Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the fundamentals of ultrasonic technology in dental hygiene (e.g., magnetostrictive, piezoelectric) and their uses in periodontal care.
2. Understand the benefits of early introduction of ultrasonic instrumentation technique from a competency-based perspective.
3. Evaluate the sequencing of various ultrasonic tips/inserts and when they are introduced into the curriculum.
4. Apply ergonomic cord management to improve instrument adaptation and reduce fatigue.  
5. Analyze tools that impact on posture, visualization, efficiency and calibration. 

Experienced dental hygiene faculty often face challenges with ultrasonic instrumentation, including technique, adaptation, and selecting appropriate inserts. There is also a lack of understanding about the underlying technology, creating uncertainty in its optimal use. This knowledge gap makes it difficult for instructors to confidently teach ultrasonic techniques.

This course is designed for dental hygiene educators to highlight the importance of introducing ultrasonic techniques in the preclinical environment, alongside hand instrumentation, for an integrated learning approach. Concepts such as adaptation, angulation, and activation will be taught in parallel. The course will cover when and where to incorporate ultrasonic applications into the curriculum and best practices for skill-building across semesters. Applications, from biofilm disruption to periodontal therapy, will be explored, with an emphasis on ergonomics and techniques to improve high-speed evacuation and indirect vision.