Introduction

Some readers may need to dig deep into their memory bank to recall what the “DOD” means, while for some of you, it’s still fresh in your mind. It stands for “Degree Of Difficulty” and refers to the level of complexity of a patient’s cleaning procedure as determined by a hygienist. The DOD not only dictates the instruments used but also the extent of the cleaning required.

Importance of DOD

When I was in hygiene school, I always hoped for a difficult patient because that meant I could use the Cavitron to scale. However, the DOD is not just a tool for hygienists to use to determine the level of complexity of a patient’s cleaning procedure. It is also a tool for patients to use to determine the level of care they need.

During a visit to a Hygiene school in Kansas City, I learned that the new guidelines for taking clinical boards involve working on a dummy patient. This is a blessing as students no longer have to worry about the costs of paying for a patient’s accommodation and meals, or whether the patient will show up or not. However, this also means that students may not be getting the hands-on experience they need to develop their skills.

So why have hygienists stopped implementing the DOD in their practice? Is it because they have gained speed or have a license now? I do not think that is the answer. The DOD is an important tool for hygienists to use to determine the level of care a patient needs. It is also a tool for patients to use to determine the level of care they need. The DOD is not just a tool for hygienists to use to determine the level of complexity of a patient’s cleaning procedure. It is also a tool for patients to use to determine the level of care they need.

Conclusion

As we continue to face shortages of hygienists and offices are getting creative with scheduling for production, it is important to keep in mind what your level of DOD is for you. If you are a patient, you should ask your hygienist what your level of DOD is and what you can do to improve your oral health. If you are a hygienist, you should use the DOD to determine the level of care your patients need and to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their needs.

In conclusion, the DOD is an important tool for hygienists and patients alike. It is a tool that can help ensure that patients receive the level of care they need to maintain good oral health. If you are a patient, you should ask your hygienist what your level of DOD is and what you can do to improve your oral health. If you are a hygienist, you should use the DOD to determine the level of care your patients need and to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their needs.

I hope this article has been helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.