Yesterday in clinic we learned about OHI (Oral Hygiene Instructions). This is the most important thing we could do as a dental hygienist. We can work on our patients and get them squeaky clean but that won't do anything if the patient isn't keeping up on their oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing is SOO important and we need to emphasize it for our patients in a manner that doesn't seem like we're nagging them.
There were definitely a lot of laughs today as we disclosed our patients. The disclosing agent shows where there is biofilm on the teeth. If it turns pink that is new biofilm and purple is older biofilm. We then used the PFI (plaque free index) to calculate how many surfaces had biofilm/plaque. It was a big eye opener to see the spots that I am frequently missing. I frequently miss my mandibular lingual premolar and molar region. But overall I'm not doing so bad (but that shouldn't be too much of a surprise since I am in dental hygiene school!). I did look a little hypoxic because my lips turned blue (we forgot to put vaseline on before!).
I was also able to get a lot of practice on scaling which was great becuase I definitely need all the practice I can get! We had about an hour of practice time and I became more comfortable with anterior and posterior scaling. This gives me hope that I one day I will be able to do it perfectly! :)
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