By

• Evelyn Thomson, Old Dominion University

Case Studies in Dental Hygiene, Third Edition, is designed to guide the development of critical-thinking skills and the application of theory to care at all levels of dental hygiene education—from beginning to advanced students. This textbook is designed to be used throughout the dental hygiene curriculum. Because the questions and decisions regarding treatment of each case span the dental hygiene sciences and clinical practice protocols, this book will find a place in enhancing every course required of dental hygiene students. Introducing this text at the beginning of the educational experience may help the student realize early on the link between theory and patient care. Students then progress through the program with a heightened awareness of evidence-based practice.

Students also perceive an increase in confidence regarding preparation for board examinations when they have been given the opportunity to practice case-based decision making. Case Studies in Dental HygieneThird Edition, is a viable study guide to help students prepare for success on national, regional, and state examinations with a patient care focus. This revised edition also is an excellent review text for the graduating dental hygiene student who is preparing to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.

Case Studies in Dental Hygiene, Third Edition, presents oral health case situations representing a variety of patients that would typically be encountered in clinical settings. Of the 15 cases, 3 each represent the following patient types.

• Pediatric
• Adult-Periodontal
• Geriatric
• Special Needs
• Medically Compromised

Each case contains the following patient information.

• Medical history
• Vital signs
• Dental history
• Dental and periodontal charting
• Intraoral photographs
• Radiographs

To guide student learning and to meet the needs of instructors who desire to assign questions based on the topic being taught, questions are subdivided into the following categories.

• Assessing patient characteristics
• Obtaining and interpreting radiographs
• Planning and managing dental hygiene care
• Performing periodontal procedures
• Using preventive agents
• Providing supportive treatment services
• Demonstrating professional responsibility

Learning objectives help the student realize key concepts. Each learning objective is eva-luated through the use of multiple-choice questions expertly written in the format used for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. Each question is identified as a basic knowledge level or as a competency level question, further guiding educators and students to use each case to maximum benefit at all levels of student learning. Correct answers and descriptive rationales for responses are provided for all questions, allowing the student and instructor to assess learning outcomes.

What sets Case Studies in Dental Hygiene, Third Edition, apart from a basic board examina-tion review book is the inclusion of treatment planning Exercises and learning activities that chal-lenge the student to develop decision-making skills regarding patient care and treatment recom-mendations that promote oral health and prevent oral diseases. Students usually respond favora-bly to the opportunity to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to fictional cases, and Case Studies in Dental Hygiene, Third Edition, provides a stress-free environment in which to learn how to make increasingly competent decisions.

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