Self-Assessment Questionnaire

I understand that dental hygiene is physically demanding, using hand, wrist, arm repetitive motions, requires quick reflexes and upper body strength.

I have always been a fairly coordinated person.

I have performed adequately in activities that require good gross motor skills like athletic activities.

I can perform well in activities that require good eye-hand coordination: sports such as tennis, racquetball, baseball, softball and hockey; music reading, computer gaming and tasks or activities such as applying make-up, coloring, jigsaw puzzles and writing.

I feel that I have quick reflexes or that my body can respond quickly.

I can hold my hand steady without tremor.

I believe I will be able to manage multiple variables SIMULTANEOUSLY and under time constraints such as collecting assessment data, monitoring patients’ reactions, processing information, communicating with patients and faculty, using problem-solving and critical thinking skills to make important decisions regarding patient care, provide competent, ethical care, and self-assess performance.

I am self -assured in most situations and I do not get raddled under pressure.

I can attend for long periods of time so that critical information is not missed.

I am appropriately assertive and an effective communicator in order to relate well with the

patient and the health care team.

I have no musculoskeletal problems.

I understand that 80% or more of dental hygienists experience musculoskeletal injuries at some

point in their career and that a percentage of these are career ending.

I have no chronic illnesses that result in fatigue or pain.

I participate in regular physical activity and maintain my upper body strength.

I am comfortable working in close physical proximity to people that I do not know.

I am able to tolerate the sight of and working with body fluids such as blood and saliva.

I understand that will be caring for patients that may have diseases such as AIDS, hepatitis and

tuberculosis.

It does not bother me when I am close to someone who has body odor.

It does not bother me to see needles or watch dental injections.

I am able to discern fine detail, color and variation in gray shades under dim lighting.

I am emotionally prepared to work with children and the elderly.

I exhibit great patience and compassion with people who may be difficult.

I want to help people.

I can empathize with patients and their circumstances.

I am aware that I will need to be compliant with all program participation requirements including CPR certification and I must maintain my certification throughout my attendance in the program or I will not be permitted in clinic.

I enjoyed and did well in the sciences of biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology.

I see myself being able to devote large amounts of time to studying; I am prepared

to spend a minimum of 3 hours on homework and study for each hour that I spend in

class, labs and clinics.

I am prepared for continual study since one cannot succeed with last minute preparation

in a professional health care program such as dental hygiene.

I can remain organized and implement successful learning and time management strategies

I am a good test taker.

My level of reading comprehension would allow me to understand graduate level

textbooks.

I feel my study skills would allow me to organize, learn, and retain large volumes of

information.

I am prepared to go to class, lab and clinic 4 -5 days a week.

I am prepared to give up much of my personal life to progress through the program.

I understand that the DHY curriculum will require a two-year commitment.

I am able to accept criticism; maintain a positive attitude; be flexible, reliable, and respectful towards my patients, peers, faculty and staff, and to the rigorous training process; to accept responsibility for my own learning.

I understand that all missed classes, labs and clinics could contribute to not completing

the program.

This program will be a top priority.

I will be able to balance my family home and job responsibilities with school.

I will have support at home; I have adequate support from my family and friends.

I am aware of the cost of tuition, fees and other expenses and have adequate resources to meet the costs.

I am aware that I will have other expenses every semester, including but not limited to books, uniforms, gloves, masks, etc.

I am aware that students with heavy work responsibilities are usually unsuccessful in completing the program.

I will make the financial arrangements that allow school to be a top priority (savings, loans, family support, minimal PT employment).