Dental Hygienists. 47 Dental Hygienists

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1 SOC : Clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease. May educate patients on oral hygiene, take and develop X-rays, or apply fluoride or sealants. Introduction Dental hygienists are part of the dental care team comprised of dentists, dental assistants, and dental technicians who work together to prevent and control tooth decay and gum disease. Dental hygienists assess patients dental health needs, identify strategies, and implement dental hygiene care. They examine patients mouths to identify diseases or problems with the teeth and gums and provide education on health promotion and dental disease prevention. Nature of the Work Dental hygienists assume primary responsibility for patients oral health. They use hand and rotary instruments to remove calculus, plaque, and stains from patients teeth and beneath the gums, and use ultrasonics to polish teeth. Hygienists apply fluoride treatments and sealants to prevent cavities and dental decay and also take and develop dental X-rays. In addition, they feel lymph nodes beneath the chin to detect the presence of oral cancer. Some dental hygienists prepare clinical diagnostic tests for interpretation by dentists, and some with increased responsibility may administer anesthesia for patient pain control when necessary. Dental hygienists see approximately nine or ten patients per day, depending upon the length of time they see each patient, which typically ranges from 45 minutes to one hour. Patients may include children, the elderly, and those with physical or learning disabilities. Older adults often have significant oral health challenges such as decay and gum recession, due to illness and dexterity challenges that impair their ability to thoroughly clean their own teeth. In these situations, dental hygienists help patients with adaptive aids and hygiene techniques, such as longer toothbrush handles, electric toothbrushes, and flossing devices. Hygienists must clean up after each patient, making sure that the room is sanitary and ready for the next patient. In order to protect themselves and their patients from blood-borne pathogens or contagious disease, dental hygienists wear safety goggles, surgical gowns, latex gloves, and smocks. When using radiological equipment to administer dental X-rays, dental hygienists adhere to strict protocols and procedures in order to protect patients and themselves from undue exposure. Dental hygienists gather patient data and chart medical and dental histories for the dentist and recommend and schedule return patient visits. It is highly common for dentists to have more than one dental hygienist working two to three days in their office, as opposed to having full-time hygienists. As a result, most dental hygienists work at more than one dentist s office, and sometimes work per diem shifts during the week, on the weekend, and sometimes during evening hours. More than 50 percent of all dental hygienists in the U.S. work fewer than 35 hours per week. Nearly all dental hygienists work in dentists offices. Facilities are well lighted and examination rooms are clean and highly organized, equipped with dental equipment and tools. Hygienists are also needed in some hospitals, clinics, and convalescent homes where patients are not ambulatory. Dental hygienists may also be employed as faculty of colleges and universities, where they may also do research in the field. Job Requirements Skills/Characteristics Many of the characteristics that dental hygienists should possess tend to be inherent qualities, such as the desire to help people and care about patients. It is crucial to have strong interpersonal skills, as communication with patients is of utmost importance. Because many dental patients are apprehensive or fearful of dental appointments, dental hygienists should be sympathetic and have a great deal of patience. Dental hygienists should have a calm and professional 47

2 Knowledge, Skills & Abilities demeanor and be able to establish trust and rapport with their patients. Having tact and acting with decorum is very important, as dental It is very important that dental hygienists are not judgmental of their patients and that they are comfortable working with disabled patients and those from different cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds. Dental hygienists must exercise good judgment and demonstrate critical-thinking and decision-making skills. They must keep abreast of new developments in dental hygiene so as to provide the highest quality care to patients. It is critical that dental hygienists pay attention to detail and follow instructions and protocol exactly. Important physical attributes include good or correctable vision, sensory motor ability, manual dexterity, and a steady hand. It is important for dental hygienists to be team players in their dental offices, even though they work independently throughout much of the day. Being receptive to constructive criticism from colleagues and patients is crucial, as is maintaining self-control in stressful situations. Punctuality and respect for patients and colleagues are paramount, as are ethics and observation of patient confidentiality. Training/Experience In order to become a dental hygienist, one must complete an associate of science degree in dental hygiene. Dental hygiene programs are typically offered at community colleges or career colleges, but are sometimes offered at universities. Full-time program schedules may require students to be at school five days per week for up to nine hours each day, and are approximately two years in length, including summer sessions. Dental hygiene programs are demanding and intensive, and many tests are given throughout the training to measure students progress and prepare them for the licensure examinations. Along with prerequisites that include biology, chemistry, and medical terminology, some institutions require that applicants complete an introductory dental hygiene course so they are certain they would like to pursue training for the profession. Training programs are often impacted, with significantly more applicants than available spaces. In order to be eligible for some training programs, students must complete a physical examination, have Hepatitis B vaccinations, and be CPR-certified. Curriculum may include courses in basic sciences, oral anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, clinical dental hygiene, periodontics, pathology, public health, nutrition, dental radiography, clini- 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Knowledge Medicine and dentistry Customer and personal services Biology Education and training English language Psychology Skills Active listening Speaking Reading comprehension Active listening Time management Critical thinking Abilities Finger dexterity Near vision Manual dexterity Arm-hand steadiness Problem solving Control precision Top Employing Industries (California) 48

