Clinical - Dental Hygienist I Syllabus for 2020-2021
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Instructor Information

Office Location

<p>West Campus Jones Hall 130</p>

Office Hours

Wednesday 11-3 and Friday by appointment

 Appointments can be made at other times if needed.  Please contact me through email to set up a time.

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

DHYG-1260-001 Clinical - Dental Hygienist I

Prerequisites

DHYG 1331  

Course Description

A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(2 sem hrs; 12 clinic)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Required Course Textbooks

Students MUST have the current edition of ALL required textbooks.

Fundamentals of Periodontal Instrumentation and Advanced Root Instrumentation, Jill Neild-Gehrig; Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 8th Edition. (Available in Hard Copy Text)

Patient Assessment Tutorials: A Step-By-Step Guide for the Dental Hygienist, 3rd Edition, Jill Neild-Gehrig; Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins. (Available in Hard Copy Text)

Dental Hygiene Applications to Clinical Practice, Rachel Henry, Maria Perno Goldie, FA Davis (Available in E-book or Hard Copy Text)

Student Workbook to Accompany Dental Hygiene Applications to Clinical Practice, Rachel Henry, Maria Perno Goldie, FA Davis (Available in Hard Copy Text)

Health Professional and Patient Interaction, Ruth Purtilo, Amy Haddad, Regina Doherty; Elsevier, Saunders Publisher (Available in E-book or Hard Copy Text)

Ethical Dimensions in the Health Professions, Ruth B. Purtilo, Regina F. Doherty; Elsevier, Saunders Publisher (Available in E-book or Hard Copy Text)

Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office, Stanley F. Malamed, 7th Edition; Elsevier, Saunders Publisher (Available in E-book or Hard Copy Text)

 Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Program Manual will be available to you in Blackboard.

Supplies

Technical Skills and Requirements

The use of a tablet is an integral part of this course.  Students are required to have regular, reliable access to a stable internet connection. The necessary skills include proficiency in sending and receiving emails with attachments, uploading documents, and participating in Discussion Board assignments.

Computers can break, servers can crash, and electric power can go out.  It is your responsibility to identify solutions for unexpected catastrophes by thinking ahead about solutions to potential problems.  Possible solutions for each of the above scenarios include using a friend or relative's computer and accessing a computer in one of the computer labs on campus.  Students will be responsible for bringing their tablets to the clinic every session.  Please have the battery charged and ready to go.  Students will need to make sure that the Respondus Lockdown Browser has been installed on the computer.

Utilize CTL resources for technical help.  CTL Student Help Center:  (806) 371-5992 or ctlstudenthelp@actx.edu

Communication

The best way to contact me is through your student email in Blackboard.  I will check my emails on Monday-Friday first thing in the morning and throughout the remainder of the day as time allows.  I will respond to your email within 24 hours.  I will answer Emails sent over the weekend the following Monday morning.  Please remember the use of netiquette when corresponding to faculty, staff, and peers.

Other Supplies

  • Each student will supply his/her instruments and disposable products.
  • Students may be required to print some materials.
  • Library Card for AC or city library
  • Flash Drive (1)

Student Performance

End-of-Course Outcomes

A health-related work-based learning experience enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. The instructor's primary role will be to function as a facilitator to aid the student through functional assessment and quality patient-centered treatment of clients. Clinic I is the bridging course from the academic clinical environment to enter into the profession. This competency-based clinical course uses the process of care model of assessment, dental hygiene diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Critical thinking skills, time management, and self-assessment are emphasized for the practical application of dental hygiene theory. Patient cases include medically compromised, advanced complex treatment cases, pediatric and special needs populations. Students will serve as patients for their classmates in the clinical setting, complete manikin exercises, treat all patients without discrimination, and attend all assigned rotations.

