Dental Hygiene Practice Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Course

DHYG-2153-001 Dental Hygiene Practice

Prerequisites

Course Description

Emphasis on the laws governing the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene, moral standards and the ethical standards established by the dental hygiene profession. Practice settings for the dental hygienist, office operations and preparation for employment.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(1 sem hr; 1 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

 Required Course Textbooks

Students MUST have the CURRENT edition of all required textbooks.

1.  Current State Board of Dental Examiners Rules and Regulations and Occupations Code  (Online)

2.  Ethics, Jurisprudence, & Practice Management in Dental Hygiene, Vickie J. Kimbrough and Charla J. Lautar, 3rd edition, Pearson Education, Inc.,  2012. 

3.  Professionalism in Health Care, Sherry Makely, 4th edition, Pearson Education Inc., 2013.

 

                            

 

 

 

Supplies

\  Course Supply List

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\ 1.  Library Card for AC and/or city library

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\ 2.  Computer and Internet Access, Printer, Print Cartridges

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\ 3.  Index Cards, Scantrons, Paper, Pens,

Student Performance

Course Description

Emphasis on the laws governing the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene, moral standards, and the ethical standards established by the dental hygiene profession.  Practical settings for the dental hygienist, office operations, and preparation for employment.

End-of-Course Outcomes

Explain the Dental Practice Act governing the dental and dental hygiene profession; evaluate ethical and moral issues affecting dental hygiene practice; describe traditional and non-traditional dental hygiene practice settings; and prepare for employment.

