An Evidence-Based Approach to Cleansing and Polishing: Part I

An Evidence-Based Approach to Cleansing and Polishing: Part I

AUTHOR: Michele Darby, RDH, MS

AUDIENCE: Dental Hygienists; Dental Assistants

 

ABSTRACT: This course explores one of the most common procedures in the practice of dental hygiene—coronal polishing—from a contemporary, evidenced-based perspective. Based on current literature, it is recommended that clinicians educate their patients on both the benefits and risks associated with coronal polishing, since little scientific evidence has been found to support its therapeutic purpose. Overall, the clinician should always use the best research evidence, clinical expertise and professional judgment (in conjunction with the values of the patient) to determine if professional polishing should be incorporated in the dental hygiene care plan.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Identify goals, indications, precautions and techniques for both air and rubber-cup polishing.

• Differentiate various techniques currently being used and/or considered in modern hygiene practice.

• Review different abrasive agents, and how they rank on the Mohs Hardness Scale for abrasiveness.

• Compare other abrasive qualities (particle size, shape, quantity, and contact time) for each agent.

CE ACTIVITY: Self-Instructional

CE CREDITS: 2 Credits

COST: $20.00

PUBLISH DATE:  May 25, 2012

EXPIRATION DATE: May 25, 2015