Course Meeting Days and Times

Clinic:

  • Monday & Tuesday
  • 7:30 am – 4:30 pm 
  • Jones Hall, Dental Clinic Room 112
  • Clinic start times are staggered 5 minutes apart to maintain Social Distancing. (COVID-19)

Morning Report:  Wednesdays 9-12

Additional Faculty

  • Ashlie Lang, RDH
  • Jessica Ayers, RDH, MS.
  • Donna Cleere, RDH, M.Ed.
  • Lynette Hayhurst, RDH, BS
  • Karen Lester, RDH, BS
  • Janet Ramos, RDH, BS
  • Lori Bagwell, RDH, MS.
  • Charlene Mastick, RDH, BA
  • Rachel Rubalcaba, RDH
  • Mitzi Leonard, RDH
  • Mike Henderson, DDS
  • Madeline Borecki-Coury, DMD
  • Folger Vallette, DDS
  • Rick Dunham, DDS

Method of Instruction

In the clinic setting, the ratio of faculty to students never exceeds 1:5.  Individual feedback will be provided for the students verbally and in TalEval and Blackboard.   Direct observation will be utilized through process performance evaluations, while indirect observation will be used in end-product evaluations.

Morning Report will be held each week to discuss clinical issues and present additional clinical procedures and materials.  The forum setting is mandatory.  You will be counted absent for the entire day if you do not attend clinic forums.  You will also be counted absent if you are not present when the roll is called.  Student input is encouraged. When Report is offered, virtually students will be required to use the camera on their computer and be professional in appearance.

Clinical Dental Hygiene

Clinical Dental Hygiene is the portion of the dental hygiene curriculum focused on developing the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills necessary to deliver preventive, educational, and therapeutic services to the public.  The delivery of patient-centered comprehensive care is accomplished through adherence to the process of care:  assessment of patient needs, formulation of a dental hygiene diagnosis, planning for the prevention and treatment of oral disease, implementation of various dental hygiene interventions (services), and evaluation of both the patient and practitioner efforts and oral health outcomes.  The patient care experiences are required for all students to attain clinical competence and complete the dental hygiene program.  According to predetermined criteria, this education is provided in the program's clinical facilities as defined in the Accreditation Standards and is supervised and evaluated by program faculty.

Definitions:

  • Preventive Services:  Clinical methods are employed by the clinician or patient to promote and maintain oral health.
  • Educational Services:  Strategies developed for an individual or for groups to elicit behaviors directed toward health.
  • Therapeutic Services:  Clinical treatment designed to arrest or manage the disease and maintain oral tissues in health.
  • Process of Care:  Systematic approach to the delivery of dental hygiene care that supports comprehensive services to meet all patients' individual needs.  The process of care requires defined problem solving and critical thinking skills and supports evidence-based decision making.
  • Dental Hygiene Diagnosis:  A statement of potential or actual patient need dental hygiene intervention services, or strategies can address that.
  • Pre-Clinic:  The portion of clinical education during which the student does not have direct and primary responsibility for providing comprehensive dental hygiene care to a patient.  The student performs selected services on a patient, a partner, or a laboratory manikin but does not necessarily provide a full range of services.
  • Clinical Dental Hygiene:  The significant portion of clinical education.  As the primary provider, the dental hygiene student integrates preventive, educational, and therapeutic care in treating the patient.
  • Fundamental Clinical Dental Hygiene Skills:  Skills routinely performed by the dental hygienist or taught to clinical competence in most dental hygiene programs and are legal in most states.

Clinical Dental Hygiene:  Primary Educational Goals

Clinical dental hygiene experience provides preventive and therapeutic care according to the process of care: 

  • assessment 
  • dental hygiene diagnosis
  • planning
  • implementation 
  • evaluation
  • documentation (including electronic health records)

This requires critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making skills that guide the provision of dental hygiene care within a focused scope of practice.  Upon the completion of the clinical curriculum, the student will be able to:

  • Apply the process of care to preventive and therapeutic oral health management to a diverse patient population.
  • Assess and analyze objective and subjective patient findings to formulate an evidence-based, patient-centered dental hygiene diagnosis.
  • Plan, implement and evaluate intervention strategies that will promote and maintain oral health, including oral self-care behaviors.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and skill in applying dental hygiene methodology of care.
  • Apply the principles of professional and ethical behavior in providing care to individuals of all populations.