Course Objectives

1.   Define the term ethics.       
2.   Define the terms deontology (deontology approach) and teleology (teleological approach).
3.   Distinguish between the ethical theory of utilitarianism and Kant's ethical theory.
4.   Compare rule utilitarianism with act utilitarianism.
5.   Contrast a right with a duty and a right with a privilege.
6.   Discuss the role of social justice in determining ethical behavior.
7.   Identify the core values found in the Code of Ethics of the American Dental Hygienists' Association.
8.   Define the terms autonomy, confidentiality, societal trust, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, veracity, fidelity, paternalism,    and utility.
9.   Discuss the criteria necessary for informed consent.
10.   Relate conditions for not obtaining informed consent.
11.   Compare the ethical principles found in codes of ethics, informed consent, patients' bill of rights, and other documents related to patient care.
12.   Define the term ethical dilemma.
13.   List the steps involved in ethical decision making.
14.   Solve ethical dilemmas using a decision-making process.
15.   Determine core values and principles used to solve an ethical dilemma.
16.   Discuss the role of laws in determining alternatives for solving an ethical dilemma.
17.   Compare the concepts of civil law with criminal law, utilizing examples found in dental hygiene practice.
18.   List the types and circumstances of supervision (or absence of supervision) found in the Dental/Dental Hygiene Practice Act of the jurisdiction in which you reside or attend school, or where you would like to practice dental hygiene. 
19. State the conditions necessary for a contract between a patient and a dental hygienist with regard to dental hygiene services.
20. Define and distinguish between the following terms:  a.  Intentional tort and unintentional tort; b.  Malpractice and Negligence; c.  Libel and slander; d.  Assault and Battery and e.  Implied Contract and Expressed Contract
21. Discuss the rights of patients protected by law and duties of providers regulated by law from both ethical and legal perspectives.
22. Discuss the role of lobbying in developing legislation for the practice of dental hygiene.
23. Identify legislation that protects and aids the patient and the dental hygienist against discrimination in dentistry.
24. Recognize the signs of abuse (child, spouse, and elderly).
25. List barriers to access to care and reasons for disparities in oral health care.
26. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various reimbursement or insurance plans (Medicaid, Medicare, and mangaged care) as they pertain to access to care and distributive justice issues.
27. Discuss the role of the dental hygienist as an advocate for oral health care.
28. Discuss the need for practice management in the dental office.
29. Identify different management styles.
30. Differentiate between oral health care and the business of oral health care.
31. Discuss the team concept.
32. Identify the benefits of cross training.
33. Differentiate types of staff meetings.
34. Differentiate between employer expectations and employee expectations.
35. Identify uses of public relations and image for the dental/dental hygiene practice.
36. Identify  patient needs as they relate to dental hygiene.
37. Discuss how marketing relates to the dental/dental hygiene practice.
38. Identify advantages and disadvantages of profit centers.
39. Describe the scope of the dental hygiene diagnosis as it relates to building a practice.
40. Discuss business aspects for dental hygiene.
41. Discuss time management issues and plan a treatment hour.
42. Identify leadership traits.
43. Describe different models for alternate practice.
44. Discuss legislative barriers to alternate practice.
45. List different duties for dental hygienists in alternative practice and dental therapists.
46. Develop a business plan for an alternative practice model.
47. Discuss the development of computer use in the dental practice.
48. Discuss aspects of job searching.
49. Identify different employment opportunities for dental hygienists.
50. Discuss the process of interviews between employers and employees.
51. Identify the advantages and disadvantages of working interviews.
52. Identify contents and needs for office policy manuals.
53. Discuss benefits as they relate to the dental hygienist.
54. Apply negotiating skills related to employee benefits.
55. Describe the differences between stocks, mutual funds, and IRAs.
56. Explain the meaning of portfolio.
57. Describe CD investments.
58. Explain liability insurance.
59. Explain disability insurance.
60. Identify the need for self-care and physical health.
61. Describe the benefits of professional membership.
62. List four benefits of working in the health care industry.
63. Define soft skills and hard skills, explain the difference, and discuss why both are important.
64. List two reasons why it's important for health care professionals to know about current trends and issues in the health care industry.
65. List three reasons why health care is expensive and the cost continues to rise.
66. Identify four ways that the baby boomer population will impact the health care industry.
67. Identify and discuss two controversial issues associated with health care reform.
68. Define continuous quality improvement and list two quality improvement goals.
69. Define sentinel event and explain the connection between sentinel events and patient safety.
70. Identify two trends in the supply and demand of health care workers.
71. List two advantages and disadvantages of electronic medical records.
72. Define interdependence and systems perspective and explain their importance in health care.
73. Explain why it is important to be "present in the moment" at work.
74. Define critical thinking and list three things that critical thinkers do to make good decisions.
75. List five factors that demonstrate a strong work ethic.
76. Describe the attitudinal differences between optimists and pessimists.
77. Identify how competence and scope of practice impact quality of care.
78. List two things you should do when representing your employer.
79. Explain the purpose of performance evaluations and list three ways to prepare for one.
80. Differentiate between objective and subjective evaluation criteria.
81. Define character and personal values and explain  how these affect your reputation as a professional.
82. List four examples of lack of character in the workplace.
83. Explain how your character traits and personal values affect your behavior and attitude.
84. List three important questions to ask yourself when making difficult ethical decisions.
85. Give three examples of dishonest behaviors and describe the impact of dishonesty in the workplace.
86. Define fraud and give three examples.
87. List three examples of complex ethical, moral, and legal dilemmas in health care.
88. Discuss the concept of interdependence and list three ways to strengthen relationships at work.
89. List two ways to demonstrate loyalty to your coworkers and two ways to demonstrate loyalty to your employer.
90. Identify two types of workplace teams and give an example of each.
91. Define the term inclusive and give two examples.
92. Explain the role of courtesy, etiquette, and manners in the workplace.
93. Define concensus and explain why it's important but difficult to achieve.
94. List three problems that may occur when communicating electronically and describe three ways to prevent them from happening.
95. Define conflict resolution and explain its importance.
96. Name the four styles of communication and describe the potential impact of each style.
97. Identify which communication style is most effective in conflict resolution and explain why.
98. Give three examples of diversity in addition to age and gender.
99. Define the term culture and give three examples.
100. Define the term bias and disparities and explain how bias can result in health care disparities for members of minority cultural groups.
101. Explain why health care workers need to be culturally competent.
102. Give two examples of generational differences and describe how they might affect someone's work.
103. Define personal skills and explain how they affect your success as a health care worker.
104. Define personal image and describe how personal image affects patient care.
105. List five appearance and grooming factors that resut in a professional image.
106. Discuss stereotypes and how they impact first impressions.
107. List three examples of annoying and troublesome personal habits.
108. Describe how grammar and vocabulary impact your personal image.
109. Discuss the importance of maintaining professionalism after hours.
110. Explain why health care employers are encouraging their employees to become healthier and give two examples.
111. Define personal management skills and give three examples.
112. Explain the importance of good time management skills and list three time management techniques.
113. Explain the importance of good stress management skills and list three stress management techniques.
114. Define adaptive skills and explain why the abilty to manage change is so important in health care today.
115. Discuss examples of proper behavior while in clinic and/or community service projects.
116. Explain the importance of patient confidentiality during clinic and/or community service projects.
117. Describe the connection between clinic and/or community service projects and employment after graduation.
118. Define the term protocol.
119. List three sources of information on job openings.
120. Describe four characteristics of a professional resume.
121. Name five things you should do when filling out a job application form.
122. Explain why employers use pre-employment assessments.
123. Describe five ways to present a professional image during a job interview.
124. Discuss four characteristics of effective leaders.
125. Identify two ways to develop leadership skills.
126. List three benefits of joining a health care professional association.
127. Describe five resources for professional development.
128. Define role model and mentor and explain the difference.

