Oral Hygiene Procedure — Community Health Workers
Last Updated Aug. 14, 2025, 5:07 p.m.
Oral Hygiene Procedure
"Hello team, today we are going to walk through the complete oral hygiene procedure. This is a critical skill to ensure our patients maintain good oral health. I'll explain each step in detail, so you'll know exactly what to do."
1. Establishing Rapport 1 mark
Use direct speech with the patient to set a calm tone and build trust.
Welcome and offer a seat (1 mark):
"Hello, please come in and have a seat."
Introduce yourself and reassure the client (1 mark):
"My name is [Your Name], and I will be helping you today. There's nothing to worry about, this will be a quick and easy process."
2. Explanation of the Procedure 2 marks
Explain purpose and steps so the patient understands and consents.
Explain the purpose (1 mark):
"The purpose of today's session is to help you clean your teeth and gums thoroughly to prevent any oral health problems."
Explain the procedure (1 mark):
"I will first prepare my tools, then we will brush your teeth together, and finally, we will clean up. It will only take a few minutes."
3. Cover the Patient with a Chest Towel 1 mark
Protect clothing:
"This towel is to protect your clothes from any water or toothpaste. Please hold it if you feel more comfortable."
4. Hand Washing 2 marks
Follow infection control steps before contact with the patient or equipment.
Hand washing with soap under running water (1 mark):
Scrub for at least 20 seconds, paying attention to the back of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Proper hand drying (1 mark):
Use a clean, disposable towel to dry your hands completely. Do not use a cloth towel that has been used before.
5. Setting Up the Tray 2 marks
Organize materials on a tray so the procedure runs smoothly.
Tray contents: receiver (kidney dish), fluoride toothpaste, several brush sizes, cups for water, fresh water. Ensure all items are clean and ready to use.
6. Applying Paste and Wetting the Brush 1 mark
Apply toothpaste:
"I'm now going to apply the toothpaste."
Wet brush and mouth:
"I'm wetting your brush and your mouth with a little water to start."
7. Asking the Patient to Open Their Mouth 1 mark
"Please open your mouth wide for me so I can start brushing your teeth."
8. Cleaning and Brushing 3 marks
Be thorough and gentle. Work methodically across surfaces.
Brush front and side teeth (1 mark):
Use a gentle, circular motion. Clean outer and inner surfaces.
Use upward movement for lower teeth (1 mark):
Angle the brush toward the gum line and brush upward, sweeping away from the gums.
Use downward movement for upper teeth (1 mark):
Angle the brush toward the gum line and brush downward, sweeping away from the gums. This is the rolling stroke.
9. Using the Rolling Stroke and Rinsing 2 marks
"Now, please take this cup of water, swish it all around your mouth to rinse out the toothpaste, and then spit it out into the bowl."
10. Asking the Patient to Spit 2 marks
"Please spit directly into this bowl. This keeps the floor clean and sanitary."
Always hold the receiver close to the patient's mouth to avoid spills.
11. Cleaning the Brush 1 mark
Hold the toothbrush under running water until all toothpaste and debris are washed away. Return it to a clean container for sterilization or disposal.
12. Returning Materials to Appropriate Places 1 mark
Dispose of single-use items, place reusable items in sterilization area, and tidy your workspace.
Closing Script
Final words to the patient and invitation for questions.
"That's the complete procedure. Remember to be gentle, communicate clearly, and maintain a high standard of hygiene. Your attention to these details will make a huge difference in the patient's experience and their oral health. Any questions?"