The following best work highlights my academic achievements throughout the program.
Revised Definition Assignment
Defining technical terms to a non-technical audience is the purpose of this assignment. Being a dental hygienist, I chose the dental term “Periodontal disease” and I explained it to my patient in layman’s terms in three different ways such as parenthetical, sentence and expanded definition.
Introduction
The objective of this assignment is to discuss periodontal disease with the patient. I will explain the disease process, causes, treatment, and prevention along with a visual diagram to help explain the key concepts of periodontal disease. This term is explained to a patient in a clinical setting who does not have any dental knowledge about this procedure. I have explained periodontal disease below with parenthetical, sentence, and an expanded definition.
Parenthetical Definition:
Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a serious gum infection that can lead to tooth loss.
Sentence Definition:
Periodontal disease is a severe gum infection characterized by the swelling of the gums and bone that surrounds and supports the teeth.
Expanded Definition:
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a common but preventable dental disease. The word periodontal disease is derived from the Greek word peri for “around” and odon for “tooth” which means “disease around the tooth” (American Dental Education Association, n.d.). In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums can become swollen and red, and they may bleed (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018). In its more serious form, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the tooth, bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or even fall out (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018). Healthy gums are pale and pink in color and fit snuggly against the tooth. In periodontal disease, gums are bright, dusky or purplish in color accompanied by the presence of pus between teeth and the gums (Mayo Clinic, 2020).
What are the Causes of Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is common but largely preventable. It is usually the result of poor oral hygiene and a lack of professional dental cleanings. In most cases, periodontal disease starts with the formation of plaque (a sticky film composed mainly of bacteria). When plaque stays on the teeth long enough and is not being removed with daily brushing and flossing, it eventually hardens and turns into calculus (tartar). Tartar build-up can spread below the gum line, which makes the teeth harder to clean. You can get rid of plaque by brushing and flossing but tartar can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning. The longer plaque and tartar stay on the teeth, the more damage they can do to the gums and bone surrounding the teeth. The first stage will be gum swelling which is reversible by brushing and flossing. A common sign of the first stage is gums that start to bleed while brushing. Later, it will turn into gum disease which is not reversible and can result in bone loss around the teeth. Other factors can increase the risk of periodontal disease such as smoking or chewing tobacco, diabetes, stress, genetics, crooked teeth, underlying autoimmune conditions, defective dental fillings and hormonal changes (Cafasso, 2017)
Figure 1: Stages of Gum Disease
Source: Carter, C. (2020, March 27). The five stages of gum disease — the McKenzie center. The McKenzie Center | Implants & Periodontics. https://www.drwilliammckenzie.com/blog/the-five-stages-of-gum-disease
- What is the treatment of Periodontal disease?
Gingivitis can be controlled and treated with good oral hygiene and regular professional cleaning. More severe forms of periodontal disease can also be treated successfully but may require more extensive treatment (Cafasso, 2017). Such treatment might include a deep cleaning of the root surfaces of the teeth below the gums, medications prescribed to take by mouth or placed directly under the gums, and sometimes corrective surgery (Cafasso, 2018; Mayo Clinic, 2020).
- How can you prevent Periodontal disease?
To help prevent or control periodontal diseases, it is important to:
- Brush and floss every day to remove plaque that causes gum disease.
Brush your teeth twice a day. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every 3 months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed. Old, worn-out ones won’t clean teeth as well. Flossing removes food particles and plaque from in between the teeth and under the gum line. Floss every day. You can also try interdental cleaners, picks, or small brushes that fit in between teeth. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist how to use them so you don’t damage your gums (Cafasso, 2017). Rinse your mouth. According to the American Dental Association, antibacterial rinses can reduce bacteria that cause plaque and gum disease (Cafasso, 2017).
- See a dental hygienist every 6 months for professional dental cleanings.
- Other lifestyle changes can also cut the risk of periodontal disease such as healthy eating and quitting smoking.
- What is the link between periodontal disease and overall health?
According to the CDC, researchers have uncovered potential links between periodontal disease and other serious health conditions (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018). In people with healthy immune systems, the bacteria in the mouth that makes its way into the bloodstream is usually harmless (Webmd, 2018). But under certain circumstances, these bacteria are associated with health problems such as stroke and heart disease (Webmd, 2018). Diabetes is not only a risk factor for gum disease, but gum disease may make diabetes worse (Webmd, 2018).
