**2025 Textbook and Academic Authors Association (TAA) Textbook Excellence "Texty" Award Winner****Selected for 2026 Doody's Core Titles in Dental Hygiene & Auxiliaries**Darby & Walsh Dental Hygiene: Theory and Practice, 6th Edition offers everything you need to succeed in your coursework and clinical and professional practice. No other dental hygiene foundational text incorporates clinical competencies, theory, and evidence-based practice in such an approachable way. All discussions - from foundational concepts to diagnosis to pain management - are presented within the context of a unique person-centered model that takes the entire person into consideration. A veritable who’s-who of dental hygiene educators, practitioners, and researchers cite the latest studies throughout the text to provide a framework to help you in your decision-making and problem-solving. New to this edition is an increased focus on new and emerging technologies, enhanced coverage of infection control in the time of COVID-19, and new chapters on telehealth and teledentistry and mental health and self-care. Focus on research and evidence-based practice offers insights from expert chapter authors (educators, practitioners, and researchers) from across the United States and beyondExpansive art program features modern illustrations and updated clinical photos to visually reinforce key conceptsStep-by-step procedure boxes highlight key points with accompanying illustrations, clinical photos, and rationales; online procedure videos are included with new text purchaseHuman Needs Conceptual Model/Oral Health Related Quality of Life frameworks, in which all discussions are presented within the context of a person-centered care model, take the entire person into considerationLearning aids in each chapter include professional development opportunities; learning competencies; patient education tips; critical thinking scenarios; and discussions of legal, ethical, and safety issues, which help your practical application and problem-solving skills and bring the profession to lifeNEW! Increased focus on new and emerging technologies keeps you up to date with the latest advances in the fieldNEW! Telehealth chapter explains how to practice telehealth and teledentistry in nontraditional and community-based settingsNEW! Mental Health and Self-Care chapter provides timely content on safeguarding mental health and wellness for the practitioner and the patientUPDATED! Enhanced coverage of infection control prepares you to practice as a dental hygienist in the time of COVID-19 and potential future pandemic eventsUPDATED! Coverage of Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA®) for integrating into the dental hygiene process of careEXPANDED! Further integration of the current American Academy of Periodontology periodontal classifications throughout the textIntegration of theory throughout the book includes content on how to incorporate the use of theory in practice