15
Getting To Know The Dental Hygienist
Posted by | Posted in Dental Health | Posted on 15-07-2010
You may be wondering what the difference is between a dentist and a dental hygienist. Well, let’s just say that a dental hygienist is one step below a dentist in the general hierarchy of dentistry. Consequently, their salaries are also different although the work environment and the services performed often overlap, with that of a dental hygienist obviously more limited than those undertaken by a professional dentist.
Services Performed
Dental hygienists perform many services for their patients that are as equally important to those done by dentists. These services include the removal of hard and soft deposits from the teeth and educating patients on good oral hygiene. Often under the direction of a dentist, a dental hygienist will also perform examinations on teeth and gums to detect of diseases and disorders.
Tools Used
Just like a dentist, the dental hygienist also uses the tools of the trade. Take note that the tools used will vary depending on the type of services he or she is allowed to perform on patients, which will also vary from one state to the next. For example, some states allow a dental hygienist to administer local anesthetics, carve filling materials and periodontal dressings and polish metal restorations, which other states may consider as beyond the scope of this work. In this case, only a dentist is permitted to do the job.
For most dental hygienists, however, the tools of the trade include hand and rotary instruments, ultrasonic devices, x-ray machines and other tools necessary to perform the task at hand. Going back to the work performed by dental hygienists, they will also clean and polish teeth, perform root planning and apply cavity preventive agents.
It must also be noted that the dental hygienist may work alongside the dentist. As such, both professionals often have similar proficiency in handling the tools of dentistry except for the surgical instruments.
Work Environment
Since a dental hygienist must work in hygienic conditions, you can expect his clinic to be clean, well-lit and well-equipped with protective devices. While you are sitting in the dentist’s chair, your dental hygienist will wear safety glasses, gloves and a surgical mask.
The best thing about becoming a dental hygienist is that you can opt for flexible working hours. Or rather, it is a must that you should be able work on weekends and evenings as well as on a part-time or full-time basis in one or two dental offices.
A dental hygienist also follows a five-step dental care plan – patient assessment, dental hygiene diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation.
A dental hygienist performs many valuable services for our dental health.
Watch the video related to dental hygienist
Career Search Careers in Dentistry Dental Hygienist Dental hygienists remove soft and hard deposits from teeth, teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene, and provide other preventive dental care. They examine patients teeth and gums, recording the presence of diseases or abnormalities. Dental hygienists use an assortment of different tools to complete their tasks. Hand and rotary instruments and ultrasonic devices are used to clean and polish teeth, including removing calculus, stains, and plaque. Hygienists use x-ray machines to take dental pictures, and sometimes develop the film. They may use models of teeth to explain oral hygiene, perform root planning as a periodontal therapy, or apply cavity-preventative agents such as fluorides and pit and fissure sealants. In some States, hygienists are allowed to administer anesthetics, while in others they administer local anesthetics using syringes. Some States also allow hygienists to place and carve filling materials, temporary fillings, and periodontal dressings; remove sutures; and smooth and polish metal restorations.Work environment. Dental hygienists work in clean, well-lighted offices. Important health safeguards include strict adherence to proper radiological procedures and the use of appropriate protective devices when administering anesthetic gas. Dental hygienists also wear safety glasses, surgical masks, and gloves to protect themselves and patients from infectious diseases. Flexible scheduling is a <b>…</b>
Help answer the question about dental hygienist
How would I get a bachelors degree to become a dental hygienist?I have to start at a community college, but the one in my town only has dental assistant classes. Are those the same classes for dental hygienists? Well i'm planning on moving in two years to chicago so I will continue my education there. Basically what classes do I take if I want a Bachelors degree to become a dental hygienist.
You would need to check with your local community college. Since dental hygienists learn career specific information, more than likely you will need to attend a local hygienist program through school. Provided you have everything finished when you apply- your looking at 2-3 years depending on the school for part-time work in this area.