Special Learning Objectives

  1. The comprehensive collection of data and assess comprehensive health history, including social history.
  2. Perform and record extraoral and intraoral examinations, clinical and radiographic assessment of the periodontium and dentition, and occlusion assessment.  
  3. Assess the need for, expose, develop, evaluate, and interpret dental radiographs to support the clinical examination.
  4. Expose, assess, and transmit intraoral photography.
  5. Formulate a dental hygiene diagnosis and supportive dental hygiene treatment plan.
  6. Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate a dental hygiene treatment plan for the prevention or treatment plan to prevent oral diseases.
  7. Assess the need for and perform a periodontal risk assessment, initial and supportive therapies.
  8. Assess the need for and perform therapeutic hand and ultrasonic periodontal debridement therapies.
  9. Perform care and maintenance of procedures for dental implants.
  10. Assess the need for and perform extrinsic stain removal procedures.
  11. Assess the need for and apply adjunctive topical chemotherapeutic and controlled released agents.
  12. Assess the need for and apply pain and anxiety management strategies.
  13. Assess the caries risk and plan appropriate interventions and therapies.
  14. Assess the need for and application of professional topical fluorides and/or self-applied fluoride
  15. Apply principles of nutritional and/or tobacco cessation counseling to the management of oral and systemic health.
  16. Assess the need for and place pit and fissure sealants.
  17. Assess, plan, and perform patient oral self-care education.
  18. Apply standard precautions for the prevention of disease transmission.
  19. Follow all state and federal regulatory requirements when rendering patient care.
  20. Apply the principles of comprehensive record-keeping.
  21. Apply principles of professional and ethical behavior.
  22. Apply principles of evidence-based decision-making.
  23. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills when providing patient care.
  24. Demonstrate professional communication skills in all aspects of patient care that includes interacting with diverse populations and other members of the healthcare team.
  25. Demonstrate concern and understanding of a variety of patient needs to be based on overall health, oral health, cultural, social, and economic circumstances.
  26. Recognize those patients whose medical, physical, psychological, or social situations make it necessary to modify normal dental routines in order to provide dental treatment for that individual.  These individuals include, but are not limited to, people with developmental disabilities, complex medical problems, and significant physical limitations.
  27. Obtain informed consent by discussing with the patient his/her oral health findings, goals, and comprehensive treatment needs.  Patients that are accepted for dental hygiene care must be advised of the scope of dental hygiene care available in the Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Clinic.
  28. Recommend a re-care schedule for continued supportive care.
  29. Recommend referral for additional assessment and/or treatment.
  30. Assess overall patient satisfaction with the care provided.
  31. Self-assess ability to perform dental hygiene services at a high standard of care.
  32. Value patient confidentiality and patient rights according to HIPAA guidelines.
  33. Evaluate the relevancy and accuracy of new information in order to provide evidence-based client care.
  34. Accept constructive criticism and peer review as a learning experience that contributes to professional knowledge and growth.
  35. Apply basic, dental, and behavioral sciences to clinical practice.
  36. Use the dental hygiene process of care to render comprehensive preventative oral health services.
  37. Demonstrate appropriate time management strategies when rendering dental hygiene services to patients.
  38. Demonstrate clinical emergency medical protocol procedures.
  39. Comply with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines for the prevention of disease transmission during the rendering of dental hygiene services to patients.
  40. Provide specialized treatment that includes preventative and therapeutic services designed to achieve and maintain oral health and assist in helping the patient formulate and achieve oral health goals.
  41. Evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of dental hygiene services and make modifications as needed.
  42. Demonstrate accurate, consistent, and complete documentation skills.
  43. Evaluate the effectiveness of sterilization procedures, and identify and demonstrate the need for accurate documentation, i.e., biological indicators.
  44. Develop awareness and sensitivity for the scope of health and dental health needs in the community.
  45. Provide dental hygiene services to an under-served population
  46. Observe and appreciate the role of dental support staff in managing patient communication and care.
  47. Develop an appreciation for each person's different roles and responsibilities within private practice and how they work together for the successful management of the office.
  48. Recognize, experience, and understand the front office/receptionist's role and their function in the dental setting, including phone skills, greeting patients, scheduling, and using EagleSoft to create treatment plans. 

