A case presentation on Ms. KG was done to educate my colleagues on what HbA1C levels are and how it impacts a client with Diabetes Mellitus type 2. As seen on the diagnosis slide, Ms. KG presents with several sites of chronic periodontitis and was not aware previously of the poor wound healing ability typical of clients with Diabetes Mellitus type 2. Through nutritional counselling and the case presentation, I was able to educate my client a bit more about the relationship between her systemic conditions and oral health. I believe this is important in clinical therapy as it is not always about debridement. The reasons for inflammation should be addressed first in order to truly improve the client’s oral health.
Tag: clinical practice
Policy Use: Investigation of International Health-Care Systems
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.
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.
Scientific Investigation and Leadership: Change in Plaque Index Policy
During our policy analysis class in third year, I investigated the efficacy of O’Leary’s plaque index at the Nobel Biocare Oral Health Centre at UBC. Although all sites are documented, the severity of the plaque cannot be measured. For example, there should be a difference of whether plaque is present on the whole surface of the tooth, or just the gingival margin of the distal aspect. This information would affect the oral hygiene instruction for the client, a key service provided by dental hygienists. Additionally, scanning of the paper document is not a mandatory policy at UBC and therefore information that is valuable is sometimes not present in the client’s file. Thus, this policy at UBC should be re-evaluated to determine a more effective way to conduct this assessment.
Scientific Investigation and Leadership: Marijuana-use and its correlation with Oral Cancer
In third year, we were assigned to do a literature review in a quantitative manner. The topic I chose was whether Marijuana-use increases the risk of developing oral cancer. Through my research, I discovered that data shows both positive and negative effects on the oral cavity with marijuana use. Therefore, current research is controversial and more research needs to be conducted. As cannabis is now legal in Canada, the importance of this should be prioritized to understand the effects of this drug.
Research Use: Baccalaureate versus Diploma Education
My first literature review explored the differences between Baccalaureate and Diploma education for the Dental Hygienist. At the time, not a lot of literature was available on the topic, but fortunately articles published by professors in my school allowed me to learn from this topic. My partner and I synthesized information and this further emphasized to us why it is important that we are in our current program. As dental hygiene is a dynamic field with growing evidence, the education level must increase as well to ensure future hygienists have adequate knowledge to become competent professionals.DHYG 210 Lit Review
Research Use: Investigation of Pathogenic Cocci and Staph Infections
In my last year at UBC, we shifted the focus back to microbiology and how this relates to dental hygiene practice. My group focused on pathogenic cocci and staph infections. Topics discussed included oral manifestations, and how to prevent transmission. I learned from this assignment that continued adherence to standard infection control and prevention is essential to minimizing/eliminating transmission of infectious micro-organisms. Hand hygiene is the single most important factor in disease prevention and transmission.Pathogenic Cocci and Staph Infections Report
Critical Thinking: Problem-based Learning (PBL)
Each year, we engaged in problem-based learning sessions with about a quarter of our classmates. The problems are designed to stimulate our learning in many ways so that we are well-rounded in our analysis of a client case, and are able to deliver client-centred care in multi-faceted ways. These aspects include analysis by behavioural theories, health history, medication, and referrals. Most were analyzed using the Dental Hygiene Process of Care model.
Communication: Weekly Patchwork Journal
Throughout second year, I have learned and grown a lot in my developing dental hygiene practice. I learned to value clinic time as this is what will expand my knowledge in different or unusual cases. Making the proper referrals, both for oral medicine and to the dentistry program will help alleviate my client’s chief concern. I also learned the importance of all protocols as this is critical in shaping the client’s understanding of my practice and will aid in building rapport with my clients. As well, it is my duty as a oral health professional to follow all protocols as detailed by the College of Dental Hygienists British Columbia (CDHBC). Upholding the highest level of professionalism is necessary to providing the best possible treatment.