9.3 Dental Hygienist
Brandon Censon MPH, CPH, RRT-NPS, CPFT, CPT
Dental hygienists are another essential member of the dental careteam. Dental hygienists spend a fair amount of time with the patient. They play a key role in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases, and to help protect the patients’ health at large. Each state stipulates the scope of practice, or the range of services that they are allowed to perform. Generally speaking, dental hygienists may perform the following: conduct oral health assessments that include a comprehensive review of the patients’ health history, charting on dental health, and comprehensive gum health / disease evaluations, obtaining dental x-rays. The Dental hygienist are also responsible for implementing parts of the treatment plan, they perform a variety of dental care procedures, such as scaling the gums which help in removing plaque and calculus (also referred to as tartar) from the gum line, routine polishing of the teeth, apply anti-cavity agents such as sealants and fluoride to the surface of the teeth, apply local anesthetic and nitrous oxide to patient’s prior to dental procedures, provide patient education on how to properly care for their teeth and gums and strategies to help control plaque and develop at-home oral care programs.
Dental hygienists may work in a variety of settings, these include private dental offices, schools, public health clinics, managed care organizations, and correctional institutions. In addition to the clinical environments listed previously, dental hygienists could also pursue an administrative role, this could be in the form of an educator, researcher, and administrator.
Academic Requirements and Career Pathway
The minimum level of education required for someone to become a dental hygienist is an associate’s degree, however, earning a bachelor’s degree or other advanced degrees can allow for an individual to advance their career and potentially earn a higher salary. Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) is the credential that designates them as a licensed oral health professional. Depending on the specific state regulations and requirements, generally a dental hygienist must graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program, and successfully pass a national written examination. Upon earning the RDH credential, the dental hygienist will then need to obtain licensure for the state that they wish to work in.
One trait that makes a good dental hygienist is being detail oriented. Dental hygienists will need to pay extra close attention to the details of the small space that they are working in, the slightest push or probe against an already sensitive tooth can result in a lot of pain for the patient. Dental hygienists should also be passionate about oral health. This can be very helpful to patients in promoting good oral health and oral hygiene. Modeling positive oral practices can lead to greater amounts of patient compliance and adherence. Good communication skills is another essential trait for dental hygienists to have. Working as a dental hygienist will require them to engage in effective conversations with patients from diverse populations. It is of the utmost importance to be able to convey important information to patients in a way that they will be able to fully understand. This also includes being a good listener to pick up on what their patient is needing and what may be being asked of them.
According to the American Dental Hygienist Association (ADHA), most dental hygienists work in private practices, performing in traditional clinical hygiene (ADHA, n.d.). If a dental hygienist wants to propel their career forward, this may involve them obtaining additional licensure such as local anesthesia and various public health licenses, or earning an advanced degree. Both of these options open many opportunities for advancement, such as an expanded scope of practice, becoming an educator, researcher, or perhaps working in corporate sales. According to the American Dental Hygienist Association (ADHA) , currently there are 51 bachelor degree programs, and 17 graduate degree programs specifically in dental hygiene. (ADHA, n.d.).
Disease Dissection: Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a common condition that is found in dental care. According to the CDC, nearly 50% of adults 30 years of age and older have some form of periodontal disease. This number rises dramatically as an individual ages.
Periodontal disease develops as a result of the tissue that surrounds the tooth becoming infected, leading to the tissue itself becoming inflamed. When the bacteria in the mouth stays around the tooth, it forms a film that is referred to as plaque. As the plaque hardens, it turns into tartar. As the tartar builds up, it can then spread below the gum line, making it increasingly difficult to clean the teeth. There are numerous risk factors that increase an individual’s risk of developing periodontal disease, these include: smoking, diabetes, poor oral hygiene, genetics, and taking medications that cause dry mouth.
Prevention of periodontal disease is essential. Brushing and flossing daily plays a key role in the removal of bacteria that causes the gums to become infected and inflamed. Another essential element is to have routine visits with a dental professional.
A Day in the Life of a Dental Hygienist
No two days are the same when working as a dental hygienist, which is what makes this career choice fun and rewarding. A typical day begins with a quick review of the schedule of patients to be seen. This informs the dental hygienist of what procedures they may need to prepare for and what equipment may be needed throughout the day. After the review of the schedule, the dental hygienist will then review their patient’s dental records, making note of who will need x-rays, fluoride, the type of cleaning they will need, and this also allows for the dental hygienist to refresh themselves on any important health information that relates to the care that they will provide. Next, they will begin to prepare their rooms where they will care for their patients. This may include, assembling equipment such as the polishers, oral suction, headrest covers are placed on the dental chair, and assembling patient trays – this includes putting the various instruments that are used throughout a routine dental cleaning. Additional tasks that may be completed at the start of the day is ensuring that the cleaning and sterilization equipment is on and operational. Once a patient arrives, they are generally greeted in the waiting room and brought back to the dental room. Once the patient is in the room, they will verify their name and date of birth, they will be asked about any updates or changes to their overall health and if changes are noted, they can be updated in the patient’s dental records. After the patient is comfortable, the dental hygienist will begin working on the patient’s specific plan of care – this may include performing a routine cleaning, a deep cleaning, or assisting the dentist with other procedures as requested.
Attributions
- Figure 9.3: Dental Cleanings at Keaau Clinic by PANationalGuard is released under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
- Figure 9.4: image released under the Pexels License
- Figure 9.5: image by cottonbro studio is released under Pexel
- Figure 9.6: US Navy 101115-N-3705H-125 Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Jodie Stump performs a routine teeth cleaning on a patient in the dental department aboard t.jpg by United States Navy in the Public Domain
Refers to a list of work that the dentist has identified as necessary to maintain good dental health. The plan is created as a result of the various diagnostics that were performed as part of the patient evaluation or assessment.
Is a procedure that is used to remove plaque, calculus, and stains from the surfaces of the teeth.
A sticky, film that contains saliva, food, and bacteria that adheres to the tooth surface above and below the gum line. When this material is left on the tooth it can result in gum disease and decay.
Also known as Tartar. A hardened deposit on the teeth resulting from untreated dental plaque, often leading to oral health issues if not removed through professional cleaning.
Also known as Calculus. A hardened deposit on the teeth resulting from untreated dental plaque, often leading to oral health issues if not removed through professional cleaning.
