My Dental Hygiene Philosophy Statement:
I believe in prevention, in working proactively to prevent disease, and in the promotion of health to enhance the quality of life. The dental hygiene concept has allowed me to see the dental care profession from a broader perspective. As a dedicated dental hygiene student I’m looking forward to become a licensed oral health professional to contribute to the maintenance of wellness. The dental hygienist functions in interrelated roles which include the clinician, the educator, the administrator, the advocate, and the researcher.
As a clinician I will apply the dental hygiene process of care: I will assess signs and symptoms, as well as risks factors related to oral disease; I will then make a diagnosis, plan, implement, and evaluate the treatment within the dental hygiene scope of practice. I will be an important part a dental care team where I will work in collaboration with a dentist or a dental specialist, or I can also chose to practice in public health facilities. As an educator I will educate my clients about their oral health and care options, help them set overall health goals, and collaborate with them to accomplish these goals. I will explain and demonstrate oral self-care procedures based on individual needs and level of understanding. I will motivate positive behavior and reinforce maintenance of good habits by effectively communicating with the involved clients, their caregivers in given cases, and also with the dentists and other healthcare professionals. I will, at the same time, utilize management skills to understand the administrative setting of the workplace, as well as the line of authority responsibilities and roles of my co-workers. As an administrator I will also manage my clients’ periodontal status, by identifying presence of disease, setting care priorities, eliminating risk factors, and deciding whether the client is already in the maintenance state or needs further special treatment. As an advocate I will respect the clients right to participate in the decision making process about their treatment, and I will assist them by providing them with the available options and information necessary to make the most suitable choice. I will constantly keep a safe environment to protect the clients and take the necessary steps to prevent injury. I will be very consistent with the client’s medical history to avoid and be prepared for any emergency that may arise. As a researcher I will conduct a specific need assessment, develop a clear statement related to the problem, investigate, interpret and criticize a current literature that will provide me substantial information to help me resolve the client or population problem. I will then apply evidenced-based findings to practice by developing and implementing a strategic plan to address the concern, and finally evaluate the outcomes.
As a dental hygienist I will promote oral and systemic health by applying the conceptual model of the eight human needs related to dental hygiene care. It will be based on my intervention of the client needs, on the environment, and factors that affect the client’s attainment of optimal health, and state of well-being. My purpose is to provide dental hygiene care that focuses on the ethical principles stated on the California Dental Hygienist’ Association Code of Ethical Conduct. As a dental hygiene student I am already implementing ethical, legal and regulatory concepts for the provision of dental hygiene process of care, and I will utilize this foundation throughout my career as a professional oral health care provider.
Graduating from West Los Angeles College Dental Hygiene Program, will provide me the academic knowledge and clinical skills necessary to apply the concepts of health promotion and disease prevention. The experience acquired here will allow me to provide individualized, compassionate, empathetic and caring services to all of my patients.
I believe in prevention, in working proactively to prevent disease, and in the promotion of health to enhance the quality of life. The dental hygiene concept has allowed me to see the dental care profession from a broader perspective. As a dedicated dental hygiene student I’m looking forward to become a licensed oral health professional to contribute to the maintenance of wellness. The dental hygienist functions in interrelated roles which include the clinician, the educator, the administrator, the advocate, and the researcher.
As a clinician I will apply the dental hygiene process of care: I will assess signs and symptoms, as well as risks factors related to oral disease; I will then make a diagnosis, plan, implement, and evaluate the treatment within the dental hygiene scope of practice. I will be an important part a dental care team where I will work in collaboration with a dentist or a dental specialist, or I can also chose to practice in public health facilities. As an educator I will educate my clients about their oral health and care options, help them set overall health goals, and collaborate with them to accomplish these goals. I will explain and demonstrate oral self-care procedures based on individual needs and level of understanding. I will motivate positive behavior and reinforce maintenance of good habits by effectively communicating with the involved clients, their caregivers in given cases, and also with the dentists and other healthcare professionals. I will, at the same time, utilize management skills to understand the administrative setting of the workplace, as well as the line of authority responsibilities and roles of my co-workers. As an administrator I will also manage my clients’ periodontal status, by identifying presence of disease, setting care priorities, eliminating risk factors, and deciding whether the client is already in the maintenance state or needs further special treatment. As an advocate I will respect the clients right to participate in the decision making process about their treatment, and I will assist them by providing them with the available options and information necessary to make the most suitable choice. I will constantly keep a safe environment to protect the clients and take the necessary steps to prevent injury. I will be very consistent with the client’s medical history to avoid and be prepared for any emergency that may arise. As a researcher I will conduct a specific need assessment, develop a clear statement related to the problem, investigate, interpret and criticize a current literature that will provide me substantial information to help me resolve the client or population problem. I will then apply evidenced-based findings to practice by developing and implementing a strategic plan to address the concern, and finally evaluate the outcomes.
As a dental hygienist I will promote oral and systemic health by applying the conceptual model of the eight human needs related to dental hygiene care. It will be based on my intervention of the client needs, on the environment, and factors that affect the client’s attainment of optimal health, and state of well-being. My purpose is to provide dental hygiene care that focuses on the ethical principles stated on the California Dental Hygienist’ Association Code of Ethical Conduct. As a dental hygiene student I am already implementing ethical, legal and regulatory concepts for the provision of dental hygiene process of care, and I will utilize this foundation throughout my career as a professional oral health care provider.
Graduating from West Los Angeles College Dental Hygiene Program, will provide me the academic knowledge and clinical skills necessary to apply the concepts of health promotion and disease prevention. The experience acquired here will allow me to provide individualized, compassionate, empathetic and caring services to all of my patients.
Vice President Joe Biden Visits West Los Angeles College; Invites Dental Hygiene Students to The White House
In April 2015 Vice President Joe Biden visited West los Angeles Dental Hygiene Department. I was fortunate enough to shake his hand and take a picture with him. There was television coverage and news articles of his visit. On his departure, he invited us to Washington DC to tour The White House. In July, many of the students and faculty took him up on his offer, where we had a personal tour of The White House. Traveling to Washington DC was an experience I will forever cherish.
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