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.