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.
Tag: community practice
Disease Prevention: Fluoride Varnish Rotation
In third year, I was given the opportunity to go to White Rock to attend a clinic for fluoride varnish. This was probably my favourite rotation as I really do love spending time with children. According to a study by Li et al., early childhood caries are the most prevalent infectious diseases of childhood, and affect ~78% of the child population.(1) 41% of these cases are severe. With this knowledge, I understand how important it is to education families and parents of the important need to maintain their child’s oral hygiene. Fluoride is a helpful compound in preventing oral caries, and sometimes at the rotation, may be all that the child gets if they are not brushing properly.
- Li Y, Wulaerhan J, Liu Y, Abudureyimu A, Zhao J. Prevalence of severe early childhood caries and associated socioeconomic and behavioral factors in Xinjiang, China: a cross-sectional study. BMC Oral Health. 2017;17:144.
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
Coordination: Developmental Disabilities Association
In third year, I was sent to the Developmental Disabilities Association to educate the clients about oral health care. In a group of three students, we first conducted a verbal assessment of the clients’ needs. Subsequently, we conducted lessons in both a verbal and interactive manner, in order to garner more interest with the population. With this assignment, I have learned to collaborate with my colleagues as it was not always easy to think of ways to describe oral health terms simply. Also, we learned to delegate tasks to each individual so that the lesson would run more smoothly. Tasks included controlling the music (for ZUMBA), handing out information, leading the group and more.
Communication: ISSofBC
My first experience in community was at the Immigrant Services Society of British Columbia.(1) We participated in a class learning English. In my group of four students, I was able to first do an assessment of the oral health literacy of the class, and then devise a couple lessons regarding simple words to teach the class. The class was engaged and interactive, and we were able to make use of technological resources such as the SMART board to make the lesson fun. At the end of the sessions, a fieldwork report and presentation was delivered to our dental hygiene class.
Community Fieldwork Oral Presentation Community Fieldwork Service Report Lesson 3_ Step by Step Dialogues Community Assessment Survey
- Immigrant Services Society of British Columbia. Available from: https://issbc.org/