Tag Archives: clinical practice

Say NO! to polish, with the help from research

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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.

Mrs.N- The lovely,hip Russian grandma ( Professionalism;communication)

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Living in a culturally diverse city, it becomes important that I am culturally competent and have good communication skills. One of the clients that I saw in the beginning of the year at UBC Oral Health Center was 67 year old Russian lady. She immigrated to Canada five years ago. In Russia she was a professor at an university and is now retired, stylish grandmother. Mrs.N knew very little English and had especially hard time in speaking. In a sentence of ten words, (depending on the content) two words would be in English and the rest would be in Russian. As one can imagine, this may pose a challenge for the clinician in terms of going through the assessment,proposing the treatment plan,client education and building client rapport. Initially, it was extremely difficult to understand her, let alone talk to her in English. However, through patience, careful listening, and observations of the non-verbal cues I was able to understand her most of the time. I was also able to communicate to her through the use of short, simple sentences. I did not use baby talk as I kept in mind that she probably knew the content, just not in English. Also, she would have probably found it offensive, as she is highly educated. If the use of brief sentences were unable to convey to her, I would use a combination of drawing, acting, and google translator. At the end of the sessions, Mrs.N was very appreciative of the care that I provided her with and gave me a heart-felt hug as we departed.

Mr. C (Clinical Therapy)

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Prior to entering the program, I had a misconception that the oral health literacy of the general population were at a particular standard. As we live in country where the health care system is ranked top 30. Also, my parents have always had dental insurance and I would visit the dental office every six months. However, I gradually learn throughout the program, a client’s oral status and oral health perceptions is mediated by social determinants. In my senior years in dental hygiene, I was able to experience what we learned in class first hand. Mr.C a 65 year old man who was recently divorced,neglected by family members and recently moved to east Vancouver. With the castastrophe Mr. C was experiencing in his current stage of life, his oral health was in a similar state. When asked when was the last time he brushed, he stated he could not remember. Mr. C acknowledged that he had neglected taking care of his oral health, but also stated that he stopped brushing his teeth due to pain and the excessive bleeding. Mr. C thought that the bleeding of his gums was caused by his tooth brushing. Through debridement, client education, and oral self care sessions, there was a gradual improvement of his oral health. Moreover, there was visible change in his overall well-being as well. There was an increase in self-esteemed as Mr. C understood that he had control over his own oral health. He would enthusiastically give me weekly updates of the decrease in bleeding that he was experiencing. In addition, he would tell me about how he was meeting up with friends more often now as well. Through the supportive dental hygiene care that I was providing Mr. C was able to maintain his oral health and optimize his oral functions.