DH Process Of Care Model

DH Process of Care:

The dental hygiene process of care is an organized framework that aims to provide dental hygienist with the tools to provide quality and individualized oral hygiene care that meets the client's needs. This model is composed of six key steps, assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation and documentation.

This winter quarter, we have learned how all of the six key steps in the ADPIE model are interconnected. In the assessment phase, we begin by gathering and analyzing the client's medical and dental history, medications, vital signs, extra/intraoral examination, dental charting, gingival evaluation and periodontal examinations. After the assessment phase, a dental hygiene diagnosis is made using clinical data

Students were divided in groups of three, with two students setting up and one student coaching them through the process. My job was to ensure the students were following the correct steps and stopping and correcting any mistakes. It was important to educate them on correct infection control protocols to reduce potential risk for cross-contamination and instill good habits from the beginning. I also assisted in helping them identify oral landmarks and tooth numbering. This experience was rewarding and fulfilling as I remember how the advice from my peers helped me succeed in the program and my goal was to deliver the same level of information and assistance to help future dental hygiene student

Consent falls under the umbrella of autonomy. Autonomy is respecting the patient's right to decision making based on his or her own judgements and evaluations. As a dental hygienist it is essential to always provide the client with the understandable information about their care and treatment options and obtain their informed consent before beginning any services. Implied consent is when the client shows up for the appointment and only applies to permission granted for information gathering. Any other services that have to be rendered require informed consent. Informed consent must never be assumed. On the other side of the spectrum, informed refusal is the patient's right to deny any of the services recommended. From a legal standpoint, it is important to always document informed consent and refusal to avoid any legal