Objectives taken from the assignments from the dentalcare.com resource center:

1.  Recognize the scope and implications of health literacy issues.

2.  Know the differences between general literacy, health literacy, and oral health literacy.

3.  List several behaviors that may be indicative of limited literacy.

4.  List common responses that someone with low literacy levels might use.

5.   List several strategies for improving interpersonal communication with patients.

6.   Identify pivotal activities that have focused attention on the importance of oral health.

7.  Discuss several of the ADA initiatives aimed at improving oral health literacy.

8.  Identify  strategies to enhance patient understanding. 

9.   Learn to evaluate health care literature and documents for their level of reading complexity and make them more readable and easily understood.

10.   Understand the importance of and the reasons for properly documenting and maintaining patient records.

11.  Differentiate between types of data that should be included or excluded from the complete record.

12.   Explain ownership of the physical dental records, radiographs and information found in patient charts.

13.  Avoid potential charting errors by learning to use objective and legible entries to properly document pertinent patient information.

14.  Enumerate important criteria when recording treatment procedures.

15.  Demonstrate how to properly revise an incorrect entry.

16.  Explain the difference between a correction and an alteration of an entry in the patient chart.

17.  Understand contributory actions and their necessary documentation.

18.  Discuss the risks involved if documentation is inaccurate.

19.  Gain a better understanding of dental malpractice, standard of care and the importance of communicating with patients.

20.  Suggest ways to improve record documentation in the practice setting.

21.  Understand the HIPAA privacy and security rules.

22.  Define HIPAA.

23.  Describe what HIPAA requires.

24.  Discuss how protected health information can be recognized.

25.  Identify situations in which information can be disclosed without consent.

26.  Describe penalties for HIPAA noncompliance.

27.  Identify instances when a parent of a minor may not have access to health information.

28. Identify individuals considered business asscociates under HIPAA.

29.  Explain how to create or maintain financial arrangments with patients or the responsible party.

30.  Demonstrate how to maintain patient account records including a record of all charges, payments, and adjustments to the account.

31.  Understand why patients should be provided with a receipt or walkout statement.

32.  Understand how to prepare  day-end totals for all charges, payments and account adjustments.

33.  Understand  how to prepare a daily bank deposit of all receipts.

34.  Verify that daily totals have been accurately carried over to the monthly summary.

35.  Explain how to generate patient account statements on a regular basis.

36.  Demonstrate how to repair  and verify month-end accounts receivable and related management reports.

37.  Explain how to handle delinquent accounts.

38.  Understand and describe the different methods of third-party payments including:  UCR, schedule of allowances, DMO, HMO, IPA, PPO, direct reimbursement and capitation programs.

39.  Understand and be able to explain insurance coverage to a patient and formulate financial arrangements accordingly.

40.  Demonstrate how to prepare and submit pre-treatment estimates and claims to third-party carriers.

41.  Explain how to follow-up on delayed, lost, and/or rejected third-party claims.

42.  Explain how to determine eligibility of benefits.

43.  Describe the birthday rule.

44.  Give an example of a non-duplication of benefits scenario.

45.  Understand the CDT code categories.

46.  Describe advantages of electronic claims submission.

47.  Understand the difference between release of information and assignment of benefits.

48.  Explain what a pretreatment estimate is, and what factors can affect the estimate.

49.  Give examples of reports for tracking claims.

50.  Identify key information on an EOB.

51.  Understand what actions can constitute fraud.

52.  Understand how to differentiate between invoices and statements.

53.  Demonstrate how to verify a packing slip.

54.  Describe how to manage expense records by appropriate categories.

55.  Discuss how to balance a checkbook.

56.  Explain how to reconcile bank statements.

57.  Discuss how to manage the petty cash fund.

58.  Explain what information is required for payroll deductions.

59.  Explain how long payroll records should be maintained for tax and government purposes.

60.  Identify the components that make up a patient record.

61.  Describe SOAP and the portions of  SOAP notes.

62.  Discuss all dental terminology associated with record keeping.

63.  Identify various charting symbols and interpretations.

64.  Identify the parts of a prescription.

65.  Describe what HIPAA requires.

66.  Idenfity three key areas covered by HIPAA.

67.  Discuss how protected health information can be recognized.

68.  Identify situations in which information can be disclosed without consent.

69.  Describe penalties for HIPAA noncompliance.

70.  Explain how to retain clinical records to meet legal requirements.

71.  Describe filing systems for practice income and expense records, patient financial records and account histories.

72.  Identify ways in which to protect records from hazards such as fire and water damage.

73.  Describe filing systems for other records such as recare/recall, laboratory prescriptions, personnel, radiation exposure and management records.

