‘Selfies’ have taken the world by storm over the past several years. Nowadays, with almost everyone having access to a smart phone with a camera, ita��s rare a day goes by without an opportunity for a quick snapshot. Selfies have been said to have psychological benefits such as raising one’s self esteem. However, researchers have recently published a study in the Indian Journal of Dental Research revealing a new benefit that is exciting the dental community: selfies might improve tooth brushing technique.
Interested in pursuing a career in dental hygiene? Read on to discover how selfies might be able to improve the dental health of your future clients.
What Students at Dental Hygienist School Need to Know About the a�?Selfiea�? Study
During the study, participants filmed themselves with their smart phones attached to a stand each time they brushed their teeth. It was found that even though participants did not typically brush for any longer than they normally would, their brushing technique improved by 8 per cent. Being aware of the observation of others helped improve their brushing. Some of the skills the participants improved were their arm positioning, motion, and the angle they held their toothbrush at.
Students enrolled in a dental hygiene accredited diploma program will know proper tooth brushing entails creating a 45-degree angle while brushing the facial surfaces of teeth. Students participating in dental hygienist programs also take classes in dental anatomy, communication techniques, and clinical practice in order to be prepared to educate their clients on how to properly brush their teeth.
Students at Dental Hygienist School Know Good Brushing Technique Leads to Healthier Teeth
Once you finish your dental hygiene diploma program you will be ready to share with others how they can improve their tooth brushing habits. More studies do need to be conducted about the correlation between selfie videos and tooth brushing technique improvement, with the study stating it needs a larger sample size to truly determine how they can help clients in the future.
However, clients recording videos of themselves brushing and then bringing those videos in to be observed by their dentist could help correct bad habits formed over the years. Senior instructor at Case Western Reserve University recently spoke on the topic, saying “Changing tooth brushing behaviorsa��which are ingrained habits tied to muscle memorya��can take a lot of time and guidance.”
As a dental hygienist you will play an integral role in facilitating proper oral health for your clients. You will be able to share with them that proper tooth brushing is critical in preventing tooth decay and cavities. While more research is still needed to determine just how beneficial selfies can be in promoting oral health, perhaps this unconventional approach might one day help your clients improve their brushing technique!
Are you thinking of furthering your career and attending dental hygienist school?
Contact an advisor at CADH today to find out more about our diploma programs!
