The Hygienist Course

Course Overview

Probing

• Understand the background and terminology related to periodontal measurements.
• Discussing ways of making probing comfortable.
• Revising over the updated BPE guidelines.
• Learning how to effectively communicate your findings to your patients.
• Discussing strategies when dentists/other hygienists’ BPEs are different to yours.
• Understanding how to probe and assess implants.

Planning

• Discussion of the key risk factors involved in periodontitis.
• Confidence to treatment plan all types of cases.
• Understanding when radiographs are required and how to interpret them accurately.
• Understanding the new classification and how to easily apply it in practice.
• Knowing when to refer patients for specialist care and what to say.

Plaque

• Providing effective OHI in the time available in general practice.
• Motivating patients and dealing with non-compliance.
• Discussion of the latest evidence-base on halitosis, dentine sensitivity as well as the links between periodontitis and general health.

Periodontal Therapy

• Tips on how to give LA comfortably.
• Understanding the science and expected improvements as well as the ability to clearly discuss treatment with patients.
• In-depth discussion on the various non-surgical techniques including airflow, ultrasonic instrumentation and hand instrumentation.
• Understanding instrumentation around dental implants.
• Dealing with backache and RSI.

Practising

• How to work to an optimal standard in different practices without running late.
• Tackling daily issues such as: lack of LA prescriptions, managing late patients, direct access, recurrent FTAs and note writing.
• Learning how to deal with the challenging patient.
• Knowing the features of a ‘good’ job and how to maximise chances of a successful application.

Problem Solving

• How to work to an optimal standard in different practices without running late.
• Tackling daily issues such as: lack of LA prescriptions, managing late patients, direct access, recurrent FTAs and note writing.
• Learning how to deal with the challenging patient.
• Knowing the features of a ‘good’ job and how to maximise chances of a successful application.