References
Cafasso, J. (2017, May 22). Periodontitis. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/periodontitis
Carter, C. (2020, March 27). The five stages of gum disease — the McKenzie center. The McKenzie Center | Implants & Periodontics. https://www.drwilliammckenzie.com/blog/the-five-stages-of-gum-disease
Periodontal disease. (2018, December 14). Cdc.Gov. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html
Periodontics. (n.d.). Retrieved June 18, 2022, from Adea.org website: https://www.adea.org/GoDental/Career_Options/Advanced_Dental_Education_Programs/Periodontics.aspx
Periodontitis. (2020, February 14). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354473
To: Kristy Vyfschaft
From: Lovin Kahlon
Date: June 9, 2022
Peer review/ Term: Endodontic therapy.
Thank you for submitting the definition assignment 1:3; you have done good work. Please see the review of the document below with suggestions for improvements.
- First Impressions:
Your report is well organized, and the terms are explained clearly. The content in the report follows the steps outlined in the assignment document.
- Organization and Content:
It might be better to make the headings bolder and there should be less space between them, especially the last heading. Use a smaller font for in-text source citing below the figure so it can be easily identified as a citation. Simple language and avoiding dental jargon will make the report easier to read. For example, terms such as hard tissue and soft tissue can be confusing without an adequate explanation.
- Definitions:
Under expanded definition, consider comparing or contrasting it to a routine dental procedure such as a filling so you can clarify the differences. The parenthetical definition should only include clarifying phrases in parentheses.
- Visuals:
Figure 1 is particularly labelled with many terms, which may be confusing for some. It may be helpful to find a visual that has fewer terms and can be more clear to your audience.
- Grammar/Typos:
There are some grammatical errors, particularly a lack of adjectives; one example is: “Inside the tooth, under the hard tissues, there is soft tissue called the pulp”.
Please correct to: “Inside the tooth, under the hard tissues, there is a soft tissue called the pulp”.
Using “hyphens” would also ensure that ambiguity is avoided; for example: “ The dental infection can spread to other teeth and through the body, potentially becoming life threatening”.
Please correct to: “The dental infection can spread to other teeth and through the body, potentially becoming life-threatening”.
- Works Cited:
Your citations are excellent
- Conclusion:
Correct headings and font size
Using simple language and avoiding dental jargon for easy reading
Reviewing Parenthetical and comparing/contrasting expanded definition
The visual in Figure 1 is too busy, so rearrange and use relevant terminology as per the definition.
Edit for grammar.
I hope my recommendations are helpful to you.
Revised Formal Report Proposal
Formal report proposal is based on solving the inefficiency present at ABC pediatric dental practice. The plan is to convince the audience of the proposal to accept the recommendations to solve the described inefficiency.
Research Proposal
To: Dr. Erika Paterson, ENGL301 Professor
From: Lovin Kahlon
Date: June 22, 2022
Subject: Integrating Ultrasonic scaling at Pediatric Dental Practice in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Audience Description: This report is prepared for six dentist owners, an office manager, and one business manager of a pediatric dental office located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. While dentists possess technical dental knowledge, office manager and business manager are poorly acquainted with technical words in dentistry. The pediatric dental office treats patients ranging in age from birth to 18.
Dental Hygienists are licensed oral health professionals who use a variety of tools to remove plaque, calculus, and stains from teeth to improve oral health and prevent disease. There are two ways to clean teeth: Hand Scaling and Ultrasonic water scaling. Traditionally, Dental hygienists clean teeth manually by hand-scaling or scraping with a special instrument. Ultrasonic water scaler blasts calculus mechanically with high vibrational energy, enhances patient comfort, and makes cleaning easier for dental hygienists.
Introduction: ABC pediatric dental group opened its door 15 years ago welcoming birth to 18 years of age children from Winnipeg and surrounding areas. As the practice evolved over the years, the addition of state-of-the-art dental technologies enhanced patient and provider comfort. Ten years ago, the first dental hygienist was welcomed into the team which led to the start of an in-house dental hygiene recare program. Now, four dental hygienists work alongside dentists to ensure the highest standard of care is provided for patients.
At the beginning of the recare program, hand scaling was the only tool implemented for cleaning teeth. The business has grown steadily over the years, with a significant majority of patients over 14 years of age. To keep up with the need for comprehensive care, an alternative means of cleaning teeth is required to continue to strive for a golden standard to provide care.
Statement of problem: While ABC practice has grown in business over the past few years and now has a large patient base of older children, cleanings are still done manually by hand scaling. This inefficiency caused several problems, including time management issues as hand scaling takes a long time, painful experience for an older patient who needs enhanced therapy, special needs patients who allow limited working time, and musculoskeletal problems for the dental hygienist.
Proposed Solution: This proposal offers a realistic and effective plan for the implementation of ultrasonic water scaling in conjunction with hand scaling to reduce the above-described inefficiencies. We will first identify the burden of hand scaling only by staff dentists and dental hygienists, ways to improve the patient experience, make the hygiene recare system efficient to generate more profit, and resolve time management issues so the schedule stays on time.
