The Dental Continuing Education Program at NHTI, in collaboration with the NH Division of Public Health Services Oral Health Program offers this continuing education course series for dental hygienists who provide services in public health settings and for dental hygienists desiring to become NH Certified Public Health Dental Hygienists (CPHDH). This continuing education series meets course requirements set forth by the NH Board of Dental Examiners (BODE) and provides participants with the most current information to optimally deliver dental hygiene services in alternative dental settings. Required courses currently leading to the CPHDH certification are offered on a rotating basis and can be taken in any order. Since it involves learning a clinical skill, it is recommended that Caries Stabilization be taken as close to the time of CPHDH application to the BODE as possible, so as to minimize time between learning the technique and implementation. Space is limited !
Core Courses (required for CPHDH):
- Evidence-Based Dentistry for the Dental Professional
- Infection Control in Alternative Dental Settings
- Medical Management in Public Health Dental Settings
- Medical Records Management
- Caries Stabilization
Elective Courses:
- Special Needs Population: Practical Considerations for Oral Health Care
- The Many Facets and Faces of Dental Public Health
- Caring for an Aging Population
To qualify as a CPHDH in NH, dental hygienists must:
- Practice for 3200 hours (1600 within 2 years prior to certification)
- Be qualified in dental sealants
- Complete specified courses within 4 years prior to certification, and
- Register with, and submit proof of completion of all requirements to the NH BODE
- Receive certification from the NH BODE
For important details on the new law refer to RSA 317-A:21-e and Den 302.07 at http://www.oplc.nh.gov/.
Core Course Descriptions
Evidence-Based Dentistry for the Dental Professional
This course provides an overview of what the evidence-based dentistry approach has to offer clinicians striving to best meet their patients’ needs and preferences. Working in the classroom and the computer lab, participants will gain experience in quickly finding evidence relevant to a practice need and appraising that evidence
CEUs: 7.5
Infection Control in Alternative Dental Settings
This required course reviews infection control procedures through lecture and clinical activities. Dental hygienists learn the latest protocols for proper asepsis in non-traditional settings and are strongly encouraged to bring a portable dental unit. Clinic attire, safety glasses required.
CEUs: 4
Medical Management in Public Health Dental Settings
This course addresses systemic conditions and diseases with emphasis on dental hygiene treatment planning, the management of dental and medical emergencies in alternative dental settings and includes a pharmacology review for common disease states.
CEUs: 6
Medical Records Management
This required class meets once as a group, followed by individual completion of required online activities. Topics discussed assist public health dental hygienists to understand and comply with legal requirements to properly handle patient medical records. Key concepts of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and NH law regarding client abuse are included. Participants draft a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) and are required to complete learning activities prior to class end date.
CEUs: 8
Caries Stabilization
Participants will learn indications and contraindications to sealants and ITR placement and will have an opportunity to place glass ionomer pit and fissure sealants, as well as practice ITR placement on teeth. Evidence supporting this technique will be presented. Space is limited. Priority will be given to those who have completed all other core courses leading to CPHDH qualification in NH.
Prerequisite & required document: Active RDH license
Note: This course has 4 didactic credits and 6 lab credits
CEUs: 10
Elective Course Descriptions
Special Needs Population: Practical Considerations for Oral Health Care
This course will touch upon the cultural and legal considerations in NH when treating individuals in special populations. Participants will learn practical approaches of oral care as they relate to some common diagnoses and engage the audience in case study presentations by tapping into their critical thinking skills
CEUs: 4
The Many Facets and Faces of Dental Public Health
Have questions about Dental Public Health? What and where are the public health programs in NH? Who are the hygienists already working in public health settings? How do you transition from private practice to public health? Participants will be exposed to the characterizations of what public health is and explore the unique features particular to oral health. The course will also provide an outlook and overview of the public health care systems and their relation to the local, state and national oral health care initiatives.
An extended panel discussion will allow participants to interact with state-wide practicing dental hygienists who are involved in a variety of public health activities. This aspect of the program will provide an in-depth look at the different roles, educational levels and settings in which oral health can be delivered. Bring your questions!
CEUs: 4
Caring for an Aging Population
In 2017 over 170,000 people in NH were age 65 and older. As our aging population in NH continues to grow what information is needed to better serve the patients we will be seeing?
CEUs: 4
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