3 cal practice, ergonomics, ethics, and dental office practice. Students must be able to remember large amounts of detail and retain the knowledge received in class. Clinical experience is gained in school, as opposed to in dentists offices. Employment Recruitment/Hiring The outlook for openings in dental hygiene is projected to be strong. An increased emphasis on public health and preventive dental care, along with the trend of greater retention of natural teeth, will result in new jobs. As with many healthcare occupations, many current dental hygienists will retire in the next decade, while the aging population will require an increased need for dental care. It is increasingly important for dental hygienists to be able to work with different cultures, and knowledge of local languages is highly desirable. Job announcements are posted in newspapers, on the internet, with local dental hygiene training providers, through employment agencies for medical and dental personnel, and with dental hygiene professional associations. Licensure/Certification Dental hygienists in California must be licensed in order to practice. Once an associate of science degree in dental hygiene is obtained from an institution accredited by the American Dental Association, candidates are qualified to take the Dental Hygiene National Board Examination and California State Licensing Exam. Dental hygienists must renew their license every two years, and must complete 25 hours of continuing education. Dental hygienists must renew their CPR certification every two years. Many dental hygienists carry their own malpractice insurance, in case a legal dispute with a patient arises. Benefits & Challenges The dental hygienists interviewed for this study expressed how much they enjoy working with patients who become like friends over time. Dental hygienists also enjoy helping people correct their dental health and establish good hygiene habits. Dental care is an area in which dental hygienists can do healthcare work with patients who are well as opposed to ill. Dental hygienists sit down for much of their day, bending over patients, which can be hard on the back, neck, and shoulders. Some dental hygienists interviewed have regular professional massages and all advise stretching exercises for strength and relief of muscle soreness. There can be a tendency for repetitive motion problems in the hands and wrists. Ergonomics is a crucial part of dental hygiene training programs, to prevent injury and fatigue. The work is generally described as physically tiring, requiring stamina. Other risks include exposure to infectious disease and a potential for radiation overdose. However, dental hygienists are trained in strict protocol to eliminate exposure to disease and radiation. Regular safety inspections are done to maximize health protection for dental hygienists, patients and other dental office staff. In the interviews for this study, dental hygienists noted that flexibility is one of the key benefits of this occupation. For the most part, dental hygienists can select which days they work and can often arrange their schedules creatively. However, while flexible schedules might be convenient, there are rarely benefits packages given to part-time dental hygienists. There is a trend for dentists to employ more than one dental hygienist part-time, preventing the need for full-time benefits packages, particularly with the prohibitive costs of running a dental practice. Wages for dental hygienists tend to be substantial, however, which makes it possible for most to work without the benefit of paid time off, medical insurance, or retirement packages. Many part-time dental hygienists do, however, receive dental coverage. Dental hygienists who do work full-time in one dental office usually have fair benefits packages, including paid vacation. Recently graduated dental hygienists are strongly encouraged to perform in-depth interviews with potential dental employers to ensure that their style is well suited to the office and to make sure they understand what is expected of the hygienist. It is also vital to ask potential employers their dentistry philosophies. Unfortunately, there can sometimes be a difference of values in the workplace that can become uncomfortable, such as standards of patient care, time allotted for patients, and who is responsible for purchasing 49

