Chabot College
Fall 2009
Replaced Fall 2011
Course Outline for Dental Hygiene 58
DENTAL OFFICE PRACTICE
Catalog Description:
58 - Dental Office Practice
1 unit
Dental office practices based on sound dental economics, legal and ethical framework of the State Dental
Practice Act, and patient needs and services. Opportunities in the dental hygiene profession. Corequisite:
Dental Hygiene 81B. 1 hour.
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
1. identify the principles of ethical reasoning;
2. define the theories of moral development and evaluate their role in cognitive development;
3. discuss character and how character development can influence the health care provider;
4. define the moral philosophies that influence an individual’s thoughts and actions;
5. identify the limits of practice of the dental hygienist as stated in the California Dental Practice Act;
6. identify malpractice and illegal practice of the dentist, the dental hygienist, the dental assistant,
and the registered dental assistant as stated in the California Dental Practice Act;
7. explain the role of principles in the decision making process of the dental hygienist;
8. identify unethical practice of the dental hygienist as stated in the Code of Ethics of the American
Dental Hygienist's Association;
9. write a resume, given an outline, educational and work experience, licenses/degrees,
professional/community involvement;
10. identify issues that may arise in the dentist-dental hygienist job interview and prepare solutions;
11. given situations describing problems in communication between dental office personnel, or
between personnel and patients, identify the problems and propose solutions;
12. define the responsibilities of the Registered Dental Hygienist as a mandated reporter of
suspected cases of abuse/neglect;
13. recognize the warning signs for suspected cases of abuse/neglect;
14. list the requirements for reporting suspected cases of abuse/neglect;
15. describe the responsibilities of the dental hygienist in the operation of the dental practice as a
business;
16. explore the various roles of the dental hygienist.
Course Content:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Principles of ethical reasoning
Ethical theory and philosophy
Ethical principles and values
The California Dental Practice Act
Causes and prevention of malpractice
Ethics in dental practice
Resume writing
The employment interview/contract
Alternatives to traditional dental hygiene practice
Requirements of the mandated reporter
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Lecture with audio-visual aids
Class discussion
Role-playing
Guest speaker
Chabot College
Course Outline for Dental Hygiene 58, Page 2
Fall 2009
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Development of resume and cover letter.
b. Contemplate dilemmas and make decisions of action through role playing activity.
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Attendance
b. Dental Practice Act Assignment/Quiz
c. Final exam
Textbook(s)(Typical):
Ethics and Law in Dental Hygiene, Beemsterboer, WB Saunders Co., 2001
The standard text for the dental hygiene instrumentation.
Special Student Materials:
None
Revised: 11/5/08