Clinical Dental Hygienist III Syllabus for 2023-2024
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Instructor Information

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 Enrollment Center, Suite 700. 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:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

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-2260-001 Clinical Dental Hygienist III

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: DHYG 1360

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

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)

Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist 13th Edition, Linda Boyd;  Mallonee,  Wyche (Available in E-book or Hard Copy Text)

Student Workbook to Accompany Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist 13th Edition Linda Boyd; Mallonee,  Wyche

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, 8th 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

Students will need access to either a laptop, computer, or tablet for quizzes, assignments, and competencies. 

Students are required to have regular, reliable access to a stable internet connection. The necessary skills include 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 ensure 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.  Emails sent over the weekend will be answered the following Monday morning.  Please remember the use of netiquette when corresponding to faculty, staff, and peers.

Other Supplies

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

Student Performance

Course Meeting Days and Times

Days      Monday               Tuesday               Wednesday        Thursday              Friday

Times Clinic Begins- Clinic Ends 12:20pm - 3:20pm 8:00am - 11:00am 8:00am - 11:00am; 12:20pm - 3:20pm 8:00am - 11:00am 8:00am - 11:00am

Morning Report :  

Mondays 8:00am - 11:00pm 

Additional Faculty

• Ashlie Lang, RDH, BS
• Lacey Briscoe, RDH, BSDH
• Kara Webb, RDH, BS.
• Donna Cleere, RDH, M.Ed.
• Lynette Hayhurst, RDH, BS
• Rachel Rubalcaba, RDH
• Mitzi Leonard, RDH
• Mike Henderson, DDS
• John Sparkman, DMD
• Rick Dunham, DDS
• Folger Vallette, DDS

Clinical Dental Hygiene

Clinical Dental Hygiene is the portion of the dental hygiene curriculum focused on developing the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills necessary for the delivery of 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 in order to attain clinical competence and to complete the dental hygiene program.  This education is provided in the program's clinical facilities as defined in the Accreditation Standards and is supervised and evaluated by program faculty according to predetermined criteria.

End-of-Course Outcomes

A health-related work-based learning experience that 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 III 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. In the clinical setting, students will serve as patients for their classmates, complete manikin exercises, treat all patients without discrimination, and attend all assigned rotations.

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 allow discussion of 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:  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 assessment of occlusion.  
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 and/or treatment plan for the prevention of oral diseases.
7. Assess the need for and perform a periodontal risk assessment and 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 the different roles and responsibilities of each person within private practice and how they work together for the successful management of the office.
48. Recognize, experience, and understand the role of the front office/receptionist and their function in the dental setting, including phone skills, greeting patients, scheduling, and using Eaglesoft to create treatment plans. 
49. Complete HESI modules and examinations.

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 syllabi 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 on a continual basis.
• 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 and/or an egregious act that endangers the patients, students, and/or faculty health. Egregious acts also include violations of the Texas Dental Hygiene Practice Act and falsification of patient records and/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 are 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 is in compliance 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/or 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 all patient information privacy.  Dental Hygiene professionals must keep MEDICAL, PERSONAL, and Appointment 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 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 a the preclinical or clinical 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.

ADVISING

• Advising each semester with the Clinic Coordinator is designed to provide guidance, support, and clear expectations for students and instructors. These policies ensure that students make informed decisions about their academic and professional goals while progressing successfully through the program.
• Mandatory advising sessions help track students' progress, identify potential issues, provide timely support and guidance, and assist students with any barriers that have presented in their process. Clinical experiences will be reviewed, as well as academic progress. Documentation of this session will be kept in the student record, including referrals to appropriate support services, such as tutoring or counseling. 
• Attendance at an advising session with the Clinic Coordinator during the middle of each course is mandatory. The Clinic Coordinator will determine the timing of the session and send you an email invitation. It's essential to either confirm your attendance by accepting the invitation or provide a valid reason if you're unable to attend.
  • To make the most of the advising session, you can prepare by:
  • Compiling a list of inquiries you might have.
  • Establishing daily and weekly objectives for advancing through the program.
  • Evaluating your progress toward these objectives.
  • Identifying any obstacles hindering your goal achievement.
• Notably, failure to uphold these appointments will result in a deduction of two points from your final clinical course grade for every instance during the semester.

MENTORING

Clinical instructors play a crucial role in providing mentorship, guidance, and hands-on training to dental hygiene students. They bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, helping students develop the skills and competencies required to become successful dental hygienists.

