This concise teaching tool on community oral health practice focuses exclusively on the role of the dental hygienist in community dental health and presents the essential information taught in dental hygiene curriculums. Students will gain the competency, skills, and knowledge they need to pass the Community section of the National Boards, while the enthusiastic, informative style of the text enlightens them about the fulfilling and exciting career choices available in community dental health. A practice exam with community "testlets" similar to those on the Community section of the National Boards assists dental hygiene students in passing the exam. The most up-to-date information current with Healthy People 2010 objectives is included, focusing on improvements in the health of all Americans. A mock exam features case studies and multiple choice questions that duplicate the format of the National Boards and expose students to the same type of questions they'll see on the exam. At the end of each chapter, Dental Hygiene Community Health Competencies as designated by the American Association of Dental Schools identify which competencies are covered in that chapter. A chapter on Careers in Public Health for the Dental Hygienist offers Mini-Profiles describing various career paths or sub-specialties available in the field of community dental health. A chapter on Health Promotion and Health Communication introduces the reader to the theories of health promotion and offers strategies for delivering health information to the targeted public community. Applying Your Knowledge sections at the end of each chapter suggest various learning activities and discussions in which students can participate. Case studies testing critical thinking skills are included in some chapters to reinforce concepts and familiarize readers with the challenges and responsibilities of the community oral health hygienist. Guiding Principles emphasize important information related to the objectives of the specific chapters. Opening Statements offer at-a-glance summaries of the material in the chapters. Key Terms introduce new words relevant to the chapter content, with definitions listed in the glossary. Objectives point out what the student can expect to learn from each chapter.