title: An educational model for preparing dental hygiene students in the treatment of periodontal diseases.
abstract: Inflammatory periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Experts agree that prevention is crucial, with frequent and through plaque removal being the simplest and most effective method for preventing inflammatory periodontal disease. Since it is often the dental hygienist who plays the major role in providing such care, it is imperative that dental hygiene programs educate students in the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases and provide necessary breadth and depth in theory and clinical experience in the curriculum. The purpose of this paper is to describe an educational model designed to enhance the treatment phase of the periodontal component of the curriculum for dental hygiene students. Both the didactic and clinical components of the periodontics courses are built upon a program-planning model: students assess, plan, implement, and evaluate the periodontal needs of all patients. Case presentations permit students to assimilate and analyze clinical data while internalizing the importance of comprehensive care and adequate follow-up. In general, the program-planning model in periodontics incorporates the application of theory to practice and enhances clinical decision-making skills needed for graduates to meet the complexity of periodontal health needs.
authors.forename: L G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Kraemer
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Gurenlian
mesh_terms: D003756:Dental Hygienists / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000628:therapy*