Patient Care
PC. 1 A-F
Systematically collect, analyze, and record data on the general, oral and psychosocial health status of a variety of patients/clients using methods consistent with medico-legal principles.
a. Select, obtain, and interpret diagnostic information recognizing its advantages and limitation.
b. Recognize predisposing and etiologic risk factors that require intervention to prevent disease.
c. Obtain, review, and update a complete medical, family, social and dental history.
d. Recognize health conditions and medications that impact overall patient/client care.
e. Identify patients/clients at risk for a medical emergency and manage the patient/client care in a manner that prevents an emergency.
f. Perform a comprehensive examination using clinical, radiographic, periodontal, dental charting, and other data collection procedures to assess the patient's/client's needs.
During the Fall semester of 2024, I was able to conduct a case study on a patient which included thorough assessment and evaluation among many appointment sessions.
This patient was a 69-year-old white female. She had an extensive medical history including several conditions, surgeries, and medications. This patient specifically suffered from a stroke and had no function on the right side of her body. The patient received irregular dental care and had numerous restorations.
Throughout her treatment, I was able to conduct a full calculus and periodontal assessment, take intraoral photos before and after treatment, conduct a 20 film full mouth series of radiographs, microscopically take bacteria samples during three different visits to compare bacteria, and complete four quads of SRP.
This patient taught me a lot about how important it is to not only assess oral health but to understand how oral health can affect overall health. Additionally, with my thorough assessment I was able to learn myself as well as educate my patient and show her how with proper cleanings and oral hygiene, disease can be prevented.
I have attached the PowerPoint of the case study below. Although the PowerPoint was not fully completed you will be able to see where the patient's oral health was when treatment started and what types of treatment and assessments were done.