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" 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" 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" by Wix​