During which phase of dental hygiene care planning are urgent and diagnostic needs addressed?

The phase of dental hygiene care planning that focuses on urgent and diagnostic needs is the first phase. This phase is vital as it involves identifying and addressing any immediate dental issues that may be causing pain, infection, or other urgent concerns. This proactive approach ensures that patients receive timely interventions to stabilize their condition before other treatment phases proceed.

In this phase, thorough assessments and diagnostic procedures are conducted to determine the extent of urgent needs. The goal is to provide relief and to set the stage for subsequent phases of care, where disease control, rehabilitation, and ongoing supportive therapy can be implemented effectively. Thus, this initial phase lays the groundwork for a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both immediate and long-term oral health needs.