The essential roles and responsibilities of mentoring:

• Supervision and Guidance: Oversee students' practical experiences in dental hygiene clinics.
• Skill Development: Teach instrumentation, dental procedures, radiography, patient assessment, and hygiene techniques.
• Patient Interaction: Instruct students on effective communication and patient interaction skills.
• Critical Thinking: Encourage students to make decisions based on patient assessments and treatment plans.
• Ethics and Professionalism: Instill professionalism, ethics, and infection control practices.
• Problem-Solving: Challenge students with real-world dental cases to enhance problem-solving abilities.
• Feedback and Evaluation: Provide constructive feedback on clinical performance and set improvement goals.
• Adaptation to Changes: Keep students updated on industry trends and evolving dental practices.
• Student Support: Offer emotional support and guidance throughout the educational journey.
• Role Modeling: Demonstrate professionalism, technical skills, and patient-centered care.

Overall, clinical instructors in a dental hygiene program play a vital role in shaping the future dental hygienists' clinical skills, professionalism, and overall patient care abilities. They contribute to the education and development of well-rounded and competent dental hygiene professionals.

Assigning clinic instructors as mentors to students in a dental hygiene program is a vital process that contributes to student success and growth. At the beginning of each semester, students will be assigned a new clinic instructor mentor. This consistent practice ensures that students benefit from diverse perspectives and guidance throughout their program.

Email Instructions for Scheduling a Mentor Meeting:

• Express that you'd like to schedule a meeting to discuss progress, seek advice, or address questions.
• Offer a selection of dates and times for the meeting.
• Ensure your proposed times consider both your availability and your mentor's office hours.
• Flexibility increases the chances of finding a suitable time.
• Politely request confirmation of the meeting time and convey appreciation for their time and guidance.

By following these steps, you'll effectively request a mentor meeting through email while being clear, respectful, and considerate of your mentor's schedule.

MANDATORY SKILLS BUILDING/TUTORING

In order to enhance student achievement in DHYG courses and provide support for challenging subjects, any student scoring below 75% on an exam or clinical competency (excluding the final exam) is required to undertake a mandatory skills-building assignment before proceeding to the subsequent exam. Before receiving the skills assignment, arranging a meeting time with the instructor is necessary. The assignment details will be provided during the meeting.

STUDENT SUCCESS STRATEGY

Opportunities for developing a pathway to success in the dental hygiene program involve a collaborative effort of the student and instructor. The student has the responsibility to achieve the desired outcomes in the course. Success strategies are available to help the student improve clinical skills such as but not limited to; calculus removal, calculus detection, tissue trauma, imaging, instrument selection, hand instrumentation, ultrasonic instrumentation, environment, probing, and AC clinic protocols. While the instructor may assign these success strategies, the student may also request an opportunity to improve or guidance in skill development. All skill evaluations, including Mock Boards, will require a 75% to achieve competency. If 75% is not achieved, a completed Success Strategy Ticket will be mandatory to demonstrate competency. The initial grade will stand. The Clinical Instructor will fill out a Student Success Strategy Ticket Form, and the student will sign on acceptance and completion. A lack of effort or evidence of improvement may lead to disciplinary action.

COURSE FAILURE-REMEDIATION POLICY

If you fail to attain the required minimum requirements for Clinic I 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.

If a student is caught with a cell phone in hand,  in a uniform pocket or in the clinic bay, actively texting, talking, or surfing the internet during a clinic session, the student will immediately be dismissed from the Clinic and will receive a grade of "0" for the patient session or rotation, as well as an absence for the day.   This includes cell phones in the hallways outside the clinic bays, on all rotations, and anywhere in the Clinic.  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 locker 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 common bulletin board inside the student locker 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, (4)  Dean/Committee (5) Vice President of Academic Affairs (6) College President.

Grading Criteria

General Clinic Guidelines

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.