74.  Describe the standard of care in dentistry.

75.  Discuss the legal responsibilities of a dentist.

76.  Differentiate between act of omission and act of commission.

77.  Name three areas of risk management.

78.  Identify the greatest factor in preventing litigation.

79.  Explain implied consent.

80.  Discuss the situations that are exceptions to disclosure of information for informed consent.

81.  Discuss how to initiate and follow-up on procedures for the referral of patients to specialty practices.

82. Understand the situations that require written consent from the patient.

83. Identify the necessary information documented when a patient is referred to a specialist.

84. Monitor and respond to patient questions regarding insurance, scheduling and other non-clinical queries.

85.  Interpret and comprehend the Universal and Palmer numbering systems used in charting entries.

86.  Understand and reiterate basic terminology used in treatment plans and in describing dental procedures.

87.  Describe effective written communication technique in preparing correspondence electronic mail reports and other documents.

88.  Understand the procedures relating to mail and other delivery stystems. 

The student will know that these objective have been successfully completed if he or she earns a final course grade of "C" or higher as evaluated by the instructor.

The standard for the objectives may be one or any combination of the following:

• As given in lecture
• As demonstrated, discussed in the clinic experience
• As given in handouts
• As stated in the course texts
• As given on exams

 

 

 

 

 

                                                         

                                                                                                           

 

 

 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

A high standard of conduct is expected of all Amarillo College students.  The Student Code of Conduct is defined in the Amarillo College Student Rights and Responsibilities publication.  This document may be located online at www.actx.edu.

"Amarillo College expects a high standard of conduct from its students.  Students are expected to comply with the law, respect proper constitutional authority, and obey College policies, rules and regulations.  Unacceptable conduct is defined as an action or behavior that is contrary to the best interest of a fellow student or students, the faculty or staff, the College, or the teaching learning process.  Students failing to perform according to established standards may be subject to disciplinary action.  Policies, standards, rules and regulations apply to students attending College activities whether the activity takes place on or off campus.  Each student shall be responsible for becoming knowledgeable of the contents and provisions of College policies, rules, and regulations concerning student conduct.  In some cases, individual programs may have approved policies for student conduct which also apply to student conduct in those programs."

The Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Program has specific policies which apply to student conduct within the program.  These policies have been implied or written.  The course syllabi and the Program Manual are sources for student conduct policies for Dental Hygiene students at Amarillo College.

Professional Standards

1.   Student is prompt for class.
2.   Student is prepared for class sessions.
3.   Student assumes responsibility for his/her learning.
4.   Student is concerned with excellence in learning rather than just meeting minimal criteria.
5.   Student applies lecture material to the clinic setting.
6.   Student will seek faculty assistance if needed, and will monitor his/her own progress in meeting course requirements.
7.   Student maintains his/her composure, dealing with conflict in a constructive way.
8.   Student exhibits an attitude of respect for classmates, faculty and staff.
9.   In order for maximum learning to occur, students should not be disruptive during class.  Should this occur, the student will be asked to leave and will receive an absence for the day.  Disciplinary action may also be taken. 

Electronic and Recording Devices

In order to maximize learning, all electronic recording devices and cell phones are prohibited in this course.  If a student is caught with a cell phone in hand or in a uniform pocket, or actively texting, talking, or surfing the Internet during a clinic session, the student will immediately be dismissed from the Clinic and/or Class and will receive a grade of "0". 

Mailboxes

Each student is assigned a mailbox located inside the student dressing room.  Students are required to check his/her mailbox daily for various communication from faculty.

 

Emergency Contacts

Phone numbers that family members may use to reach a student in case of an emergency are as follows:

Dental Clinic Office Supervisor:  354-6050

Amarillo College Police:  371-5163

 

Academic Grievance Procedure

A student who has a grievance concerning an academic course in which he/she is enrolled is directed to appeal in the following order to the:  (1) Instructor (2) Department Chair/Program Director (3) Dean of Health Sciences (4) Vice President of Academic Affairs (5) College President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grading Criteria

Assignments and Examinations 

The course will consist of major examinations, a mid-term exam, online assignments from  the website http://www.dentalcare.com and other online assessements, a journal assignment,  preparation of a professional resume and mock interview through Career Center at Amarillo College, and a final examination.  Please refer to the course calendar for the schedule of materials to be covered in each class and the examination dates.  Also, please note the provisions of the Make-up Policy in this syllabus for missed examinations. 

