Mosby's dental hygiene: concepts, cases, and competencies (2nd edition) [including CD-ROM] Clinical companion study guide for Mosby's dental hygiene (2nd edition)

  • S. J. Daniel,
  • S. A. Harfst &
  • R. S. Wilder
Elsevier £49.99, (book & CD); £16.99 (study guide); free (instructor's manual) ISBN: 9780323043526; 9780323045346; 9780323049535 | ISBN: 978-0-3230-4352-6

A tremendous amount of hard work has been put into this book by the authors and publishers and the rather daunting result is 51 chapters and over 1,000 pages. I do not think this book could ever be fully appreciated by an individual.

All topics in the text are directly related to the American Dental Education Association's competencies for entry into the profession of Dental Hygiene – ensuring that this resource is practical, useful and invaluable to any dental hygiene student.

The book is in good chronological order, similar to the hygiene and therapy syllabus I studied as a student. It starts with law and ethics then evidenced based dentistry, communication, biology, cross infection then clinical procedures, and finally ending with professional development.

The book is aimed specifically at hygienists in America, so not all of the guidelines included apply to UK dental hygienists. It is thus important for any hygiene/therapy student wishing to study from this book to know the correct remit for their own governing board. For example, antibiotic cover is different – the dose and the type of patient to receive it. Hygienists in the UK do not remove sutures, nor do they fill cavities that dentists have prepared.

The book teaches the fundamentals of clinical practice and focuses on actively engaging the reader in the learning process. Interactive exercises and video segments on the CD-ROM (which is included) combined with textbook material and related cases are an outstanding tool to reinforce dental hygiene concepts and procedures on a number of levels. Students don't just learn information, they use it.

The clinical companion study guide will support the development and enhancement of students' clinical knowledge and skills. I particularly liked the review questions as the correct answers were given and the incorrect answers explained with the supporting evidence.

I fear most students may be lost in this book unless time is taken to go through it. I would suggest reading each chapter whilst studying the same topic at dental school so the book can be used as a home work guide.

It is important to read the beginning of the book first to understand the outlay and how to make the most of the book. All of the chapters are set out so that you can quickly see if the information you require is in the chapter, as follows:

WHY: Insight boxes explain the relevance of chapter content to clinical practice

HOW: Case studies help you learn how to relate the content to patient scenarios

WHAT: Key terms and learning outcomes reinforce new terminology and expectation.

The photographs and diagrams are excellent quality and enable the student to be prepared before moving into the clinical environment. Overall, it is suitable for all dental care professionals and boasts a comprehensive glossary.