Writing – Best Works

This page contains my best writing works from English 301. For each assignment I gained valuable feedback from both a peer and my professor. I have used this advice to make each writing assignment better than the original.

The following assignments can be found below:

• Definition Assignment
• Formal Report Proposal
• Complaint Letter
• Peer Review

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Definition Assignment

The definition assignment was  

Hello Josy,

Assignment 1.3 focuses on definitions. Parenthetical, sentence, and expanded definitions are practiced. The learning objectives include: selecting the appropriate amount of detail for a given situation; differentiating between the levels of details in definitions; understanding the importance and role of definitions used in technical writing; and understanding definition requirements based on audience and purpose.

I have chosen to practice three different types of definitions for the term “periodontitis”. My intended audience includes laypeople who do not have any dental terminology knowledge. The definitions should be clear to any client within a dental practice who requires knowledge about the condition.

Please find my English assignment 1.3 below for your review. I look forward to your feedback and peer assessment.

Thank you,

 

Rebecca

Parenthetical Definition

Periodontitis (gum disease) can be either aggressive or chronic in nature.

Sentence Definition

Periodontitis is a serious disease of the mouth that damages the soft tissues, as well as, the surrounding bone structure and ligaments of the teeth. It can cause teeth to loosen; and lead to tooth loss without treatment.

Expanded Definition – etymology, required conditions, visual, comparison

The word periodontitis can be broken down to: “peri” (around); “dontal” (tooth or teeth); and “itis” (inflammation of an organ or tissue). (Dictionary.com, 2017)

Periodontitis occurs due to: unremoved tartar and plaque biofilm around the teeth and gums; poor oral hygiene; nutrition deficits; smoking; and certain systemic diseases, such as diabetes. (Youssef, A., 2012) Periodontitis can be prevented by brushing, flossing, using mouth rinse, knowing and addressing your risk level (such as smoking), and seeing a dental professional regularly.(American Academy of Periodontology, 2017)

Is periodontitis the same as gingivitis?

Gingivitis often precedes periodontitis, however, gingivitis does not always progress into periodontitis. With gingivitis there is swelling and inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth, but there is no bone loss and the disease is still reversible. Contrarily, periodontitis often begins with untreated gingivitis. As it progresses, both bacteria and the body’s immune system damage the surrounding tissues of the tooth causing irreversible bone loss and soft tissue destruction. (WebMD, 2017)

A comparison of healthy gums, gingivitis and periodontitis.

Source: MedEq. (2016) Gingivitis and Periodontitis: Who it Effects and How. Retrieved May 31, 2017, from: http://www.emedeq.org/oral-health-blog/2016/1/14/gingivitis-and-periodontitis-who-it-effects-and-how

 

References

American Academy of Periodontology. (2017). Preventing      periodontal disease. Retrieved May 31, 2017, from:  https://www.perio.org/consumer/prevent-gum-disease

Dictionary.com. (2017). Periodontitis, Retrieved May 31, 2017,  from: http://www.dictionary.com/browse/periodontitis

MedEq. (2016). Gingivitis and Periodontitis: Who it Effects and  How. Retrieved May 31, 2017, from: http://www.emedeq.org/oral-health-blog/2016/1/14/gingivitis-and-periodontitis-who-it-effects-and-how

WebMD. (2017). Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease).  Retrieved May 31, 2017, from: http://www.webmd.com/oral- health/guide/gingivitis-periodontal-disease#1

Youssef, A. (2012). Periodontitis. Retrieved May 31, 2017,    from: http://www.studiodentaire.com/en/conditions/periodontitis.php

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Formal Report Proposal

My formal report proposal was written with the hopes of improving dental hygiene equipment at Conroy Dental Centre. Through peer review I was encouraged to seek out further  methods of attaining data by interviewing other hygienists and company representatives. It was also suggested to include information on musculoskeletal disorders and the financial impact working with inefficient instruments.

Although I chose to not follow all suggestions, I appreciated the input and made the improvements that I felt were best for my report.

To: Josy Jonas
From: Rebecca Coleman
Date: June 7, 2017
Subject: Proposal for improving dental hygiene equipment at Conroy Dental Centre, Ottawa

Introduction

Conroy Dental Centre prides itself in a strong dental hygiene team that provides optimal dental hygiene care to its patients. In an aging population, periodontal disease is seen more and more frequently. With periodontal disease comes treatment challenges where instruments must be in excellent working condition in order to scale and root plane effectively. New dental hygiene instruments will allow the dental hygiene team to maintain these high standards of care.