Online assignments from the following website www.dentalcare.com include the following:

1.  Health Literacy for the Dental Team

2.  Maintaining Proper Dental Records

3.  The Business of Dentistry:  Financial Management for the Dental Office

4.  The Business of Dentistry:  Patient Records and Records Management

Grading Criteria

The final course grade will be computed as follows:

• Major Exams:  40%   Note:  An exam over your online assignments  will count as a major exam grade.  Your journal assignment will also count as  major exam grade.                       
• Assignments from www.dentalcare.com  - ( Complete the assigned reading, take the exam, print and turn in certificate).  You will have an exam over the material.
• Journal Assignment -  ( A written record of your thoughts and experiences during Clinic IV.  Take a few minutes at the end of each clinic day to record what happened, how you reacted, how you felt about it, and whether you could have handled a clinic scenario  differently and why.   Journaling can help you regroup your feelings, process your experiences, and reflect on what you have learned.  Record both the things you do and do not want to do again in the future.  This assignment will count as a major exam grade.
• Completed Resume and Interview :  10%       
• Mid-Term Examination :  30%
• Final Examination :  20%                   

 The following course grade scale applies throughtout this course:

• A = 93-100
• B = 83-92
• C= 75-82
• F= Below 75%

Note:  A grade of "D" is not possible in this course.

In order to pass the course, a student must achieve a final grade of 75% and meet all requirements for the course. 

Faculty Assistance

All students are considered mature enough to seek faculty assistance from the course director and to monitor their own progress in meeting course requirements.  If students have questions concerning assignments, content, etc., or if a problem arises that warrants instructor help, please do not hesitate to call or come by my office to schedule an appointment.  If I am unavailable, please leave a note and I will contact you as soon as possible. 

Make-up Policy

If a student is absent on the day when a major exam is given, the student may make-up the missed work as follows:

1.  It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements with the instructor within 24 hours of returning from the absence to reschedule  the examination.
2.  The missed work must be made up within TWO Amarillo College school days where the day ends at 4:00 p.m.
3.  The make-up work may earn a maximum of 80% of the original point value.

 

 

 

Attendance

\ Attendance Policy

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\ "Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class in accordance with the requirements of the course as established by the instructor."  (Amarillo College Student's Rights and Responsibilities Publication)

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\ Due to the tremendous amount of information contained in this course, the student who plans to succeed should also plan to attend all course sessions regulary and promptly.  Without question, the instructor expects each student to be present at each session.  Unfortunately, no one has ever developed a short cut which will replace hours of actual experience needed to master a new skill; therefore students must be present to acquire the specific knowledge in this subject.

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\ Absences will be monitored and evaluated to determine the student's final course grade.  The student may have no more than 1 absence in this course without affecting the final grade.  Beginning with the 2nd absence, 2 points will be deducted from the final grade; on the 3rd absence, 3 points will be deducted; on the 4th absence, 4 points will be deducted.  On the occurrence of the 5th absence, the student will fail the course and be required to repeat the course.  Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each lecture and lab session.  Students who are not present when attendance is taken will be counted as absent.  Students are expected to be present in class at the time class/lab is scheduled to begin.  STUDENTS WHO ARE LATE TO CLASS OR LAB OR WHO LEAVE CLASS OR LAB EARLY, WILL BE COUNTED AS ABSENT.  The student will receive 2 bonus points to the final grade in this course if the student has perfect attendance for the semester.

Calendar

Additional Information

http://www.actx.edu/resources/

This website was created to assist Amarillo employees and students.  Many times, students come to us with individual concerns/situations that need to be addressed in order for the student to be successful in school.

This website can be used to find those needed resources for our students and their families.  Feel free to copy any of this information for a student and to refer students as needed.

Our goal is to provide as much information as possible for employees and students to be able to access campus and community resources when needed.  There are many more resources in this community that are not listed on these pages.  Some of these agencies and programs will change; so if you call and cannot get assistance or cannot access a broken link, please contact me for more updated information.

This website will be updated as often as possible; therefore most will be current.  If the resources listed do not serve the needs you have or if you have any questions concerning this website, please call or email:  Jordan Herrera, LMSW, Coordinator of Social Services, 806-371-5439, http://jordan@actx.edu.