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, Radiograph and Rotation Assessments are due to the instructor at the end of the appointment.  
• Sealant placement will be graded as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. 
• Radiographs will be graded as outlined in the Program Manual and must be critiqued and submitted by 5pm Monday-Thursday and 12pm on Friday.  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 III by the last clinic day of the semester will receive an (I) incomplete.
• The course will also consist of clinical assessments, quizzes and other online/computer assignments.  Quizzes 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 III: 

Minimum Number of Required Case Types:
10	Case Type A	Perio I-IV
8	Case Type B	Perio I-IV
3                    12 Quadrants	Case Type C	Perio III-IV
1                      4 Quadrants	Case Type D	Perio III-IV
Minimum Number of Patient Care Experiences:
1- Child Patient (age 0-9)
1- Adolescent Patient (age 10-19)
2- Adult Patient (age 20-64)
2- Geriatric Patient (age 65 and up)
2- Special Needs Patient
Clinical Assessments Arestin® Clinical Competency      Ultrasonic Competency -Area Specific Inserts (Right/Left)    Oral Irrigation Clinical Competency  Periodontal Maintenance Procedures (1 Required)                       Rapid A's (1 Required) Hand Instrumentation- A or B patient Sealants (4 Required)
Radiographs FMX (3 Required) 4 BWX and 2 Anterior PA's (5 Required) 7 Vertical BWX (2 Required) Pano (3 Required) Clinical Screening Assessment (5 Required)
Other Additional Requirements
Tobacco Cessation MOCK Board Experience Journaling Patient Tracking Case Studies (2) Ethics (Chapters 10,11,12) Professionalism (Chapters 10,11) Medical Emergencies ( Chapters 22,23,24,25,26)
The following Clinical Competencies are considered Program Clinical Competencies and can be met in either Clinic II, Clinic III, or Clinic IV
EMS Clinical Competency  Partially Edentulous FMX

Periodontal Maintenance of Oral and Perio Status (must be a moderate or severe periodontal classification.)   You must have completed the scaling and root planning of at least two quadrants within the last month.  Complete the Perio Exam in Eagle Soft which includes noting all periodontal readings, bleeding, suppuration, furcation involvement, mobility, clinical attachment loss (CAL), clinical descriptors, and periodontal diagnosis. See Rubric in Blackboard.

Hand Instrumentation Experience involves utilizing hand instrumentation only to remove calculus and stain.  Utilizing hand instruments and not combining the ultrasonic inserts is a learning experience allowing the clinician to focus on the correct use of diverse instruments.  You will be required to have 1 learning experiences in Clinic III, with one experience on a A or B patient.  See Rubric in Blackboard.

Rapid A Competency is completing 2 A patients in one appointment time.  This competency aims to assess the needs of these patients and provide thorough care while managing time efficiently.  You will be required to complete 1 Competencies for Clinic III, including 2 patients that will be graded in TalEval and count towards your A patient requirements.  See Rubric in Blackboard

Mock Board Patient Experience with CRDTS Exam Criteria. This patient must qualify for CRDTS criteria to count toward competency.  In order for you to count the Mock Board Patient Experience as a competency, the patient MUST meet Board Criteria and the student must achieve a minimum of 75% on the skill evaluation.  If your grade falls below a 75% on the Mock Board Exam, you will be required to remediate on a typodont and/or a clinical patient (preferably the same patient) by the end of the semester.  (The Remediation must be done and documented by November 30, 2023)

Rubrics Available for the following Clinical Competencies in Blackboard.

• Arestin® Clinical Competency
• Ultrasonic Competency -Area Specific Inserts (Right/Left)
• Oral Irrigation Clinical Competency
• Air Flow® Clinical Competency
• Piezo Clinical Competency                                                                                   

Tobacco Cessation Competency is a video presentation that is due November 30, 2023, the rubric and the instructions are in Blackboard under content. 

Ethics, Professionalism, and Medical Emergency Quizzes Due Date: November 30, 2023. 

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 Mrs. Leonard

Screening Rotations will be Evaluated as Clinical Screening Assessment with 4BWX,2PA's or Clinical Screening Assessment with Verticals. Evaluated in Blackboard; See SCREENING Goals, Responsibilities and Rubric under CONTENT

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 TalEval IIIA	37%
Patient Treatment TalEval IIIB	37%
Screening	5%
Radiographs	10%
Mock Board/Tobacco Cessation	4%
Competencies/Quizzes/Rotations    Journal	5% 2%

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

In order to pass the course, a student must achieve a final grade of 75% and meet all requirements of the course. All students are considered mature enough to seek faculty assistance and to monitor their own progress in meeting course requirements. Students who continually fall below the minimal level of 75% on graded material should seek assistance from the course faculty for remediation.

Make-Up Policy

Students are required to make up all missed quizzes and assignments.  A zero will be given for each missed quiz or online assignment. 

Radiograph Procedures 

Images must be critiqued on the same day as the appointment and are due by 5pm Monday-Thursday and 12pm on Friday. All images must be submitted for grading.

Undiagnostic

If your Panoramic Image is undiagnostic, you will receive a grade of 0 for that image. Please see your instructor for assistance with the Re-take.