Emergency Management: In the Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Clinic, we have medical emergency management procedures and safety policies.  Please refer to the program manual for further detail regarding these procedures and policies.

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

The Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Program has specific policies that apply to student conduct within the program.  These policies may be implied or written.  The course syllabus and the program manual are sources for specific student conduct policies for dental hygiene students at Amarillo College.

Professional Standards

  • All dental hygiene students are expected to demonstrate professionalism in behavior, manner, and judgment in the dental hygiene clinic and clinic rotation sites. The professionalism area includes appearance, asepsis, patient management, peer, faculty, and staff interaction, and documentation. Guidelines for professionalism and professional appearances are discussed in the AC Dental Hygiene Clinic Manual.  Professionalism will be evaluated continually.
  • Students will exhibit professional maturity and an acceptable level of clinical judgment as determined by the clinical faculty. Unprofessional behavior will be documented in written form by the faculty to the Clinic Coordinator. Unprofessional behavior may be defined as a continual pattern of misconduct or an egregious act that endangers the patients, students, and faculty health. Egregious acts also include violations of the Texas Dental Hygiene Practice Act and falsification of patient records or faculty signatures.
  • Students must be competent in applying the principles of ethical reasoning, ethical decision-making, and professional responsibility as they pertain to patient care. Dental hygienists should understand and practice ethical behavior consistent with the professional code of ethics throughout their educational experiences. The following are examples considered professional standards.   These are representative examples and may not be all-inclusive.  For maximum learning to occur, the student is expected to demonstrate professional conduct and judgment at all times.
    • The student is concerned with excellence in learning rather than just meeting minimal criteria.
    • The student maintains his/her composure, dealing with conflict in a constructive way.
    • The student exhibits an attitude of respect for classmates, faculty, and staff.  If a student has a conflict with a grade given by the instructor, the student must follow the outlined grievance procedure.  Faculty will not change a grade given to a student from another faculty member.

Safety: Individual Responsibility

This course supports the Amarillo College policies regarding responsibility for a safe environment.

Amarillo College complies with environmental, health, and safety regulations, and therefore requires that all AC employees, students, and visitors comply to maintain a safe environment:

  • Report hazardous conditions and safety concerns immediately to their supervisors, instructors, staff, and emergency management personnel, as appropriate.
  • Abide by safe practices and procedures established by the College.
  • Adhere to and cooperate fully with all local, state, and federal regulations concerning environmental, health, and safety issues.
  • Take action to resolve safe workplace issues when appropriate.

Statement of Confidentiality

Confidentiality is the duty owed by dental hygiene professionals, including students enrolled in Dental Hygiene accredited programs, to protect patient information privacy.  Dental Hygiene professionals must keep MEDICAL and PERSONAL information about patients in the strictest confidence at all times.  Unless disclosure is mandated by patient consent, statute, a duty to inform third parties, or particular circumstances, dental hygiene professionals have a clear obligation to maintain all patient information confidentiality.

Breach of the duty to hold such information in the strictest confidence may cause liability for the individual student, such as fines, imprisonment, and dismissal from the program.  The American Dental Hygienists' Association has published the following statement which all dental hygiene professionals (including students) must always follow "Code of Ethics":  "We respect the confidentiality of client information and relationships as a demonstration of the value we place on individual autonomy.  We acknowledge our obligation to justify any violation of confidence."

