Draft genre analysis

The person on the street and professional articles I reviewed had opposite feelings concerning the measles outbreak in the United States. According to the Huffington post many parents are afraid of vaccinating their children due to the fear of the MMR vaccine causing autism. Although, many studies have been preformed and no link between the two have been confirmed. Moreover,  both  sides do agree that the virus is being transferred from other countries and that there has been a drastic increase in the virus this year in the US.

The professional articles were similar in that they were short and to the point. The Measles/Rubella bulletin and the CDC stated the only way to eliminate the spread of the virus is to receive the vaccine. Many children are at risk of contracting the disease because they have either not yet received the vaccine which consist of two separate injections, or parents are refusing the vaccination. Furthermore, the US is trying to make the vaccine more available by offering it in local schools and strongly recommending the vaccine to everyone before traveling out of the country. Health officials are also advising all countries to document travel histories of people that become infected with the virus in order to localize where the virus is originating from and to collect specimens of each person to identify the viral strand.

I feel the only conflict between the non professionals and the professionals is if the virus is safe. Parents are obviously going to protect their children if they feel the vaccine is questionable. Even though health care officials state the vaccine is safe parents need proof and reassurance. I feel this uncertainty can be resolved by professionals providing more concrete evidence and providing more information on the issue. 

Works Cited

“Measles and Rubella Surveillance in the Americas.” Measles/Rubella Weekly Bulletin.

Vol.17. 3 Sept. 2011. No.  35. Web.

http://web.ebscohost.com.proxy.libraries.uc.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=3&hid=7&sid=62bf25be-23ad-4370-8dc2-916e310729ab%40sessionmgr10

“Measles and Rubella Surveillance in the Americas.” Measles /Rubella Weekly Bulletin.
            Vol.17. 27 Aug. 2011. No. 34. Web.

http://web.ebscohost.com.proxy.libraries.uc.edu/ehost/results?sid=62bf25be-23ad-4370-8dc2-916e310729ab%40sessionmgr10&vid=2&hid=7&bquery=%28JN+%26amp%3bquot%3bMeasles+Weekly+Bulletin%26amp%3bquot%3b+AND+DT+20110827%29&bdata=JmRiPWE5aCZ0eXBlPTEmc2l0ZT1laG9zdC1saXZl

“Measles Outbreaks. “Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 1 Sept.2011.web

http://www.emergency.cdc.gov/HAN/han00323.asp

Gorski, David. "Measles Outbreaks 2011.” Science-based medicine.30 May 2011.web

http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/index.php/measles-outbreaks-2011/

Neal, Meghan.” US Measles Outbreak Sees Cases at 15-year high what should you do?”  The Huffington Post.25 July 2011.web

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/25/us-measles-outbreak_n_866846.html

What professionals think (Measles Outbreak)

From the health journals I have reviewed, all agree that in order to be immune to the measles virus they must recieve the MMR vaccine. Countries are now being encouraged to collect specimens for viral identification of the virus. Documentation is also in demand for people who have recently traveled to other countries and for people who have not been vaccinated. In order to eliminate the virus, the United States is trying to determine where the virus is being transferred from in other countries to prevent the spread in the US. Furthermore, to encourage people to recieve the vaccine.

Works Cited

“Measles and Rubella Surveillance in the Americas.” Measles/Rubella Weekly Bulletin. 

Vol.17. 3 Sept. 2011. No.35.Web.

http://web.ebscohost.com.proxy.libraries.uc.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=3&hid=7&sid=62bf25be-23ad-4370-8dc2-916e310729ab%40sessionmgr10

“Measles and Rubella Surveillance in the Americas.” Measles /Rubella Weekly Bulletin.
            Vol.17. 27 Aug. 2011. No.34.Web.

http://web.ebscohost.com.proxy.libraries.uc.edu/ehost/results?sid=62bf25be-23ad-4370-8dc2-916e310729ab%40sessionmgr10&vid=2&hid=7&bquery=%28JN+%26amp%3bquot%3bMeasles+Weekly+Bulletin%26amp%3bquot%3b+AND+DT+20110827%29&bdata=JmRiPWE5aCZ0eXBlPTEmc2l0ZT1laG9zdC1saXZl

