DH 240 - Special Needs - Current Trends in DH

Successful completion of the first term of the Dental Hygiene program.

Course Description: Introduces students to the importance of oral hygiene in people with disabilities. Further discusses specific problems areas divided into each disease or anomaly.  In addition, will investigate trends influencing the practice of dental hygiene. The history and image of dental hygiene, career satisfaction, educational trends, and access to care, independent practice, and self-regulations. A closer look at the legal, political and ethical ramifications of these topic areas as they relate to the dental hygiene profession will be explored.

Course Learning Outcomes:

• CLO#1 Identify and appraise the factors to consider when planning educational interventions for a mentally impaired patient.
• CLO#2 Recognize and explain practice management tips to accommodate patients with special needs.
• CLO#3 Compose a care plan to provide home oral therapy.
• CLO#4 Construct assessment techniques used to determine the patient’s range of motion, grip strength, and finger closure when designing oral hygiene assistive devices.
• CLO#5 Research and differentiate between the current trends in homecare products for patients with developmental and intellectual disorders. (ILO: Critical Thinking)