Diagnosiswith a Class 3 furcation!!The most memorable experience of my ability to implement my dental hygiene diagnosis skills was with a medically compromised patient. He presented to clinic with heavy generalized plaque, improper at home hygiene and uncontrolled diabetes. Originally placed on a 6 MRC with perio done at the previous appt. I chose to do a full mouth perio chart due to generalized clinically visible inflammation and bleeding. PD increased by 2mm, which placed him into AAP class III. My recommendation of changing his recall appts. from 6M to 3M was met with some hesitation however, explaining the correlation between his uncontrolled diabetes and periodontal health led him to accept this change in recall intervals. Being able to use my critical decision making skills about my patient's current needs and having my choice agreed with by faculty improved my confidence in diagnosing peridontal disease.
|
PlanningAlthough we cannot legally diagnose, being able to recognize demineralization and caries will help prevent further tooth structure in our patients. I have had instances in clinic where the dentist comes in for a periodic eval and I was able to point out areas in which restorative tx. might be needed. As future hygienists we have the ability to distinguish tooth loss, educate the patient on the matter and involve the dentist in making changes in patient treatment plans. Clinical practice and theory has increased our knowledge and made us proficient in this skill. I believe that this ability will make us an asset in private practice.
|
Implementation Senior's year implementation of new instruments assessments lead me to find new favorites. While I wasn't thrilled with new assessments being introduced, it forced me to experiment with instruments I wouldn't have normally used. Now there is not a day in clinic in which I don't check out the Nevi 1 , it is perfect for sextant 5, which has always been my Achilles heel. If it wasn't for this assessment, I would have never introduced these new instruments to my clinical time.
|