became one of the first schools acknowledged by state authorities in New York.

Transition to Monroe Community College (MCC)

  • In 1965, the Rochester dental hygiene program transferred to Monroe Community College.

  • Program structure: A two-year A.A.S. degree.

  • Under the leadership of Dr. Basil Bibby, who arranged for the program’s transfer.

Dental Studies Programs @ MCC

  • Dental Hygiene A.A.S.: Two-year program with hybrid coursework (up to 50% online)

  • Dental Assisting Certificate: On-campus, traditional one-year program.

  • Dental Assisting Rapid Track (DART) Certificate: Accelerated program with online components.

Leadership in Innovative Educational Approaches

  • MCC is recognized for several pioneering aspects:

    • First online DA program in the country.

    • First online DH program in the country.

    • First paperless DH environment in New York State.

    • First hybrid anesthesia course available online in NYS.

    • Achieved the President Obama award for volunteer service for DH students (excluding COVID-19 pandemic).

    • First DA program using text to teach and Tele-Dental Hygiene practices.

Timeline of Key Events

  • 1913: Fones opens the first dental hygiene school.

  • 1916: Opening of NY’s first dental hygiene school funded by George Eastman.

  • 1917: First Rochester graduates, including Hazel Badgero as one of the first licensed hygienists.

  • From 1923 to the 1950s: Gradual establishment of licensure across states.

  • 1959: Publication of Esther Wilkins’s Clinical Practice.

  • 1965: Transfer of the Rochester dental hygiene program to MCC.

  • Late 20th Century: Adoption of the ADPIED framework in practice.

Current Standards in Dental Hygiene Care (ADPIED)

  • Assess: Collect comprehensive histories and conduct exams and x-rays.

  • Diagnose: Identify potential oral health risks.

  • Plan: Create tailored care plans based on individual patient needs.

  • Implement: Execute treatments like cleanings, sealants, and counseling.

  • Evaluate: Review outcomes and adjust treatment plans as necessary.

  • Document: Maintain accurate and professional clinical records.

Dental Hygiene Code of Ethics

  • Autonomy and Respect: Individual rights to treatment decisions.

  • Confidentiality: Respecting patient privacy.

  • Societal Trust: Building trust with the community.

  • Non-maleficence: Avoiding harm to patients.

  • Beneficence: Promoting good health.

  • Justice & Fairness: Providing equitable treatment.

  • Veracity: Commitment to truthfulness in practice.

Dental Hygiene Oath

  • Commitment to improving public oral health and promoting high standards of quality care as articulated by the American Dental Hygiene Association.

Emerging Opportunities in Dental Hygiene

  • Oral Health Screening and Coordination: Increased focus on comprehensive patient care.

  • Collaborative Agreements: Enhanced partnerships within healthcare settings.

  • DDH Compact: Emerging frameworks for dental hygienists.

  • Tele-Dental Hygiene: Utilizing technology to provide care remotely.

  • Dental Therapy: Allowing hygienists to perform minor dental procedures.

Scope of Practice and CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation)

  • Focuses on the science of recognizing, preventing, and treating oral diseases and promoting overall health.

  • Engages in educational, assessment, diagnostic, preventive, therapeutic, research, administrative, and clinical services.

  • CODA ensures continuous quality improvement in dental education and accredits pertinent programs in the U.S.

Definitions of Health According to WHO

  • Health is defined as a state of physical, mental, and social well-being.

Key Components of Self-Care

  • Emphasis on the importance of:

    • Physical needs & preventive care.

    • Oral health maintenance.

    • Physical activity promotion.

    • Mental health awareness.

    • Avoidance of risky behaviors.

Homework Assignment: History of Dental Hygiene

  • Write an essay (100-150 words) that communicates your understanding of dental hygiene's history using provided resources.

  • Guidelines: Typed, double-spaced, in Times New Roman font, adhering to APA 7th edition citation style. Submission format: Word doc or RTF only; do not submit .pages files.