ChabotCollege

Course Outline for Dental Hygiene 58, Page 1

Fall 2009

Chabot CollegeFall 2009

Replaced Fall 2011

Course Outline for Dental Hygiene 58

DENTAL OFFICE PRACTICE

Catalog Description:

58 - Dental Office Practice1 unit

Dental office practices based on sound dental economics, legal and ethical framework of the State Dental Practice Act, and patient needs and services. Opportunities in the dental hygiene profession. Corequisite: Dental Hygiene 81B. 1 hour.

Prerequisite Skills:

None

Expected Outcomes for Students:

Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:

  1. identify the principles of ethical reasoning;
  2. define the theories of moral development and evaluate their role in cognitive development;
  3. discuss character and how character development can influence the health care provider;
  4. define the moral philosophies that influence an individual’s thoughts and actions;
  5. identify the limits of practice of the dental hygienist as stated in the California Dental Practice Act;
  6. identify malpractice and illegal practice of the dentist, the dental hygienist, the dental assistant, and the registered dental assistant as stated in the California Dental Practice Act;
  7. explain the role of principles in the decision making process of the dental hygienist;
  8. identify unethical practice of the dental hygienist as stated in the Code of Ethics of the American Dental Hygienist's Association;
  9. write a resume, given an outline, educational and work experience, licenses/degrees, professional/community involvement;
  10. identify issues that may arise in the dentist-dental hygienist job interview and prepare solutions;
  11. given situations describing problems in communication between dental office personnel, or between personnel and patients, identify the problems and propose solutions;
  12. define the responsibilities of the Registered Dental Hygienist as a mandated reporter of suspected cases of abuse/neglect;
  13. recognize the warning signs for suspected cases of abuse/neglect;
  14. list the requirements for reporting suspected cases of abuse/neglect;
  15. describe the responsibilities of the dental hygienist in the operation of the dental practice as a business;
  16. explore the various roles of the dental hygienist.

Course Content:

  1. Principles of ethical reasoning
  2. Ethical theory and philosophy
  3. Ethical principles and values
  4. The California Dental Practice Act
  5. Causes and prevention of malpractice
  6. Ethics in dental practice
  7. Resume writing
  8. The employment interview/contract
  9. Alternatives to traditional dental hygiene practice
  10. Requirements of the mandated reporter

Methods of Presentation:

  1. Lecture with audio-visual aids
  2. Class discussion
  3. Role-playing
  4. Guest speaker

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

  1. Typical Assignments
  2. Development of resume and cover letter.
  3. Contemplate dilemmas and make decisions of action through role playing activity.
  4. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
  5. Attendance
  6. Dental Practice Act Assignment/Quiz
  7. Final exam

Textbook(s)(Typical):

Ethics and Law in Dental Hygiene, Beemsterboer, WB Saunders Co., 2001

The standard text for the dental hygiene instrumentation.

Special Student Materials:

None

Revised: 11/5/08