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Dental hygienists use their knowledge and clinical skills to provide dental hygiene care for patients. They also use interpersonal skills to motivate, counsel and educate patients on preventing oral disease and maintaining oral health through good oral hygiene and nutrition. The Diablo Valley College dental hygiene program prepares students to work in a dental office as a licensed member of the dental health team.
Students learn:
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How to assess and evaluate periodontal conditions
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How to plan and implement appropriate treatment
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Patient screening procedures
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How to take and develop dental radiographs (x-rays)
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How to remove calculus and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from all surfaces of the teeth
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How to apply preventive materials to the teeth (e.g. sealants and fluorides)
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How to teach patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health
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How to counsel patients regarding good nutrition and its impact on oral health
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How to make impressions of patients' teeth for study casts (models of teeth used by dentists to evaluate patient treatment needs)
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How to perform documentation and office management activities
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Pharmacology for the dental hygienist
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Local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation
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Coronal polishing
