top of page

Program Learning Outcome - facilitate the development of specific oral health attitudes, knowledge, skills, and behaviours in clients by selecting and utilizing principles of teaching and learning.

As someone who did not have a previous background in health sciences, I can fully understand how a client may feel overwhelmed when presented with information regarding their oral health. Since I have not begun practicing on community clients I have yet to fully develop this learning outcome, however I recognize the need to establish an understanding of a clients oral health literacy before providing education and instruction. By making use of interviewing and assessment, I will be able to assess the client's level of understanding as well as their attitudes and values on the importance of proper oral hygiene and maintenance. Through previous job experiences I was often tasked with training new employees and was told that this was due to my ability to help explain and teach people new skills and processes. I believe that this experience will translate well to the dental hygiene setting, as I was able to effectively communicate topics and instructions to individuals who were otherwise unfamiliar with the subject at hand. I hope to be able to use these previously developed skills as a way to help educate clients on their oral conditions and promote positive behavioural changes that allow them to become knowledgeable and effective in making oral health improvements.

Teacher

"Teacher" by Wix​

This focus of this assignment was to create a referenceable factsheet for client care, allowing both children and adults to acquire a basic, age appropriate understanding of a range of topics relating to oral health.

 

On one side of each page is a section for the client to view, with a much more detailed factsheet on the reverse that I can make use of as a clinician. I believe this assignment will not only be a useful tool when beginning client care, but it also shows an understanding of providing a varied level of education depending on the clients existing knowledge and willingness to learn. While I have yet to receive feedback on the completed assignment, the initial stage of creating the portion designed for children was well received. I took note of the one critique to make a particular section more accessible to children and made changes in this final submission. This critique also reminded me that while I may have a thorough understanding of a topic, a client may not, and as such I will likely need to adjust my approach.

Children's Dentist

"Children's Dentist" by Wix​

This specific reading focuses on the 8 stages of change which is part of a behavioural change theory called the transtheoretical model.

 

It highlights the differences between each stage in which a client is willing or wanting to make a behavioural change, which I believe is an especially useful tool in assessing a clients inclination toward making a positive change in their life. This theory will be especially applicable towards achieving tobacco cessation, as well as improving or modifying oral health care habits such as brushing and flossing. I feel that I have had personal experience with the transtheoretical model but limited to a much lesser extent with regards to improving diet and exercise. There were times in my life where I was in the pre-contemplation stage, so I have an understanding of the attitudes to look for and the resistance that comes with it, where an individual will not be forced into making a change. Similarly, I also feel that I can recognize when an individual is ready to make a positive behavioural change and that I will be able to act accordingly.

Doctor Check-Up

"Doctor Check-up" by Wix​

bottom of page