"Person on the street"

The United States is currently experiencing an outbreak in the measles virus. Many believe the outbreak is occurring due to international travel and parents who are refusing to vaccinate their children. There have been mixed reviews about the vaccine being linked to autism in children. Although, a large amount of studies have been preformed and there has been no connection to the MMR vaccination parents are still refusing to vaccinate. 85% of the patients found with the measles virus in 2011 had not received the MMR vaccine, and almost all that were infected had been out of the country. The measles outbreak in other parts of the world such as Europe, Africa and Asia are alarmingly high. In 2000, the United States had declared the measles as eliminated but now due to international travel being so common today it is a major concern. The virus is transmitted through the air and is extremely contagious. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours. The measles virus causes severe health issues including pneumonia, encephalitis and even death. Health officials and the CDC all recommend that children should be vaccinated at an early age and that everyone should be up to date on all vaccines to prevent an epidemic in the spread of disease.

References

http://www.emergency.cdc.gov/HAN/han00323.asp

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/25/us-measles-outbreak_n_866846.html

http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/index.php/measles-outbreaks-2011/

Hot Topic Choice

The hot topic I am choosing for my discipline is on the measles. There has been a significant outbreak in the United States. This is a major concern in the dental field because many are unaware of the warning signs the virus displays in the mouth. Furthermore, the virus is highly contagious by inhalation.

Hot Topics in Dental Hygiene

EFT

Emotional freedom technique (EFT) is a form of acupressure that uses gentle tapping to stimulate acupuncture points. Techniques are being used to prevent gag reflexes while taking oral radiographs. By using the technique the body’s energy system is able to balance and relax. I find this interesting and I feel it probably works. A technique I use to help patients with gag reflexes is having them raise one of their legs and concentrating on holding it up. It tends to work well. I think this is the same concept. You are encouraging the patient to concentrate on something else and also relax their mind. The concern with EFT is that patients may use it for other underlining health issues.

Measles

The measles outbreak has increased significantly. Outbreaks have been reported in 38 countries and found in 23 states in the US since June of 2011. The virus grows on the back of the throat and lungs. The major concern is due to professionals not knowing/seeing the signs of the measles because it has been so rare for decades. Dental professionals should be checking for koplik spots which line the buccal and labial mucosa. I was not aware of this outbreak. I will now be keeping an eye out for koplik spots when examining patients.

Airfloss

Airfloss is a new technology developed by Phillips sonicare that removes plaque biofilm from between teeth using rapid burst of air and water droplets. Studies have shown it to remove 99% more plaque than the normal floss. Concerns with this product are that it seems to be very similar to the waterpik. Although Phillips is stating that water irrigators mainly uses large bursts of water to remove debris the airfloss uses air and only one teaspoon of water. In my opinion I think these devices are good for patients that have extensive work in their mouth such as bridges, crowns and implants. Flossing under restorative work can be difficult. The concern I have is that they are costly. The airfloss is retailing for $90 but when you take in to consideration how much a crown or bridge costs I think it is well worth it.

Formatting the discipline

The format dental hygiene uses is abstract.

Abstract: Brief statement, findings, summary, conclusions and recommendations.

Discipline Manifesto: Dental Hygiene

Dental Hygienists are exposed and at risk of contracting many life threatening diseases. The main concern is hepatitis B. By law a dental hygienist must have the vaccination for hepatitis B in order to practice. Although, there is a vaccine for hepatitis B there are many other diseases a hygienist is venerable to such as hepatitis C, tuberculosis, herpes simplex 2 and HIV. By working in close contact with patients a dental hygienist must be aware and protect themselves of potential diseases and be careful not to break patient confidentiality.

Currently working as a dental assistant I have been told by employers to treat all patients as though they are infected with a disease. By assuming each patient is a carrier I am making sure I am using extra caution, taking my time with patients and not rushing or cross contaminating. Moreover, the review and update of patient health histories is of high importance in the dental profession.

In conclusion, I feel that thorough examination of each patient will provide the best care possible. Furthermore, properly sterilizing all instruments, operatories and complying with all OSHA regulations will help to prevent the spread of infectious diseases to everyone.