Scope: To assess the feasibility of implementing ultrasonic water scaling in conjunction with hand scaling, I plan to pursue seven areas of inquiry:
- What are the benefits of ultrasonic water scaling to the patient and dental hygienist?
- What are the benefits and constraints to office management?
- What is the cost of an ultrasonic water scaler?
- Will there be an added cost to maintain an ultrasonic scaler?
- What are the different types of ultrasonic scalers available in the market?
- Does the staff need additional training to use ultrasonic water scaler?
- Can ultrasonic scaler make dental hygiene visits more efficient and profitable?
- When will the Ultrasonic scaler pay for itself?
Methods: My primary data sources will include surveys of practicing dental hygienists and interviews of the ABC’s staff dental hygienists and dentists. My secondary sources will be a literature review of the use of ultrasonic water scaler Vs hand scaling.
My Qualifications: I am a practicing registered dental hygienist with a decade of experience. I have worked in multiple pediatric practices and have used several techniques to clean patients’ teeth. Currently, I am enrolled in a Bachelor of Dental Science and have recently completed an advanced Periodontal health program which specifies various techniques for cleaning teeth and rigorous research behind them. Further, I have attended various continuing education programs on the instrumentation aspect of dental hygiene. My association with various dental practices allows me to do an in-depth feasibility study.
Conclusion: The action is needed to reduce the inefficiencies currently present among the staff of ABC dental practice. By addressing the seven areas of inquiries presented earlier, I can determine the feasibility of implementing ultrasonic water scaling in conjunction with hand scaling to enhance providers’ efficiency and patient comfort. With your approval, I will begin the research at once.
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Progress Report with Surveys
The purpose of the progress report is to update the reader of the report on how research is being conducted.
MEMORANDUM
To: Dr. Erika Paterson, Instructor ENGL 301 Technical Writing UBC
From: Lovin Kahlon, Student ENGL 301 Technical Writing UBC
Date: July 6, 2022
Subject: 301 Formal Report Progress: Integrating Ultrasonic scaling at Pediatric Dental Practice in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
As requested by assignment 2:3, here is an update on the progress of the formal report titled “Integrating Ultrasonic scaling at Pediatric Dental Practice in Winnipeg, Manitoba”.
Purpose of the report: The purpose of this report is to evaluate the feasibility of implementing ultrasonic scaling in conjunction with hand scaling at a Pediatric Dental Practice in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Intended Audience: The readers of my report will be Rohan Scyalsek, Reena Maye, Dr. Amira, Dr. Singh, Dr. Yve, Dr. Adubaker, Dr. Shahin and Dr. Sandhu respectively. Rohan is a business manager, Reena is an office manager and the dentists are part owners and associates. The decision to implement ultrasonic scaling will be through a group vote in the end.
Report Objective: The Objectives of this report are:
- to identify inefficiencies caused by hand scaling only to the dental provider and patient.
- to provide recommendations to improve patient care and comfort during dental hygiene care, especially for kids who need enhanced dental hygiene therapy.
- to resolve current time management issues during dental hygiene appointments.
- to establish a profit-generating dental hygiene care system.
Report Significance: The report will provide the intended audience with an understanding of the inefficiencies present by current methods of providing clinical dental hygiene services. As a result of the report, a realistic and effective plan will be presented to reduce inefficiencies and improve comprehensive patient care.
Research Plan: As part of my research, I need to complete the following eight tasks:
- What are the benefits of ultrasonic water scaling to the patient and dental hygienist?
- What are the benefits and constraints to office management?
- What is the cost of an ultrasonic water scaler?
- Will there be an added cost to maintain an ultrasonic scaler?
- What are the different types of ultrasonic scalers available in the market?
- Does the staff need additional training to use ultrasonic water scaler?
- Can ultrasonic scaler make dental hygiene visits more efficient and profitable?
- When will the Ultrasonic scaler pay for itself?
Methods: My primary data sources will be:
- An informational Interview with Johan Schalkwyk, Faith Faye, Dr. Amir, Dr. Mangat, Dr. Yve, Dr. Abdukar, Dr. Shah, Dr. Sandhu ABC’s staff dental hygienists.
- An online anonymous survey of practicing dental hygienists.
- My secondary sources will be a literature review of the use of ultrasonic water scaler Vs hand scaling.
Survey: Link to Survey is attached: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eGbrhx6jlrBC1Ui
Link to Information interview: 301 Lovin Kahlon Informational questions
Report Outline: In the attached link, you will find an outline of the Formal Report:
301 Lovin Kahlon Formal report Outline
Writing Schedule: A detailed breakdown of my writing schedule is attached:
301 Lovin Kahlon Writing Schedule
Thank you for taking the time to review the progress report memo and formal report outline. Please let me know if any further changes are needed.
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