ADEX Dental Hygiene Dental Hygiene Process of Care Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When developing the dental hygiene care plan for a patient with generalized gingivitis, which of the following represents the MOST effectively written patient-centered goal?
- The patient will demonstrate improved oral hygiene at the next visit.
- The hygienist will provide comprehensive oral hygiene instructions.
- By the next recall appointment in 3 months, the patient will demonstrate a 50% reduction in bleeding on probing scores. (Correct answer)
- The patient will understand the importance of brushing and flossing daily.
Correct answer: By the next recall appointment in 3 months, the patient will demonstrate a 50% reduction in bleeding on probing scores.
This goal is a SMART goal: Specific (50% reduction in BOP), Measurable (BOP scores), Achievable, Relevant (to gingivitis), and Time-bound (by the next 3-month recall). [4, 7, 10] The other options are either too vague, not patient-centered, or lack a measurable clinical outcome.
Question 2: A dental hygienist reviews assessment findings that include a plaque index of 85%, generalized bleeding on probing, and the patient stating, "I don't think I need to floss." The hygienist identifies a "deficit related to conceptualization and problem-solving." This identification is an example of which component of the dental hygiene process of care?
- Assessment
- Dental Diagnosis
- Dental Hygiene Diagnosis (Correct answer)
- Evaluation
Correct answer: Dental Hygiene Diagnosis
The dental hygiene diagnosis involves identifying a patient's unmet human needs or problems that can be addressed through dental hygiene interventions. [3, 13] It is based on analyzing the assessment data and is distinct from the dentist's diagnosis of a specific disease like caries or periodontitis. [6, 11]
Question 3: A patient completes non-surgical periodontal therapy. Four weeks later, the dental hygienist performs a re-assessment, comparing the initial probing depths and bleeding scores with the current findings. This action is a critical part of which phase of the process of care?
- Planning
- Implementation
- Re-assessment
- Evaluation (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Evaluation
The evaluation phase is where the dental hygienist measures the extent to which the goals set in the care plan have been achieved. [9, 16] This involves collecting new data and comparing it to the baseline assessment data to determine the success of the implemented interventions and to plan for future care. [1]
Question 4: Which of the following is considered subjective data collected during the assessment phase of the dental hygiene process of care?
- The patient's chief complaint of "my gums bleed when I brush." (Correct answer)
- A 6mm probing depth on the distal of tooth #19.
- Radiographic evidence of horizontal bone loss.
- A plaque index score of 75%.
Correct answer: The patient's chief complaint of "my gums bleed when I brush."
Subjective data is information provided by the patient, such as their perceptions, feelings, and chief complaint. [28, 30, 34] Objective data is measurable and observable information collected by the clinician, such as probing depths, radiographic findings, and clinical indices. [26, 33]
Question 5: The implementation phase of the dental hygiene process of care primarily involves which of the following activities?
- Collecting and analyzing patient data to identify needs.
- Establishing patient-centered goals and treatment sequences.
- Delivering the planned dental hygiene services and education. (Correct answer)
- Comparing current clinical findings to baseline data to determine success.
Correct answer: Delivering the planned dental hygiene services and education.
The implementation phase is the action-oriented stage where the dental hygiene care plan is put into action. [1, 2] This includes delivering the therapeutic services (e.g., scaling) and educational interventions that were outlined in the planning phase.
Question 6: Meticulous documentation throughout every stage of the dental hygiene process of care is essential for all of the following reasons EXCEPT:
- Ensuring continuity of care between providers.
- Providing a legal record of the treatment provided.
- Guaranteeing the patient's adherence to home care recommendations. (Correct answer)
- Facilitating communication among the healthcare team.
Correct answer: Guaranteeing the patient's adherence to home care recommendations.
While documentation records the recommendations given to a patient, it cannot guarantee their adherence or compliance. Documentation's primary roles are to ensure continuity of care, serve as a legal document protecting both the patient and provider, and facilitate clear communication among all members of the healthcare team. [5, 8, 22]
ADEX Dental Hygiene Dental Hygiene Process of Care Questions and Answers
When developing the dental hygiene care plan for a patient with generalized gingivitis, which of the following represents the MOST effectively written patient-centered goal?