What are the 5 phases of dental hygiene care? The 5 phases of dental hygiene care are assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. A single visit with your dental hygienist is composed of various phases, known as the Dental Hygiene Process of Care. This systematic approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive and personalized dental care.
The dental hygiene process of care comprises the Assessment, Dental Hygiene Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation phases. Each phase is a key component of the overall treatment, forming the backbone of the clinical practice of the dental hygienist.
Assessment Phase
The Assessment Phase is where data is collected, laying the groundwork for effective patient care. For example, a client’s medical history is recorded or updated to include prescribed and over-the-counter medications, dental history, recent surgeries, medical conditions, and vitals. A cancer screening (known as an intra/extra oral examination) is also conducted.
Additionally, the orientation and structure of teeth (hard tissue) are captured on an odontogram. Plaque and calculus deposits are noted, as well as the overall health of the soft tissue, determined both visually, using disclosing solution, and measured using a periodontal probe. Nutritional assessments can also be part of the Assessment Phase, linking nutritional intake to potential risk for caries (cavities). This phase is a crucial step in the dental hygiene process of care steps, providing the foundation for the subsequent phases.
Dental Hygiene Diagnosis
Once all elements of the Assessment Phase have been gathered, the dental hygienist has the information to move on to the next phase of treatment, which is the Dental Hygiene Diagnosis. In this phase, the hygienist identifies oral health issues and formulates a diagnosis.
In discussion with the patient, needs and priorities are documented, and goals are set to meet these needs. This step is part of the ADPIE dental hygiene process of care, a framework that guides dental professionals in delivering high-quality care.
Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation
While this blog focuses on the initial phases, the dental hygiene process of care model continues with Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation. As learned in Dental Hygienist School the Planning phase, the hygienist develops a care plan tailored to the client’s needs, which may include preventative treatments and educational strategies.
The Implementation phase involves carrying out the care plan, such as performing cleanings, applying sealants, and providing fluoride treatments. The Evaluation phase assesses the effectiveness of the care plan, ensuring that the patient’s oral health goals are met and identifying any need for adjustments.
ADPIE and ADPIED in Dental Hygiene
What is the ADPIE dental hygiene process of care? The ADPIE dental process—Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation—is a cornerstone of dental hygiene practice.
As explored in Dental Hygieist training, some models expand this to ADPIED by including the Documentation phase, which involves recording the care provided and patient responses. This comprehensive approach ensures continuity of care and enhances communication among dental professionals.
In some practices, assisted hygiene involves a collaborative approach where dental assistants support hygienists, enhancing efficiency and patient care quality. This teamwork allows for more focused patient interaction and thorough delivery of the dental hygiene process of care.
FAQs
What are the 5 phases of dental hygiene care?
The 5 phases of dental hygiene care are assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
What is the ADPIE dental hygiene process of care?
The ADPIE dental process—Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation—is a cornerstone of dental hygiene practice.