Instructor Help and Student Participation

  • You must seek faculty input regarding your performance so that you may:
    • Gain confidence in your performance
    • Identify problem areas and determine methods for correcting deficiencies
    • Attain competency in your clinical skills
  • All students are considered mature enough to seek faculty assistance and to monitor their progress.
  • All students are expected to meet with the Clinic Coordinator if they have any questions or difficulties in this course.  The faculty is committed to supporting your success; please remember that you are the only person who can make us aware that you need assistance.

Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Mentoring Program

The student has a vital role in the mentoring process.  Each student has been assigned a mentor for the first year of the program.  The mentor/mentee assignment is in Blackboard.   As partners in the mentoring relationship, students have responsibilities to:

  1. Contact mentors and arrange for a mentoring appointment when TalEval 1A is complete.
  2. Be aware of your mentoring needs and discuss these needs with mentors
  3. Maintain regular communication with their assigned mentors
  4. Prepare for mentoring meetings by:
  • Setting daily and weekly goals for program progression
  • Assessing attainment of goals
  • Identifying impediments to achieving goals

It is the student's responsibility to contact mentors and arrange appointments.  Failure to set and keep appointments will result in a two-point deduction from the final clinical course grade.

Mandatory Skills Building/Tutoring

To increase student success in DHYG courses and assist students with difficulty understanding complex subject areas, any student who scores below a 75% on any exam (excluding the final exam) must complete a mandatory skills-building assignment before taking the next exam.  

Clinic Remediation Policy

Remediation is defined as the act or process of remedying.  Students should not fear this word or this policy.  Remediation is available to address calculus removal, calculus detection, tissue trauma, radiographs, instrument selection, hand instrumentation, ultrasonic instrumentation, environment, probing, fulcrum, grasp, and adaptation.  Students may also request this from a clinical instructor, and an instructor may request this for a student as well.  All skill evaluations will require a 75% to achieve Mastery.  If 75% is not achieved, remediation will be mandatory to demonstrate competency.  The initial grade will stand.  The Clinical Instructor will fill out a Student Remediation Form, and the student will sign upon completion.

Course Failure-Remediation Policy

If you fail to attain the required minimum requirements for Clinic III and have less than three absences during the semester, an I (Incomplete) may be given.  The "I" (Incomplete) will be removed, and a grade of "C" will be given for the course after you have completed the required work.  If an "I" is received in the first (spring) semester, it must be removed by the end of the first four weeks of the next second (summer) semester.  If an "I" (incomplete) is received in the summer session, it must be removed during the fall session before you can register for the subsequent academic year.  If you fail to remove the "I" grade from your record in the allotted time, a grade of "F" will be posted automatically.  No, "I" s can be given the final semester before graduation.

The Clinic Manual

The Dental Hygiene Clinic Manual contains information pertaining to but not limited to, the following:

  • Our Program's Mission/Goals/Philosophy
  • Clinic Curriculum 
  • Code of Ethics
  • Standards for Professional Responsibility
  • Bloodborne Infectious Diseases
  • Clinic Operations
  • Professional Appearance Standards
  • Clinic Rotations
  • Emergency Management
  • Infection Control
  • Hazard Communication Policy
  • Competencies

Electronic and Recording Devices

Cell phones are prohibited in this course to maximize learning.

Suppose a student is caught with a cell phone in hand,  in a uniform pocket, or the clinic bay, actively texting, talking, or surfing the internet during a clinic session. In that case, the student will immediately be dismissed from the Clinic and receive a grade of "0" for the patient session or rotation and an absence for the day.   Cell phones in the hallways outside the clinic bays, on all rotations, and anywhere in the Clinic are also not allowed.   The only approved area for cell phone use is in the locker room before or after the Clinic.  Those students who have children or who anticipate an emergency should give caretakers and family members the Office Supervisor's phone number  (806-354-6050) or the Clinic supervisor at 467-4099 and have calls directed to her first.  The office supervisor will act accordingly to inform the student. 

Your children will not be allowed in the Clinic.  Please, no exceptions.

