Abstract
The paper discusses how the dental hygienist, with skill and experience, can assist clients in learning and applying the most up-to- date and effective maintenance regimens post-implants. The paper addresses the need for collaborative work by the dentist, the hygienist and the patient in post implant care.

From the Paper
"Dental implants are becoming increasingly utilized as an alternative to full dentures. Dental implants have also enjoyed significant technological advances, allowing them to be utilized in more cases and again more frequently. The increased use of dental implants creates a situation of educational need for patients, as dental implants require significantly more maintenance than removable devices, as they become a part of the soft and bony tissues of the mouth which must be cared for, in a better way than natural teeth to avoid implant failure and infection. Dental hygienists have been the traditional educational resource for many patients with regard to device care and total dental self-care."

Tags:collaboration, treatment, protocol, oral, care

Abstract
This paper states that dental hygienists must study ethics before they begin their actual employment so that they are better prepared to make sound decisions and actions based on ethical considerations. The paper reinforces this statement by looking at some of the ethical dilemmas dental hygienists commonly face and how the study of ethics would help them deal with these dilemmas. The paper maintains that a multifaceted approach to formal ethics instruction that includes community-based service-learning can improve learning and influence the students' attitudes and perceptions about their role as oral healthcare providers in such areas as access to care, disparity, and working in a diverse community.

From the Paper
"As all other healthcare professionals, dental hygienists have responsibilities to their patients, employers, associations and, most important, to their own personal integrity. It is therefore critical that they be prepared to make sound decisions and actions based on ethical considerations. The growing importance of enforcing ethical behavior in dental hygiene is observed by seeing the number of dental schools that now have formal ethics courses as part of their curricula. Over the last three decades, dental professionals have emphasized the requisite for ethics training and dialogue."

Tags:integrity, curricula, instruction

Abstract
This paper examines how dental hygiene is a field of study and practice that, in contrast to dentistry, is sometimes referred to as a para-profession in that it is regarded as not having all the attributes of a profession. While dental hygienists and commentators writing on the discipline dispute this perception, they nonetheless argue that the field of dental hygiene must address a number of issues in order to shift its popular image - as well as its mandate under the law - as a full and autonomous profession. This paper examines these issues, with a particular emphasis on an Ontario perspective, in order to explain both the current situation and the steps that must be taken for dental hygiene to progress as a profession into the future.

Tags:dental, hygiene, dentistry

Abstract
The paper discusses the ergonomic hazards in the dental hygiene profession, known as musculoskeletal disorders. The paper reveals that an estimated 75% of dental hygienists experience hand problems during the course of their careers. The paper examines some of the causes of musculoskeletal disorders and the use of certain strategies to reduce their incidence. The paper concludes that when dental hygienists are fully aware of work related injuries common in the dental office, they will be more likely to choose to practice ergonomic techniques that promote musculoskeletal health.

From the Paper
"Musculoskeletal disorders are a significant work related problem that warrants attention because researchers estimate 75% of dental hygienists experience hand problems during the course of their careers. As many as 56% develop symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The Bureau of Labor Statistics supports these findings too (Simmer-Beck, Bray, et al, 2006). Dental hygienists are also exposed to certain body positions that produce stress and pain (Nelson & Jevack, 2001). The end result may be cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) when the body becomes unable to heal itself from "the long-term effects of repetitive motion, exposure to vibration, and/or mechanical stress" (Kerschbaum, 1997, p. 162)."

Tags:carpal, tunnel, syndrome, body, positioning, ergonomics

Abstract
This paper presents a personal scholarship statement and application essay for a student applying for a scholarship to study to be a dental hygienist. The applicant describes her experiences working in a dental office and how this experience has encouraged her to pursue a career as a dental hygienist. She touches on why she finds dental work fulfilling and describes some of her characteristics that she feels will make her successful in her choice of career.

From the Paper
"In my four years at the dental office, I have seen countless patients come in with severe dental and oral health problems that caused them physical discomfort, difficulty eating, and embarrassment about the appearance of their teeth. One man had tremendous difficulty eating, because of the damage from a lifelong habit of chewing tobacco. The tobacco had caused multiple cancerous lesions and resulted in the loss of some of his jawbone. After extensive treatment with several different specialists, including dentists, oral surgeons, and maxillofacial specialists, his ability to speak and to enjoy his food was restored to a level where he could continue a normal life after surviving cancer surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy."