I am looking at this career option as well. I already have my degree in Business Admin and Accounting. I have taken all of the prerequisite science classes and will be applying in the spring. I will have to go back only for the Dental Hygiene specific courses- everything else is done. This will be 2 years, but I will only have to go part-time. You would probably need to same.
Not to mention that you will have clinicals that you will have to complete. No test will allow you to practice until after you have gone through the dental hygiene program. You would be wise to check with your state licensing board since this would put you in contact with patients.
Good Luck.
The key is to make sure the college/university is accredited. I have three basic recommendations for everyone looking into online/distance education. They all have to do with exploring; after all, you have to defend your assets.
1. Make certain that you have triple checked their accreditation. First, they tell you what it is, then you go to that accrediting body’s website (not through the link provided by the school), and thirdly you would visit the department of education to see what they have to say. Do your diligent research into the institutions once you have narrowed down to a couple. You can look at the Better Business Bureau for more information on the college.
2. You must have extreme self motivation and be able to teach yourself per say. This means that you will not have someone telling you verbally, so it is up to you to get the information from the course room, text, and other resources. The best way to look at it is like a guided independent study course.
3. Review your goals, personal and professional. Make sure that the school that you are going to offers the programs that match your goals. Do not settle. There are many programs that are similar, but you have to make the ultimate decision. Do not let it be based on finances and length of program, but the fact that when you are finished or near finished you will be able to assume your proper place in the career field sought.
You should market yourself and not the degree or university. There are many traditional universities offering degrees that can be earned through online methods. Distance Learning Alliance has a list of these traditional online schools. Look at that if you are truly concerned with the name of the school. Good luck on your search!
Ha! Dental Hygienists dont look for cavities! Worst yet, not one mention of periodontal disease,gum health, or CALCULUS (not “plaque”)removal…um, scalers?! “Mr. Thirsty” and , I dont want to work that many hours. Lord you make us look bad. The field of DH is long, strenuous, demanding hours. Any lovelies out there wanting to have the letters RDH attached to your name, please DONT take this vid seriously!! Love my job..but its a bitch sometimes..and for GODS SAKE we do not diagnose disease!
haha cool. my boyfriends mom is a dental hygienist
No….not possible.
Anatomy and physiology 1 and 2, chemistry with a lab, biology, microbiology, nutrition, algebra or higher math (if you havent taken it within 5 years in HS or college), intro to psychology and intro to sociology.
All those classes are requirements of the dental hygiene program. I suggest you read the requirements online on the college's website.
The key is to make sure the college/university is accredited. I have three basic recommendations for everyone looking into online/distance education. They all have to do with exploring; after all, you have to defend your assets.
1. Make certain that you have triple checked their accreditation. First, they tell you what it is, then you go to that accrediting body’s website (not through the link provided by the school), and thirdly you would visit the department of education to see what they have to say. Do your diligent research into the institutions once you have narrowed down to a couple. You can look at the Better Business Bureau for more information on the college.
2. You must have extreme self motivation and be able to teach yourself per say. This means that you will not have someone telling you verbally, so it is up to you to get the information from the course room, text, and other resources. The best way to look at it is like a guided independent study course.
3. Review your goals, personal and professional. Make sure that the school that you are going to offers the programs that match your goals. Do not settle. There are many programs that are similar, but you have to make the ultimate decision. Do not let it be based on finances and length of program, but the fact that when you are finished or near finished you will be able to assume your proper place in the career field sought.
You should market yourself and not the degree or university. There are many traditional universities offering degrees that can be earned through online methods. Distance Learning Alliance has a list of these traditional online schools. Look at that if you are truly concerned with the name of the school. Good luck on your search!
Where I live, you can go to a tech school and it is a 2 year associate degree.
It depends. Dentists need to have steady hands and have patience. A slip with an instrument could be distrous. Hygienists are more about education and cleaning teeth. There is less responsibility and the work is more laid back.
They typically make $50 an hour and see 1 patient per hour.