Learning Group #1: Crystal, Lillian, and Theresa



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List the six categories of public health. Thoroughly describe each category and provide an example of how a RDH would work or being employed in each environment.


1. Epidemiology
The study of the pattern, distribution, and occurrence of disease among groups of people. This is used to prevent and control these diseases. According to Kathy Voigt Geurink, there are 7 principle factors in epidemiology:
-Distribution
-Population dynamics
-Occurrences
-Affected Population
-Place characteristics
-Time
-Determinants

An RDH must have skills to assess community health problems and evaluate outcomes of community health solutions. Hygienists who work in community settings participate in a variety of assessment and evaluation activities. For example, oral health service providers monitor oral health indicators in the neighborhood surrounding a community health center. A good example: flu virus/vaccination. An RDH can work in CDC. Locally, Riverside County Public Health Dept.

2. Statistics
A science that describes the data for the purpose of making inferences about the population from which the data are obtained.
An RDH can work in CDC, a university such as Loma Linda University, UCLA.

Can this discussion be expanded to more? DL


By using statistical designs, an RDH can discover information that can improve the practice and move the profession forward.

How can they be employed in this category? Where would they work? DL

3. Biomedical sciences
The study of disease caused by genetic factors and microorganisms to prevent and control diseases in populations and how these factors affect the body.

Can this be expanded more? DL

Dental hygienists can work in research for products, such as dentifrices and salivary diagnostics
Look at stem cells. Research Center such as UCLA, UCSF.

http://www.cewebinar.com/adha/oskolisan.html?keepThis=true&TB_iframe=true&height=600&width=450

4. Environmental health science
Is the prevention of the spread of the disease through water, food and air.

Can this be expanded more? DL

An RDH can push for water fluoridation in the community to decrease the occurrence of caries.


Where would the RDH be employed; where would she/he work? DL
EPA. Locally, Public Health Dept.

5. Social and behavioral sciences
The study of the behavioral role and social status in relation to health status, life expectancy, and the utilization of services.
Can this be expanded more? DL


RDHAP can visit low economic, geriatric, special need people and underprivileged patients who would otherwise not receive dental treatment. Locally, Funded Health Clinic as Manager of Information. Locally, Public Health Dept. also.


6. Health policy and management or health administration
This category addresses the dimensions and operation of the health care delivery system to address problems such as quality of care.

Can this be expanded more? DL

The Dental Hygiene Committee of California is a board of dental hygienists that address the legalities of the profession such as adopting regulations, issuing licensees, and administering exams,

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Orthodontist, Dr. Emerson: senator.
Jong's Community Dental Health, 5th edition by George M. Gluck and Warren M. Morganstein
Community Oral Health Practice for the Dental Hygienist, 2nd edition by Kathy Voigt Geurink