TalEval & Blackboard

Students can communicate with clinical faculty and check their progress in the Clinic through the web-based system TalEval. Blackboard is a web-based learning management system provided by Amarillo College.  Students can access their grades through Blackboard as well as many resources for this course.

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 the faculty. Faculty will also correspond via email and announcements on Amarillo College Blackboard.

Bulletin Board

First and second-year dental hygiene students have designated areas on a shared bulletin board inside the student dressing room where various announcements may be posted.

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 they are enrolled is directed to appeal in the following order to the:  (1)  Instructor  (2)  Clinic Coordinator   (3)  Department Chair/Program Director  (4)  Dean of Health Sciences  (5) Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs (6) Vice President of Academic Affairs (7) College President.

Grading Criteria

Clinic Requirements and Grading Criteria

Please see the Grading Criteria in the Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Clinic Manual Regarding TalEval Grading System.  You may also refer to https://taleval.com/signin/aspx for more information.

Clinical Competency is obtained successfully by completing procedures in the following categories:

Patient Treatment/Rotations  TalEval IA                                                

35%

Patient Treatment/Rotations  TalEval IB                                                

35%

Radiographs                                                         

10%

Competencies/Quizzes

10%

Screening Assessments                                                        

5%

Rotations

5%


Although the Department of Dental Hygiene maintains a system for recalling patients and providing maintenance oral hygiene care,
students will be responsible for recruiting new patients to the Dental Hygiene Clinic to meet the student's needs for various dental hygiene requirements.  Additionally, students will be expected to recruit and maintain a list of potential patients who are available and willing to make an appointment on short notice.  Students will also be required to select a patient who meets the criteria for WREB or CRDTS or another regional clinical board to pursue licensure to practice dental hygiene.General Clinic Guidelines

  • Each student must understand the necessity of taking a proactive and responsible role in obtaining his/her education.  Your signature on the "syllabus documentation form" is evidence that you understand your responsibility in recruiting the type(s) of patients you will need to complete requirements/competencies to graduate from the Dental Hygiene Program at Amarillo College.
  • In a competency-based clinical system, dental hygiene students are expected to demonstrate the Mastery of skills along a progressive continuum toward entry-level competence.  Once you have demonstrated Mastery of skill, you are expected to maintain that level of Mastery.  Each skill assessment serves as the foundation for your continued skill development.  Therefore maintenance of the base skills will be evaluated continually.
  • All Screening Evaluations are due to the instructor at the end of the day.  
  • Sealant placement will be graded as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory.  Radiographs will be graded as outlined in the Program Manual and must be critiqued at the appointment time and turned in at the end of the appointment.    An instructor must grade all radiographs. 
  • Clinic requirements must be completed by the final clinic day of the semester.  A student who does not complete all clinic requirements in Clinic I by the last clinic day of the semester will receive an (I) incomplete.
  • The course will also consist of quizzes and other online/computer assignments.  Examinations may or may not be announced in advance.  All grades will be counted and will not be dropped.
  • Critical Errors may drop a student's grade.  Examples of Critical Errors may include breach of infection control, critical Medical History error, dismissing or re-appointing a patient without faculty approval, unprofessional conduct toward a patient, student, or faculty/staff member, a breach of confidentiality, scheduling a fictitious patient(s) or phone number (s), canceling or moving a patient without the Patient's permission and or faculty member, failure to accept a patient assignment from the front office supervisor or faculty, clocking in or out of the clinic/lab for a classmate.

