CLINICAL ORAL HYGIENE

The subject matter of lectures comprises an introductory unit, which defines the concepts related to oral hygiene and oral health, as well as the objectives of the World Health Organisation for achieving optimal overall health. In subsequent teaching units, students are introduced to the issues of oral hygiene through descriptions of all population groups (starting from pregnant women and the earliest infancy to the senior population), in accordance with the most common dental issues pertaining to certain age. The subject matter of seminars comprises the implementation of oral care practices by persons suffering from high-risk medical conditions and persons with special needs.

Basics of oral hygiene and development of the dental hygienist profession; the role of dental hygienist in implementing oral care practices; the role of oral hygiene in preserving oral health and preventing the occurrence of oral diseases; biofilm–dental plaque; other deposits on teeth and other oral tissues; evaluation of oral hygiene habits and methods for identifying dental plaque; methods of eliminating and controlling the formation of dental plaque; brushing techniques – homecare; brushing techniques – dental hygienists; basic oral hygiene products – toothbrush; basic oral hygiene products – other products; accessory oral hygiene products; dental plaque accumulation and formation control programmes

Practical classes

Significance and role of preventive dentistry -Role of assistant (other) members of the dental team in oral disease prevention -Formation of biofilm-dental plaque; types of biofilm formation;

Methods for identifying dental plaque and methods of removing dental plaque - Oral hygiene indices;

Brushing techniques: description, indications - Basic oral hygiene products: toothbrushes, types, purpose, use; Dental floss: purpose, types, use and other basic products;

Accessory oral hygiene products: - toothpastes - mouthwash;

Dental calculus: formation, characteristics, removal -Pigmentation of teeth: formation, characteristics, role;

Gingivitis: aetiology, characteristics- Oral hygiene products: comparison and indications of use by persons with gingivitis;

Teeth health assessment; Caries indices; Congenital dental anomalies, attrition, abrasion, erosion Training patients to maintain good oral hygiene;

Training patients to maintain good oral hygiene after oral surgeries;

Training patients to maintain good oral hygiene and training patients undergoing a treatment involving fixed orthodontic appliances, as well as patients with fixed prosthetics;

Applying various tooth brushing techniques;

Motivating and remotivating patients to maintain good oral hygiene;

Hygiene of mobile dentures and mobile orthodontic appliances;

Evaluation of patients’ habits and behaviour regarding motivation and training on maintaining good oral hygiene, good hygiene and healthy eating habits, and dental prophylaxis and treatment;

Check-ups: importance;

Professional practice-individual work;

As part of professional practice, students independently perform the activities previously mastered through active learning during classes, under the supervision of the teacher and mentor.