I am fortunate to have the chance to undergo my dental hygiene schooling at UBC. Here at UBC I have access to an extensive journal databases. Moreover, the dental hygiene program at UBC emphasizes the importance of evidence-base literature. This is significant as the evidence-based literature would serve as a practice guideline and facilitate in decision making. Subsequently, the recommendations given to clients would be of beneficence.The use of evidence-based recommendation is often used in my own dental hygiene care. I have had many clients who request for polishing and they usually ask me “My previous dental office always gave me polishing before the fluoride. Why don’t you?”. I would then provide them with what the recent research on rubber cup polishing. That is, RCP would remove micro layers of enamel, and that it is not needed for fluoride uptake. (1)  In addition, I would have clients who have equated a to a white smile to a healthy smile and wanted bleaching. I would then have to dispel this myth and explain the risk of bleeching their teeth. Once I provide my clients with this information, they are usually surprised and they make their own decision to decline polishing.

Reference

1. Azarpazhooh A, and Main PA. Efficacy of dental prophylaxis (rubber cup) for the prevention of caries and gingivitis: a systematic review of literature. Br Dent J. 2009;207(7):328-9.