Minimum Number of Successful (75% or greater) Learning Experiences Required for Clinic I:

Minimum Number of Required Case Types:

11

Case Type A

Perio I-IV

4

Case Type B

Perio I-IV

 

Minimum Number of Patient Care Experiences:

1

Child Patient (age 12 and under)

 

2

Adolescent Patient (age 13-17)

 

2

Adult Patient (age 18 and up)

 

1

Geriatric Patient (age 65 and up)

 

1

Special Needs Patient

 
 

Comprehensive Dental Hygiene Services

Air Polishing Competency

Coronal Polishing Competency

Fluoride Competency

Desensitizing Competency

Ultrasonic Standard Straight Insert Competency

 

Radiographs

FMX

1 Required

 

4 BWX, 2 PA’s

4 Required

 

Vertical BWX

1 Required

 

Pano

2 Required

 

Clinical Screening Assessment 

2 Required

 
 

Other Additional Requirements

Ethics Chapters (3,4,5Due Date: July 13, 2021

Professionalism Chapters (4,5,6,7Due Date: July 13, 2021

Medical Emergencies Chapters (1,2,3,4Due Date: July 13, 2021

Journaling Due Date:  Last Day of Clinic

 The final course grade will be computed as follows:

A = 93-100%

B = 83-92%

C = 75- 82%

F = Below 75%

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

AC Dental Hygiene Rotation Assignments:  (Rotations will be evaluated in Blackboard) Rubrics Attached 

  • Office Assistant-Evaluated by Ms. Rubalcaba
  • Sterilization-Evaluated by Mrs.Leonard
  • Dental Assistant (Float) -Evaluated by Lead Faculty

Attendance

Attendance Policy for Dental Hygiene Clinical Courses

Less than 90% attendance of class or lab may result in failure of the course.  Students are responsible for reporting to the clinic on time and in compliance with clinical attire. Students are required to complete 100% of clinical hours. Clinical experience is an essential component of student success; absenteeism jeopardizes the completion of the course. Clinical absences must be reported to the clinic coordinator prior to clinic. Failure to notify the clinical coordinator prior to clinic may result in failure of the course. Students who arrive late to the clinic may be asked to leave as arrival time is necessary to provide appropriate patient care, which also applies to leaving early.  Clinical absences will be made up at the discretion of the instructor. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the respective instructor regarding make-up assignments. Failure to do so will result in failure to meet the course outcomes. After an illness, a physician's statement may be required. Clinic Attendance is tracked through Eaglesoft.  Students are expected to clock in and out independently.  A student will receive 1 bonus point to the final clinic grade for perfect attendance, with a prior passing minimum average of 75%.

Eaglesoft Time Management

  • The clinic supervisor, Mrs. Leonard, monitors student time in Eaglesoft.  Students must log in to the computer no later than 7:30 am and log out no earlier than 11:00 am in the clinic.  After lunch, the student must log back in no later than 12:10 pm and log out no earlier than 3:40 pm as a record of their attendance.  Students that have made technical errors in Eaglesoft will need to email Mrs. Leonard and request a correction.  You are allowed five corrections in a semester before you will receive an absence for the sixth correction.   Also, students who leave early without special permission from a faculty member will be counted as absent. 

Calendar

 

Summer Schedule DHYG-1260 Clinic I 

Week

Date

Patient Care

Monday & Tuesday

Morning Report

Wednesday 9-12

Week 1

May 24-26

7:30 am -4:30am  Clinic Rm 112

Rm110

Week 2

May 31-June2

7:30 am -4:30am  Clinic Rm 112

Rm110

Week 3

June 7-9

7:30 am -4:30am  Clinic Rm 112

Rm110

Week 4

June 14-16

7:30 am -4:30am  Clinic Rm 112

Rm110

Week 5

June 21-23

7:30 am -4:30am  Clinic Rm 112

Rm110

Week 6

June 28-30

7:30 am -4:30am  Clinic Rm 112

Rm110

Week 7

July 5-7

7:30 am -4:30am  Clinic Rm 112

Rm110

Week 8

July 12-14

7:30 am -4:30am  Clinic Rm 112

Rm110

Week 9

July 19-21

7:30 am -4:30am  Clinic Rm 112

Rm110

Week 10

July 26-28

7:30 am -4:30am  Clinic Rm 112

Rm110

Week 11

Aug 2-4

7:30 am -4:30am  Clinic Rm 112

Rm110

Additional Information

Syllabus Created on:

05/05/21 5:39 PM

Last Edited on:

05/23/21 10:19 PM