4 dental instruments for hygiene care. A few dentists ask their dental hygienists to market services for patients, such as whitening treatments and crowns in the hope that patients might elect to purchase these non-corrective procedures. Having a frank discussion with a potential employer is the best way to determine if values are shared and the working relationship will be successful. Education Distribution Dental hygienists recommend that those interested in this career gain some experience in the field to make sure it will be of sustained interest. Some training providers offer dental hygiene aptitude tests that are great indicators of one s potential for success in the field. Career Ladders & Lattices With experience, some dental hygienists may become involved in periodontal therapies. Others who have additional education and experience may specialize in orthodontia. Some dental hygienists become instructors for dental hygiene education and training programs, though teaching salaries are notably lower. Very few dental hygienists pursue further training to become dentists because they are satisfied with their work. Also, due to the substantial overhead and responsibility of owning and managing a dental practice, dental hygienists wages are often very close to, and sometimes exceed, those of dentists. $60 $50 $40 Occupational Wages $30 $20 $10 $0 $60 $50 $40 $30 $20 $10 $0 50

5 Hospi Fabionar Dental Hygienist 1. Please tell us about your current position and how you arrived there. Ever since the fourth grade I had wanted to be a dentist. As an adult, I worked at a hospital and thought that I wanted to be a nurse, but it was too stressful. Because I wanted to stay in the healthcare industry, I became a dental hygienist. Working as a hygienist is much better and the stress level is very low. I have worked at my present job for eight years. 2. Please describe your typical workday so that a job seeker might get a sense of what you actually do. In our office, we have control over our own schedules. I see about eight or nine patients per day, at about 45 minutes to one hour per patient. Over time, we know what kind of care our patients need, so we schedule the appropriate amount of time for each patient based on their dental health. I work from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and have a one-hour lunch. If there is time between patients, I can take a short break. Throughout the day, I clean patients teeth, take radiographs (X-rays), and clean and prepare the room between patients. 3. Which aspects of your education and/or training made you more capable or marketable in this field? I went to Fresno City College and got an AS degree in dental hygiene. Also, I worked in a hospital as a phlebotomist, which helped a lot with needle care and talking to patients. Patients are often scared of needles, so I learned how to calm and talk to them, which is good, particularly for those who are scared to come see the dentist. 4. What are the most exciting aspects of your job? What do you like most about your job? I really like working with patients and becoming like a part of their family. Visits are not just for a cleaning anymore, but are more like a visit; they talk about what s happening in their lives and I get to care for multiple family members, including kids. I have control over much of their care. It s also really nice that the doctor listens to my diagnosis of a patient before they do their exam. Our office is really great; everyone is very friendly and there is a lot of mutual respect. 5. What do you dislike or find challenging about your job? I was the first male hygienist in this particular practice. It was pretty hard at first, because patients were used to having female hygienists and were reluctant to have their teeth cleaned by me. The dentist really helped me and suggested that patients see me for dental care. Also, I cleaned the teeth of the other dental hygienists in the office and they told patients that I am sensitive and have gentle hands. After eight years in this office, I have developed quite a patient practice, mostly by word of mouth. The work is mental-physical. It requires strength and endurance, especially because I m bending over a lot, which impacts my back, neck and shoulders. Stretching and exercising is really important. 6. What advice would you give to a person seeking a job in your field? When I was growing up in the Philippines, there weren t any dental hygienists dentists did hygiene so when I began training to become a dental hygienist, I was unsure as to what this occupation would ultimately look like. The dentist I work for helped me out and mentored me by explaining what he expected from me. Dental hygiene school will prepare candidates well for the work. School is hard, so try to grasp a lot. 51

6 You need to read and stay focused all the time, because you will have to apply what you learn every day. People who are interested in this career should really watch dental hygienists do their job and get exposed to the field. 7. What qualities make someone a star performer in this occupation? A great dental hygienist is flexible, a good communicator, very sensitive, and able to listen well to patients. That s the key: you have to listen to your patients because you are educating them and you want them to respect your advice. 52

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