Dental Hygienist Research Paper

Submitted By GregC5471
Words: 761
Pages: 4

Dental Hygiene: Career Highlights Introduction “Dental hygienists are licensed oral health professionals who focus on preventing and treating oral diseases both to protect teeth and gums, and also to protect patient’s total health” (ADHA “1” www.adha.org). Hygienist is in demand in general dental practices and in specialty practices such as periodontics or pediatric dentistry. Depending on the level of education and experience achieved. Dental hygienists can apply their skills and knowledge to other careers such as teaching hygiene students in dental schools and dental hygiene education programs. Essentially, the job of a dental hygienist boils down to one important task: cleaning teeth.
Education/Skill Requirements “To work as a dental hygienist one must graduate from an accredited dental hygiene school with an Associate degree (most common), a certificate, a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree” (Dawn Rosenberg McKay “1” careerplanning.about.com). However, the RDH credential identifies a dental hygienist as a licensed oral health professional. However, the “RDH” means Registered Dental Hygienist. Hygienists work well with others and also should have good dexterity. A steady hand and a degree make a dental hygienist.

Working Conditions/ Duties When looking at the aspects of work conditions environment, personal traits, and physical challenges are the primary focuses. First, the environment as hygienists, the person will work in an area that is clean and well-lit (Nicole Whitney”1” www.ehow.com). Therefore, the environment will probably feature a well-decorated, attractive office, designed to make patients feel comfortable and relaxed when they enter. “For pediatric dental offices the surrounding will be design a creative and positive outlook, inviting environment for children” (Nicole Whitney”1” www.ehow.com). Secondly, the personal traits will influence the work conditions a dental hygienist encounters on a daily basis (Nicole Whitney “1” www.ehow.com). Therefore, maintaining a good relationship with the dentist, front office staff and medical assistant, it will avoid creating tense working conditions. (Nicole Whitney “1” www.ehow.com). Patients will always expect to see a friendly face, which helps the hygienist keep calm and get things done faster. Thirdly, the physical challenges dental hygienists bend and twist their bodies while operating and reaching for equipment in a small work space (Nicole Whitney”2” www.ehow.com).” Good dexterity will allow the hygienist to spend much time peering into patients’ mouths, inspecting and cleaning teeth and gums “(Nicole Whitney “2” www.ehow.com). Environment, personal traits, and physical challenges push a hygienist to be great.

Day to Day The day to day works of a dental hygienist is rigorous. Some day’s hygienist has appointments rushed, and some spaced out. Dental hygienist advantages are meeting new people and having filthy mouths. (Smith, Kelly 2012, November 19 [Personal Interview]). The disadvantage of the job is that it repeats itself. Hygienist today recommends Colgate Total for gum