I investigated the health-care system and dental care system between the United States of America and Canada. Although Canada’s system is not encompassing of oral health, it is still better in comparison to the system in the states as medical services are covered. Both the United States and Canada should consider revisions to their systems in order improve the oral health and other supplementary health needs of its citizens. After this assignment, I learned that it is really in the scope of a dental hygienist to be pursuing these changes in policy to improve the oral health of the population.
Category: 03: Oral Health Education
Oral Health Education: Nutritional Counselling
In third year, I had the pleasure to conduct a nutritional counselling session with Ms. KGL. Ms. KGL is a type 2 Diabetes Mellitus client who has been on medications her whole life. Although Ms. KGL already eats a balanced diet, and is aware of the food items she should avoid, I was able to give her more of an overview of how her condition impacts her oral health, which is not common knowledge. Ms. KGL was very surprised to learn that her systemic condition could impact her oral health, and appreciated the knowledge that was disseminated. Through this experience, I learned that comprehensive care means that even though the client may already be aware of their systemic conditions, it is important to reiterate its effects on oral health, as this is not commonly discussed with the physician.