A SMILE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

1. A SMILE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS A Closer Look At Dental Hygiene By: Jessica Kirkland

2. The Princess Anne Center for Dental Arts • Mrs. Candi Beneze • Ms. Kat Kadlec • Dr. Oliver and Dr. Pelaez

3. Case Study #1- Sterilization • 3 different categories based on risk of transmitting infection: • Critical- instruments that penetrate tissue or bone • Semi-critical- contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin • Non-critical- come in contact with intact skin

4. Case Study #1 (cont.) • After waste has been disposed, all instruments are banded together based on procedure • Ultrasonic cleaner for 10-30 minutes • Baggie-like pouches • Autoclave for 20 minutes • Testing to make sure no cross- contamination takes place • Cavi Wipes

5. Case Study #2- Periodontal Disease • Plaque build-up irritates the gums to the point of infection causing Periodontal Disease/Gum Disease • Periodontal= “around the tooth” • Where the gum line meets the tooth- forms a slight V-shaped crevice called a sulcus • Left untreated, Periodontal Disease can, and will, lead to tooth loss

6. Case Study #2 (cont.) • Factors that increase risk of developing Gum Disease: • Tobacco users • Systemic conditions • Many medications • Genetics

7. Case Study #2 (cont.) • “Deep cleaning”/ “gum therapy” • X-rays show gum and bone level • Anesthetic to quadrant of the mouth • Periodontal Probe • Ultrasonic scaler • Metal scaler “root scaling”

8. Case Study #2 (cont.) • If gum therapy is not enough, periodontal surgery may be needed • Periodontal Office

9. Case Study #3- Acid Erosion • Acid erosion, or dental erosion, is the loss of tooth enamel caused by acid attack • Enamel guards against the effects of acid • When enamel is eroded, the dentin is exposed • Each time one eats or drinks anything acidic, the enamel on the teeth becomes softer and thinner • Saliva and Xerostomia

10. Case Study #3 (cont.)

11. Case Study #3 (cont.) • Symptoms of excessive acid erosion: • Sensitivity • Discoloration • “Sand-blasted” look • Slightly translucent teeth • Cracks • Roughness • Cupping (dents)

12. Case Study #3 (cont.) • Treatment does not always need to be painful and expensive • Veneer • Excessive decay leads to infection of the dentin and pulp, the living part of the tooth • Acid erosion and decay progressively get worse with time

13. Case Study #3 (cont.)

14. Case Study #3 (cont.) • Patient “X” • Female • Early 30’s • History of Bruxism, or grinding of the teeth • Pain in both the teeth and gums • Referred to a Gastroenterologist • “Textbook” acid wear Acid Reflux? • No previous accusations made about a digestive problem • Provided a fluoride toothpaste • Contact office if Acid Reflux is cause of the problem

15. Dental Hygienist • Educational Requirements: • Associate’s Degree/ Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene • Graduation from a Dental Hygiene program from accredited school- typically a 2-3 year program • Must have a high school education • State license • Advanced Degree (optional) • Salary: • Average: $58,000 (can go as high as $100,000-depending on title; researcher, educator, administrator, etc.)

16. Dental Hygienist (cont.) • Job Outlook: • Expected to grow in 2012 with an increased emphasis on disease prevention • Prediction of a 43% increase and one of the top 5 health professions

17. Evaluation • Positives: • Professional Environment • Felt at home • Interesting field of study • Business side of dentistry • Drawbacks: • Repetitive • Long hours • Not hands-on

18. Impact On Future • Great experience • Positives definitely outweighed drawbacks • Dentistry field is the right one for me

19. Thank You!! • Mrs. Beneze • Everyone at Princess Anne Center for Dental Arts • Mrs. M-V • All of you

20. Any Questions?