Darby & Walsh Dental Hygiene: Theory and Practice, 6th edition - 2025

Your Complete Reference for Dental Hygiene: Theory, Practice, and Evidence-Based Care

This book is a comprehensive, award-winning resource for mastering both the theoretical and practical aspects of dental hygiene. The Sixth Edition of Darby & Walsh Dental Hygiene: Theory and Practice integrates clinical competencies, foundational concepts, and evidence-based approaches within a person-centered care model, making it an indispensable guide for students and professionals alike.

Key Features

• Award-Winning Excellence: Recognized with the 2025 TAA Textbook Excellence "Texty" Award and selected for Doody’s Core Titles® 2024 with "Essential Purchase" designation.
• Evidence-Based Practice: Contributions from leading educators, practitioners, and researchers provide frameworks for clinical decision-making and problem-solving.
• Comprehensive Clinical Guidance: Step-by-step procedure boxes include illustrations, photos, rationales, and companion online procedure videos to reinforce learning.
• Person-Centered Care Model: Human Needs Conceptual Model and Oral Health Related Quality of Life frameworks emphasize care that considers the whole patient.
• Rich Visual Support: Modern illustrations and updated clinical photographs visually reinforce key concepts throughout the text.
• Expanded and Updated Content: Covers infection control in the context of COVID-19, new and emerging technologies, telehealth/teledentistry, mental health and self-care, and Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA®).
• Integration of Theory: Explains how to apply theoretical concepts in practical dental hygiene settings.
• Professional Development: Chapters include learning competencies, patient education tips, critical thinking scenarios, and discussions on legal, ethical, and safety considerations.
• Up-to-Date Periodontal Coverage: Integrates current American Academy of Periodontology classifications throughout the text.

This edition is an essential reference for dental hygiene students, educators, and practitioners, providing the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to excel in coursework, clinical practice, and professional development.