The dental hygiene diagnosis and treatment plan involves multiple aspects of dentistry. Creating an effective plan requires strong critical thinking, sound clinical judgment, and problem-solving skills.
As dental hygienists, our goal is not only to help patients achieve periodontal health, but to maintain it over time.
The Dental Hygiene Process of Care
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) has established guidelines that licensed dental hygienists are expected to follow when developing and carrying out diagnosis and treatment plans. This framework is known as the Dental Hygiene Process of Care.
This process is just as essential as the cosmetic, restorative, and oral healthcare plans developed by other dental professionals involved in patient care.
Dental Hygiene Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
View the updated Standards for Clinical Dental Hygiene Practice
The Dental Hygiene Process of Care includes the following steps:
- Assessment
- Dental hygiene diagnosis
- Planning
- Implementation
- Evaluation
- Documentation
As licensed professionals, dental hygienists are expected to apply this framework alongside their own professional judgment when treating patients. Equally important is clear communication with patients to ensure informed consent throughout the treatment process.
Scope of Practice and Treatment Planning Limits in Germany
Germany has recently updated the scope of practice and delegation of responsibilities for dental hygienists. Under current regulations, only a dentist may diagnose periodontal disease. This means that periodontal screening records (PSR) and formal periodontal diagnoses must be completed by a dentist.
This raises an important question: what is currently within the scope of practice for dental hygienists in Germany?
Learn more about practicing in Germany.
Creating the Right Dental Hygiene Treatment Plan
Developing an appropriate dental hygiene treatment plan requires a thorough understanding of the human body and its biological processes.
This includes knowledge of head and neck anatomy, radiology, pharmacology, and the body’s inflammatory response. To restore and maintain oral health, both surgical and non-surgical interventions may be required, depending on the patient’s condition.
Check out our page of curated reading resources
Clinical Case Studies: Test Your Treatment Planning Skills
Now, let’s put your clinical reasoning to the test.
Assuming you have full autonomy to assess and treat the following patients, what treatment plans would you recommend?
Click on the links below to participate in an anonymous survey. You’ll be asked how you would treat each patient. At the end of the survey, you’ll see which treatment plan was ultimately implemented in the dental office.
Dental Hygiene Case Studies
- Case Study 1: 48-year-old female →
- Case Study 2: 65-year-old male →
- Case Study 3: 33-year-old female →
- Case Study 4: 27-year-old female →
- Case Study 5: 33-year-old male →
- Case Study 6: 37-year-old female →
- Case Study 7: 58-year-old male →
- Case Study 8: 54-year-old female →
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Featured photo by Umanoide on Unsplash