Statement of the Problem

Dental hygienists require new instruments for scaling and root planning every four to six months, depending on how often they are used in daily practice. New instruments were last purchased eight years ago. New and functional working instruments allow for positive patient treatment outcomes and satisfaction of care.

Proposed Solution

One of the possible solutions to the problem is to enroll in a monthly sharpening and re-tipping program. Various companies exist that allow instruments to be shipped when they are no longer able to be used, and then re-tipped or sharpened and then couriered back to the dental practice.

Scope

To assess the feasibility of improving dental hygiene equipment, I plan on exploring the following questions:

• What instruments provide the longest lasting working edge?
• What instruments are the most effective at scaling and root planning?
• Which instruments provide the best ergonomic and comfortable handles?
• What program is the most cost effective?
• What program is the most time-efficient in returning instruments?
• What program has the best customer service?

Methods

Primary data sources will with be the dental hygienist team, Joanne Ginger and Sophia Smith. I will send out email questionnaires after they have used instruments from different companies in order to determine which program will provide the most effective working dental hygiene instruments for Conroy Dental Centre.

My Qualifications

As a dental hygienist with over seven years of clinical practice experience, I have seen many patients with varying degrees of periodontal disease. Furthermore, I will be receiving my degree in dental hygiene from the University of British Columbia in April, 2019. I am aware of how effective periodontal debridement is when done properly and with equipment that is in optimal working condition. By working in different dental practices, I have used programs that sharpen and re-tip, that re-purchase on an as- needed basis, or do not maintain dental hygiene instruments at all. I have seen the use of ineffective equipment resulting in less than adequate treatment outcomes for patients. Conversely, I have seen excellent treatment results and healing with the use of effective equipment.  I work with experienced dental hygienists of 20+ years that will allow me to produce an in depth study.

Conclusion

New and well maintained dental hygiene instruments will allow for effective treatment outcomes and patient care at Conroy Dental Centre. By addressing the need for improved equipment and assessing which program would best suit Conroy Dental Centre, by evaluating the criteria mentioned above, an appropriate instrument replacement program can be determined. With approval, I will begin research immediately.

 

Kind regards,

 

Rebecca Coleman

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Complaint letter

By rebecca coleman on July 4, 2017

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Peer Review

In this peer review, I hoped to use the “You Attitude” style of writing. I have had a difficult learning curve with this style of writing. However, I feel that I was able to demonstrate the technique well throughout this review.

Peer Review of Application Package

Dear Josy,

Congratulations on the application to this exciting new position at Embrace Orthodontics. The cover letter and resume indicate a strong candidate for this position. The overall layout has been done well. Some suggestions have been offered to make the application package even stronger with an assertive and confident tone.

Application Package

Tone: Very good. Positive and professional.

Layout: Well done. Both the resume and cover letter are easy to read, and have a nice flow. The resume is in reverse chronological order, with good use of bold headings.

Spelling/grammar:   Very good! I did not see any errors.

Contact information: Easy to see and at the top of both the cover letter and resume. Good!

Cover letter

Excellent! Honest and to the point. Key strengths have been outlined in the cover letter that are required for the new position, including: extra orthodontic training in college, without simply repeating from the resume.

A connection has been established in the second paragraph to the application recipient. Great.

Closing paragraph: A time of day for contact is indicated with a phone and email address. Good.

A stronger closing on the cover letter could be beneficial.  “If my background meets your needs”, can be more assertive and confident, by stating “I would like to further discuss my background in person to answer any questions you may have”.

Resume

Objective: The purpose is clear with an indication of willingness to relocate for the job indicated.

“to attain a position as an orthodontic hygienist”, can create an even stronger sense of purpose.

Strengths and experiences: Well laid-out strengths and experiences. Each position has been explained accurately and briefly. Experience has been presented to highlight strengths.

References: References have been offered upon request. Good.

Volunteer experience: A date is missing. Where did the oral health and awareness for children teaching take place?

Hobbies and interests: The addition of personal data, such as interests and hobbies demonstrate a well-rounded individual.

Letters requesting recommendations

Very good. All letters have been personalized to the intended audience. Requests are polite and highlight both why a letter of reference is deserved and why each recipient is the best person to provide one. Correct letter layout with addresses and formatting has been followed.

The application package is strong and sure to help attain a position at Embrace Orthodontics. There are very few adjustments that could help the application package to stand out even further. If there are any questions, contact me at bec.stacey@ gmail.com or by phone at 613-xxx-xxxx. Well done and good luck with the application!

 

Best wishes,

 

Rebecca