Speakers: Michele Carr, RDH, MA and Brian Partido, BSDH, MSDH
Program Track: Clinical Practice
Course Description: The primary goal of periodontal therapy is to remove biofilm and calculus deposits to promote a healthy periodontium. In order to accomplish this task, a variety of instruments are utilized subgingival to thoroughly detect and remove calcareous deposits. The ODU 11/12 explorer is the most commonly used instrument in calculus detection during clinical practice and in clinical licensure examinations. The instrument’s thin tip allows vibrations to transfer from the tip to the handle which enhances tactile sensitivity for the practitioner. In addition to the ODU 11/12 explorer, other technologies are available to help practitioners detect calculus subgingivally but can be costly. These methods include endoscopy, auto-fluorescence, spectro-optical technology, lasers, and ultrasonic-based devices. Since the visualization and detection of calculus in the subgingival environment is impossible without assisted technology, tactile sensitivity through different instruments can be effective in the evaluation of calculus. This presentation will review the evidence in calculus detection technologies and discuss how efficiency in dental hygiene care may improve by using ultrasonic instruments in both the detection and removal of calculus.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify methods of detecting subgingival calculus
- Describe the advantages and disadvantages of existing calculus detection technologies.
- Choose appropriate techniques for calculus detection based on evidence.
CE Credit Hours: 2.0
Original Date of Session: 23 June 2019
The American Dental Hygienists' Association is designated as an approved provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHADH (Jan. 1, 2022–Dec. 31, 2022). Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial Board of Dentistry. Licensee should maintain this document in the event of an audit.
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association is an approved provider of dental continuing education as recognized by the Dental Board of California, Provider #5238.