What type of charting is included in the dental hygiene examination process?

The inclusion of periodontal charting in the dental hygiene examination process is essential due to its role in assessing the health of a patient's gums and the supporting structures of the teeth. Periodontal charting involves measuring pocket depths, attachment levels, and the presence of bleeding or recession, providing critical information about the patient's periodontal status. This type of charting helps dental hygienists identify the existence and severity of periodontal disease, allowing for appropriate treatment planning and management.

Moreover, accurate periodontal charting is vital for establishing a baseline for future assessments and treatments, tracking changes over time, and ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs. This focus on periodontal health aligns with contemporary practices in dental hygiene that emphasize preventive care and the importance of maintaining oral health for overall well-being.

In contrast, general bookkeeping pertains more to administrative tasks, while oral cavity color analysis is not a standard part of dental hygiene assessments. Patient satisfaction surveys are valuable for evaluating the quality of care but do not directly contribute to the clinical examination of a patient's dental health. Thus, periodontal charting distinctly fits within the examination framework, reinforcing its critical role in dental hygiene practice.