Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Sams, L. D., Chen, L., & White, T. (2022). The radiology chain of Asepsis. Dimensions of Dental
Hygiene. Retrieved December 27, 2022 from
https://dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com/article/radiology-chain-asepsis/
The article begins with a discussion about the importance of maintaining asepsis while
exposing radiographs. As part of the job of a dental hygienist, making radiographs can be
mistaken as a task that doesn’t warrant as careful attention to aseptic techniques because no
aerosols are made, and bleeding is not typically induced. Proper aseptic chain techniques are
reviewed including differences in protocol between digital and analog film use. The CDC
recommended receptor cleaning guidelines are outlined and options for disinfectants are
A. It is essential as a student and as a dental hygienist that asepsis is maintained throughout all
tasks. If the chain of asepsis is broken at any point during an appointment or between
B. I learned from this article that the CDC recommends digital sensors to be protected with a
barrier in addition to being cleaned and disinfected. It is also recommended that face shields be
worn by the provider during exposures of radiographs. Lead aprons are to be properly
C. Yes, I will continue to do these practices to maintain asepsis. This article was a great review
D. The content within this article relates to the protocol from the radiology, hand washing, and
asepsis units from Fundamentals of Dentistry lab. Most of these recommendations are
Dsouza, R., Burgess-Flowers, J., & Sanders, K. (2022). Effective approaches to addressing
xerostomia. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. Retrieved December 28, 2022 from
https://dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com/article/effective-approaches-addressing-
xerostomia/
This article discusses the signs and possible causes of xerostomia as well as the clinical
implications of it. Behavioral health factors including mood disorders and psychiatric disorders
can be contributors of xerostomia. A table is provided with signs and symptoms to recognize
and things to consider when discussing behavioral health concerns with patients.
Pharmacological factors are explored with emphasis on the mechanisms by which the drugs
impact saliva production. A risk to benefit ratio needs to be determined when considering
treatment of xerostomia and working closely with patient’s general care provider and
pharmacist is recommended.
A. Xerostomia is a subject of great interest to students and Dental Hygienists because it affects
more than 29% of patients. We serve in an important roll by helping identify signs of
xerostomia as well as communicating patient concerns to the dentist and other health care
providers.
B. I learned that stress, depression, and anxiety are behavioral health factors that play an
important role in xerostomia. These factors can make it difficult for dental health professionals
C. Yes, I will utilize a lot of this information in my future as a dental hygienist. In table 2 there
are especially helpful questions to ask patients to help identify systemic health, behavioral
health, and oral health factors that may be contributing to side effects such as xerostomia.
Hailey Sedlacek 12/26/22
D. Completing the medication drug card activity was eye opening to how many medications list
xerostomia as a side effect. In the DHI intra and extra oral exam unit, we identified ways to
recognize signs of xerostomia such as chapped lips, sticky cheeks, or lack of saliva production
Zornosa, X. (2022). Human papillomavirus-induced head and neck lesions. Dimensions of Dental
Hygiene. Retrieved December 28, 2022 from
https://dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com/article/human-papillomavirus-induced-head-
neck-lesions/
This article provides an overview of the types of HPV that exist and what effects they
can have in the oral cavity and systemically. Effects of HPV range from benign lesions to
oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Various forms of benign lesions and the HPV types
they are associated with are described as well as treatment options for each. Examples of
malignant lesions are pictured and treatment options explored. Oral pharyngeal squamous cell
carcinoma is the diagnosis of most concern. Diagnosis of HPV induced lesions is made by
evaluation and biopsy by a dentist or oral surgeon. The CDC recommends vaccination by the
A. During intra oral examination, dental hygienists should be aware of how HPV can present in
the mouth. The likelihood of a patient having HPV with oral manifestations are somewhat high
B. There are over 140 types of HPV of which 40 of them can affect the oral cavity.
Approximately 80% of women and 90% of men will contract at least one type of HPV in their
lifetime.
C. Yes, I will use these findings to educate patients if the opportunity presents itself on HPV
prevention by means of vaccination, limited sexual activity with multiple partners, and the
importance of yearly pap tests. This article is very informative and would help to guide a
D. During the intra oral and extra oral examination unit in DHI we learned many of the
descriptor words used in this. By using the EOIO exam booklet, it would be much easier to
identify and properly notate findings of oral lesions possibly caused by HPV.
Hailey Sedlacek 12/26/22
Dsouza, R., & Kornegay, E. C. (2021). Managing patients undergoing cancer therapy. Dimensions
of Dental Hygiene. Retrieved January 26, 2023, from
https://dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com/article/manage-patients-undergoing-cancer-
therapy/
This literature examines the needs of patients undergoing cancer treatment and
implications cancer therapies can have and to modify treatment planning accordingly. Dental
Hygienists should gather information from the patient about the type of cancer and treatment,
and any side effects being experienced. A table is provided with 6 helpful questions to collect
information from the patient prior to dental treatment. It should be determined whether the
patient is receiving therapy that is palliative or curative because this has an impact on dental
goals. Dental goals before, during, and after cancer therapy are then outlined.
A. Dental hygienists should anticipate treating such patients on a relatively frequent basis given
the current prevalence of cancer in America. Even as a student, we play a role in assisting our
B. The prevalence of cancer in America is at a rate of almost 2 million new diagnoses each year.
Any extractions or restorative work should be completed before cancer therapy begins as well
as prophylaxis by the dental hygienist. Possible side effects from cancer treatment concerning
C. I will absolutely use this information in my future career in dental hygiene. I especially
appreciate the Table 1 from the article and plan to keep this for future reference.
Hailey Sedlacek 12/26/22
polishing content from DHI. The xerostomia resulting from the cancer treatment doesn’t allow
for a buffer between the polishing agent and the teeth. This can also contribute to higher caries
risk and other oral health concerns. Table 2 is a checklist used for sequencing treatment by the
dental hygienist and includes extra oral and intra oral examination almost identical to our
process in clinic.
Hailey Sedlacek 12/26/22
Hunt, A. W., & Tolle, S. L. (2023). The keys to caries management. Dimensions of Dental
Hygiene. Retrieved March 4, 2023, from
https://dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com/article/the-keys-to-caries-management/
This article includes information on how oral disease may be prevented and managed
through proper patient self-care as well as professional care from a dental hygienist. It
highlights the preventability of dental caries and identifies risk factors, protective factors, and
disease indicators. Caries risk assessment tools are explored including the two risk assessment
forms provided by the American Dental Association and the CAMBRA risk assessment tool
caries risk level, there are professionally applied management tools available which include
topical fluoride, silver diamine fluoride, sealants, and resin infiltration. At home caries
management also must be explained and encouraged which include a healthy diet and good
oral hygiene.
A. This article teaches about the many protective factors that are used to prevent caries
development. As a dental hygiene student, it is essential that we understand these factors and
clearly teach our patients about them to increase their ability to prevent disease in themselves.
B. I learned that if a toothpaste has the ADA seal of acceptance on it, it must contain fluoride.
C. Yes I will use these findings in my future career as a dental hygienist. It isn’t practical for
every patient to want to or have the ability to do all of the decay prevention methods listed in
this article. We must carefully listen to and assess the needs of each patient as an individual
and be ready to explain, encourage, and equip that patient with the most appropriate options
D. This was a great refresher from the dental nutrition. I became familiar with the MyPlate
website program having used it for a couple assignments during this class. It is a great resource
to utilize with a patient, if time allows, to help develop a healthy food plan.
Hailey Sedlacek 12/26/22
The use of power driven scalers is increasing with the advancement of specialized, site
specific tips.