While dentists frequently steal the spotlight, dental hygienists are the unsung heroes and heroines of the world of white molars. Dental hygienists work on their own, and frequently in collaboration with dentists, to ensure that your teeth stay the cleanest and healthiest they can be. If you’ve got a curiosity about how to become a dental hygienist, a sneak peek into a day in the life of a dental hygienist could turn that desire into a stint in dental hygienist school.
So What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?
The main concern of a dental hygienist is promoting dental hygiene by keeping teeth healthy and clean. What does a dental hygienist do on a daily basis? They can be responsible for a multitude of tasks in a dental practice – everything from teeth cleaning to administering anesthetic. The responsibilities of a dental hygienist can be broken down into five main categories.
Assessment
After the clinical assessment, the dental hygienist will meticulously document all findings, including any areas of concern, and may recommend further tests or diagnostics if necessary. While dental hygienists play a crucial role in identifying potential issues, the final diagnosis is typically made by the dentist.
The hygienist collaborates closely with the dentist, presenting all the collected data to help inform the dentist’s diagnosis. This crucial step is part of the dental hygiene day in the life routine that ensures every patient receives comprehensive care.
Diagnosis
After your clinical assessment, the dental hygienist will provide detailed documentation of all the assessment’s findings and order any necessary tests or diagnostics. The dental hygienist will then present the data to the dentist, who will make a formal diagnosis.
Planning
After a diagnosis of an oral or dental problem, the hygienist will then go about creating a treatment plan for the patient. This could be anything from simply telling them to increase their brushing and flossing to maintain good health of their teeth and gums, scheduling procedures for the implementation of filling, or even recommending oral surgery. This step highlights the importance of planning in a hygienist’s day.
Implementation
Once the dentist has confirmed the diagnosis and approved the treatment plan, the dental hygienist will begin implementing the plan through a series of non-invasive procedures. These may include regular teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, and, in some cases, administering local anesthetics, depending on provincial regulations. While dental hygienists perform many essential tasks, procedures like tooth extractions are solely within the dentist’s scope of practice.
Evaluation
Following the completion of the treatment plan, the dental hygienist will conduct an evaluation to assess its effectiveness. This evaluation helps determine whether the patient’s oral health has improved as expected.
Many people wonder ‘how stressful is a dental hygienist’s job”. While the role can be moderately stressful due to time constraints, patient anxieties, and the physical demands of the job, it is also highly rewarding. For those with strong organizational skills and a passion for patient care and oral health, the challenges are manageable and the job satisfaction is high.
While the hygienist may suggest follow-up visits or minor adjustments, any significant changes or extensions to the treatment plan must be approved by the dentist to ensure the best possible care. Experiencing a day in the life of a dental hygienist firsthand can offer insight into this fulfilling career.
Are you ready to become a Dental Hygienist?
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FAQs
What does a dental hygienist do on a daily basis?
They can be responsible for a multitude of tasks in a dental practice – everything from teeth cleaning to administering anesthetic
How stressful is a dental hygienist’s job?
While the role can be moderately stressful due to time constraints, patient anxieties, and the physical demands of the job, it is also highly rewarding. For those with strong organizational skills and a passion for patient care and oral health, the challenges are manageable and the job satisfaction is high..
