RDH Refresher /Retraining
 
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DENTAL HYGIENE REFRESHER PROGRAM
                OVERVIEW

 GOAL

Dental hygienists shall have an opportunity to return to active dental hygiene private practice or pursue public health care setting employment.

OBJECTIVES

Following a recommended retraining program, the dental hygienist seeking reinstatement will be able to apply for re-licensure. Currently licensed hygienists will be able to return to clinical practice with updated skills and knowledge of current techniques.

PROCEDURES

I. ASSESSMENT

For the purpose of tailoring a retraining program, both knowledge and skills are analyzed to identify areas which need development and competency. A self assessment tool provides insight in the areas needing the most attention. This is done during the application process. All candidates are pre-qualified through a phone interview.

II. INSTRUCTIONAL PLAN

Based on the assessments, a recommended individualized retraining program is planned. The program will include the following:

A. a suggested number of seminar hours and dental science topics
B. clinical prerequisites and reading assignments
C. number of clinic hours and patient/client classifications
D. an observation and practice time schedule
E. recommended target dates for completion

III. FACILITIES

Lectures and clinical practice are located at various sites around Connecticut that are suitable to clinical education. All retraining adheres to the Connecticut State Law Practice Act.

IV. FACULTY

All licensed faculty are experienced dental hygiene educators and clinical instructors with current clinical practice expertise.

V. TYPE OF INSTRUCTION

A. Individualized and small group instruction facilitates an ideal environment. Strategies for teaching include lecture/discussion, peer interaction, demonstrations, self directed activities, and hands on practice. Continuing education courses that support the goals may be recommended in conjunction with this program. Audio visual aides, typodont models and patients/clients support the learning process.

B. Course manuals and selected readings are provided. Textbook reading are required for the hygienist out of practice for an extensive period of time. Instructional visual aides, typodont models, and instruments are available for study/practice.

VI. EVALUATION

Because of the nature of this retraining program, self evaluation of skills and knowledge are critical to achieving competency. PLS instructors will guide, direct and advise the learner throughout the program. Competency is based on successful completion of the prescribed program and an instructor's recommendation.

VII. LICENSE REINSTATEMENT

This program is accepted by, but not limited to, Connecticut, Massachusetts New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Illinois and Vermont State Boards of Dentistry or equivalent authorizing agencies as a continuing education re-entry requirement. Outside the Northeast, other states have accepted this program for continuing education licensure re-activation. The Canadian Dental Hygiene Registry has approved this course for re-entry training. State Boards recognize the dental hygiene refresher program for continuing education licensure requirements.

Prior approval and a re-activation application is required by some State regulatory agencies before registering for this course.

Arrangements, preparation and successful completion of any required State practice exam, when mandated by the Dental Commission/Public Health Department or any other authorizing agency, is independent of PLS refresher program training.

VIII. PROGRAM COMPLETION

Upon successful completion of program requirements, the dental hygienist will receive

-a certificate of program completion
-continuing education credit
-letter to authorizing state board by request
-letter of recommendation by request

IX. RESOURCES

To assist the hygienist in re-connecting with the profession, PLS provides information on placement services, professional organizations, professional journals and magazines, products and other services.
 

TUITION AND OTHER FEES

Instruction is presented in four hour sessions. Payment schedule and rates are available upon request.

LENGTH OF PROGRAM/SCHEDULE

The number of hours that are required to bring a hygienist up to current dental hygiene clinical and academic standards is determined after an assessment. Generally, given certain variables, the number of hours of instruction correlates with the number of years out of practice. The licensed dental hygienist with guidance determines the number of sessio

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ns for continuing education needs and c r e d its. The dental hygienist seeking reinstatement must adhere to their state requirements. The refresher course is designed as a comprehensive 24 hour program (three day course, eight hours/day). Over 30 hours of assignments may be required to prepare for the course. Additional instruction may be required to achieve competency as recommended by the instructor. Course pre-requisites are selected based on individual needs. 
 
Every attempt is made to provide instruction at mutually agreed upon dates and time and to compliment the learning process. Successive sessions are accommodated for long distance travelers.

COPYRIGHT 1990, 1996, 2001, Do not copy or reprint without the express written permission of PLS
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING SERVICES  31 LOIS CIRCLE,  MONROE, CT     06468

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