Course Description
An essential component in the practice of evidence-based dentistry is the clinician’s level of expertise. While most clinicians strive to achieve clinical excellence, the opportunities are limited to receive hands on instruction to improve one’s skill set in the areas of scaling, biofilm disruption and coronal polishing.
This course delivers a combination of theory and clinical application. Elements of evidence-based decision making through a well-defined assessment process will be examined incorporating the new 2018 AAP Classifications. The fundamentals of clinical dental hygiene practices will be reviewed and strategies to incorporate newer technologies, applications and armamentariums will be discussed. Attendees will rotate through clinical application stations covering hand instrumentation techniques, ultrasonic instrumentation techniques, and coronal polishing technique with ergonomic considerations.
Strategies to enhance patient comfort and proper utilization of remineralization technologies will also be discussed and demonstrated. The goal is to empower the dental hygienist by offering an opportunity to enhance their skills through effective strategies in instrumentation sequencing and effective time management.
Course Objectives
- Examine the components of a strategic, calibrated assessment process.
- Review the A’s of instrumentation – adaptation, angulation and activation with hand/ultrasonic instrumentation.
- Discuss the value of a blended, sequenced approach to non-surgical periodontal instrumentation.
- Create a calibrated and consistent schedule to evaluate the wear of hand and ultrasonic instruments and review various instrument sharpening technologies available.
- Incorporate ergonomically enhanced instruments and handpieces to provide better clinician comfort and patient outcomes.
- Demonstrate proper clinical parameters with coronal polishing such as pressure, speed and paste application.
- Incorporate desensitizing and remineralization products into the appointment sequence according to the patients’ needs and preferences.