Tags:oral, surgeon, dentist

Abstract
This paper explains that the Exelon patch is a means of dosing a patient with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease with rivastigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor. The author stresses that, based on clinical studies, rivastigmine is not recommended in the treatment of patients with mild to moderately severe Alzheimer's disease. The paper compares the physiology and use of this medication for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's dementia.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Difference between Use for Alzheimer's vs. Parkinson's Dementia
Physiologically Difference of these Two Dementias
Rivastigmine
Advantage of a "Patch
"Moderate" Dementia
Implications of the Health Issue
Circumstances Contributed to this Current Health Care Issue
Implications for Dental Hygienist

From the Paper
"Treating a patient with Alzheimer's disease with rivastigmine may create false hopes in the caregiver's mind, which affects the economic, social, lifestyle, legal, political, medical and ethical considerations of both patient and caregiver. If the drug, which seems to promise delay of full-time care of a progressive disease, does not deliver this delay, the expectations and therefore the planning of future activities and care are deeply affected. Liability increases on the part of diagnostician, the one prescribing the drug and the administrator."

Tags:parkinson liability expectations, dental hygienist, memory

Abstract
The writer relates that his interest in dentistry is based on his first hand experience in dental patient care and overall volunteer experience and passion for serving others who need help. The writer asserts that being an individual who was denied medical care due to religious discrimination, he can personally appreciate the necessity and value of dental care and he is firmly dedicated to providing it with humanity, excellence and integrity.

From the Paper
"As a Jew, I come from a historically disadvantaged community in Iran; Jews experience systemic religious discrimination, including limited or denied educational and professional opportunities. Iranian society in general is openly discriminatory and hostile toward Jews and the Jewish faith. For example, while working at a consulting firm in Iran, as a Jew, I was paid half of what my Muslim peers received. During high school, I was forced to pay three times the tuition that Muslim students paid. When my father inquired about my higher tuition, the principal explained that he didn't want us to send funds to Israel to help kill Muslims."

Tags:dental, school, application

Abstract
This paper discusses dental plaque, how it forms, what it consists of, what it causes, and how it can be controlled. The paper notes that dental plaque is actually a combination of bacteria and sticky bacterial products forming on the teeth within hours of cleaning. It discusses that there are more than 300 different species of such bacteria that have been identified.

From the Paper
"Dental plaque is actually a combination of bacteria and sticky bacterial products forming on the teeth within hours of cleaning. The cause is the natural bacteria in the mouth, and more than 300 different species of such bacteria have been identified. When newly formed, plaque exists in small amounts and is both invisible and relatively harmless. If plaque is allowed to accumulate, however, it increases in volume, often to the point where it can be seen as a soft whitish deposit. As the amount increases, the proportion of harmful species in the plaque also increases (Shepherd, 1990). Studies have shown significant correlations between root surface caries incidence and baseline scores for root surface caries, salivary lactobacillus count, and the age of the patient."

Tags:dental, plaque, characteristics

Abstract
The paper explains the Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct of the American Dental Association (ADA) that include patient autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice and veracity.

From the Paper
"The following presents the topic of ethics in dental research. A review of dental ethics related to research is presented and followed by an application of these ethics to examples of dental research as portrayed by professional journal articles. This is followed by summary and conclusion. The American Dental Association (ADA) presents Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct with the principles of Patient Autonomy, Nonmaleficence, Beneficence, Justice and Veracity. (ADA) Patient Autonomy refers to self-governance..."

Tags:ethics, dental, patients, ADA. nonmaleficence

Abstract
The paper discusses a dilemma facing a student witnessing unethical practice whilst in employment in a dental office. The paper questions situations in what should be done where an action appears to be correct but in reality is totally incorrect. The paper stresses that the patient's safety is of foremost importance and cannot be endangered in any manner during treatment. The paper also questions whether the negative activity should have been reported as an incorrect procedure, which the student found difficult, as the student was not a permanent staff member.

Outline:
Introduction
Concrete experience
Reflective observations
Abstract concepts
Active experimentation
Conclusion

From the Paper
"This experience was certainly a shock merely because the act was done in a setting associated with cleanliness and a professional environment that was autonomous and upheld the highest standards of health care. Moreover, it sent a message that real life in general was wrought with gray areas and more importantly, less than ideal practices. What is meant here is that, as a profession that is self-governed, its constituent members should perform their duties to the best of their abilities without compromise up to the standards set by governing professional organizations. As clear cut as this may seem to do, reality is often wrought with conflicting interests such as this one."

Tags:slippery, slope, dental, ethics, patients