Rachel C. Kearney, BDH, MS

Rachel K. Henry RDH, MS is an associate professor and chair of the Division of Dental Hygiene at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry.  She holds a BS in Dental Hygiene and a MS in Allied Medical Education from the Ohio State University. Her research focuses on the use of technology in education. She teaches ethics, professionalism and courses in the education specialization to undergraduate and graduate dental hygiene students.


COURSE TITLEFormatsCREDITSAction
Effectiveness and Safety of Tooth Whitening Agents

Agents capable of whitening teeth were initially discovered in the 1940s and were introduced into the mainstream market in the 1980s due to an increased interest in esthetics and a desire by individuals to have whiter teeth. The options for tooth whitening are numerous, with whiting products available as gels, strips, rinses, gums, dentifrice, and paint-on liquids. This Quality Resource Guide, directed to dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, and all office support personnel, provides an evidence-based review of methods and materials designed to whiten teeth. It describes the mechanisms for tooth whitening, discusses options and the effectiveness and safety of whitening modalities, and examines issues patients should understand when considering whitening treatment. Dental professionals are critical in effective, safe tooth whitening, and counseling patients about their options. This QRG will serve as an essential resource for all dental office team members as they strive to provide maximal assistance for individuals exploring options for whitening their teeth.

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HIPAA and the Dental Office

National standards to provide security for a patient&rsquo\;s Protected Health Information (PHI) result from the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Since the law was passed, there have been many updates to define the standards for healthcare providers and others with access to people&rsquo\;s health information. This Quality Resource Guide (QRG) is designed to be an introduction to HIPAA for dental office staff members new to the environment of health care. It explains the relationship of HIPAA to dental practices, describes what health information is considered to be protected, presents the HIPAA policies and procedures required for a dental office, and illustrates violations that may occur along with actions that must be taken if a breach of information is discovered. The QRG includes a comprehensive Privacy Compliance Checklist to assist the office in determining whether they are compliant with HIPAA Privacy Rules. A FAQ section provides answers to HIPAA questions that often arise. The QRG will serve as an essential part of a new staff member&rsquo\;s orientation as well as a resource supporting periodic office updates regarding patient information security

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Preventive Oral Care for the Elderly Dental Patient (2nd Edition)

It is estimated that over 57.9 million people in the United States are aged 65 and over. As people live longer, they are retaining their natural teeth longer and have an increased need for dental care later in life. Many factors, including declines in motor skills, cognitive changes, multiple systemic diseases and medications, altered living situations and the need for caregivers, finances, and diminished health literacy, make it challenging for many older adults to maintain oral health. This Quality Resource Guide (QRG), using an evidence-based approach: reviews the factors that may impact the ability of an elderly patient to maintain oral health\; discusses oral diseases that are more prevalent in the elderly, and\; outlines preventive oral care measures to assist in maintaining oral health. It also outlines methods to assess and manage declines in motor and sensory skills, cognitive changes, and the complexities that arise when a patient has multiple systemic diseases or is taking multiple medications. This QRG will serve as an important resource for the dentist, and all members of the office staff, as they assess and provide therapy for a growing number of elderly patients within the practice.

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Roles of the Hygienist and Dental Assistant in Dental Implant Maintenance

Over the past twenty years, the use of dental implants has increased, and dental care providers are encountering the need for more dental implant maintenance procedures. The dental hygienist and dental assistant are essential in providing dental implant maintenance. Using an evidence-based approach, this Quality Resource Guide (QRG) describes the basic structure and anatomy of dental implants, discusses implant diseases and the role of maintenance in preventing these diseases, identifies three strategies for helping patients with implant home care, and outlines in-office maintenance care for patients with implants. This QRG will serve as an essential resource for new office staff members with limited experience with patients having dental implants. It will also serve as a valuable resource for the entire dental team as they strive to enhance the follow-up care for patients receiving dental implants.

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