As a continuation of the discussion of the Dental Hygiene Process of Care, the next phase of the process is referred to as the the Dental Hygiene Diagnosis. As dental hygienists, it is permitted that we a�?diagnosea�? within our scope of practice. To complete a proper Dental Hygiene Diagnosis, a classification of eight potential diagnoses, based on human needs is utilized to standardize the process, which also separates it from a dental diagnosis. Taken from the third edition textbook a�?Dental Hygiene: Theory and Practisea�? by Michele Darby and Margaret Walsh, a�?dental hygiene diagnoses focus of professional care and allow dental hygienists to assess and manage client conditions. After diagnosis, goals are developed in conjunction with the clienta�? (p. 356). The client goals created are the desired outcomes of care. These goals clarify what the client a�?needs to do to promote, maintain or achieve oral health and wellnessa�? (p. 360).
The human needs, on which the eight possible diagnoses are founded, are as follows:
Protection from Health Risks
Freedom from Fear and Stress
Wholesome Facial Image
Biologically Sound and Functional Dentition
Skin and Mucous Membrane Integrity of Head and Neck
Freedom from Head and Neck Pain
Conceptualization and Problem Solving
Responsibility for Oral Health
Clearly, planning a clienta��s care is dependent on the Dental Hygiene Diagnosis!!