Retakes

The student must have the instructor's permission to retake an image. In Clinic III, students who are given permission to retake an image will lose ½ of the point value for each retake.   

Horizontal Bitewing & 2 Anterior PA Radiographs (Competency Level of 75% or above)  Radiographs will be graded as outlined in the Program Manual. Radiographs must be critiqued on the same day as the appointment and are due by 5pm Monday-Thursday and 12pm on Friday. 

Vertical BWX Series (7 Radiographs in the series) (Competency Level of 75% or above)  Radiographs will be graded as outlined in the Program Manual.  Radiographs must be critiqued on the same day as the appointment and are due by 5pm Monday-Thursday and 12pm on Friday. 

Panoramic Image (Competency Level of 75% or above)  Radiographs will be graded as outlined in the Program Manual. Radiographs must be critiqued on the same day as the appointment and are due by 5pm Monday-Thursday and 12pm on Friday.  

Full Mouth Series Radiographs (Competency Level of 75% or above)  Radiographs will be graded as outlined in the Program Manual.  Radiographs must be critiqued at the appointment time and are due at the end of the appointment. 

It is the students responsibility to email your instructor and advise them that you have completed your self-assessment and are ready for them to evaluate your images. 

Students will take radiographs in Screening Rotations and Clinical Care.  These radiographs must also attain a Competency Level of 75% or above.  Radiographs will be graded as outlined in the Program Manual.  Radiographs must be critiqued on the same day as the appointment and are due by 5pm that day.  

Journaling: You will be responsible for journaling after every assigned clinical session.  Journal assignments for the week will be due each Friday at noon.  The rubric for journaling is in Blackboard.  Journaling is mandatory in this course and will go towards the quiz grade.

TALEVAL GUIDELINES for Calculating Residual Calculus in Clinic III

To determine whether the "C" or "D" quadrant qualifies as a requirement in TalEval in Clinic III, focus on the "IMPLEMENTATION" section, which has two subcategories: Soft Deposits and Hard Deposits:

You can have either:

• 2 √'s (indicating successful removal) in either category
• 1 X (indicating insufficient removal) in either category
• If you have more than 2 √'s or 1 X in both Soft and Hard Deposits, your quadrant does not qualify as meeting competency in your requirement.

Evaluation of Calculus Detection in Clinic III

In Clinic III, students should only chart moderate or heavy calculus. Here's how it's evaluated:

Supragingival:

• If you miss 1, it's marked with a √.
• If you miss more than 1, it's marked with an X.

Subgingival:

• If you have 95-90% correct, it's marked with a √.
• If you have 90% or less correct, it's marked with an X.

These guidelines are essential to gauge your performance in Clinic III effectively.

Screening Radiographs

 Radiographs must be critiqued and self-assessed at the appointment and due at the end of the clinic session and are included in the Screening Assessment Rubric. 

Journaling: You will be responsible for journaling after every assigned clinical session.  Journal assignments for the week will be due each Friday at noon.  The rubric for journaling is in Blackboard.  Journaling is mandatory in this course and will go towards the quiz grade.

Attendance

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

Under the supervision of Mrs. Leonard, our clinic supervisor, student time management in Eaglesoft is closely monitored. Students are required to adhere to the following guidelines:

Clinic Arrival and Departure: Students should log in to the computer no later than 30 minutes before the start of their clinic session and log out no earlier than the scheduled end time. There is one exception to this rule, which occurs on days with both morning and clinic sessions. After the lunch break, students must log back in no later than 12:10 pm.

Technical Errors in Eaglesoft: If students encounter technical errors in Eaglesoft, they should promptly contact Mrs. Leonard via email and request a correction. Each student is permitted up to five corrections per semester. Upon the sixth correction request, an absence will be recorded.

Early Departures: Students must obtain special permission from a faculty member before leaving the clinic early. Failure to do so will result in the day being counted as an absence.

Additionally, it's important to note the following:

Morning Report Attendance: Students are expected to log in and out for Morning Report every Monday from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. Being late for either Morning Report or Clinic can result in receiving a critical error in TalEval or absence.

These guidelines are in place to ensure efficient clinic operations and to support you in your clinical training.

Reporting an Absence:  Immediately email Mrs. Chisum (Clinic Coordinator) and CC (copy) to the email Mrs. Leonard (Clinic Supervisor) and Ms. Rubalcaba (the Office Supervisor).

Calendar

Additional Information