The second week of April is Dental Hygienist Week, which means dentists all over the country are celebrating the hard work, commitment, and kindness these professionals bring to the office every day. As a patient, you experience firsthand what kind of care they provide, which is why this article shares four clear reasons to appreciate your hygienist.
Reason #1: They Never Stop Learning.
To become a dental hygienist, a person must complete dental hygiene school, which includes a combination of in-class instruction and hands-on training. Taking their knowledge, they must pass both a clinical and written board exam to become licensed to practice. The stipulations vary depending on each state, so licensure must be acquired if they move.
They must also continue to take additional courses each year to stay up to date on the latest changes and techniques in the field. This allows them to provide the best care and service to patients at all times.
Reason #2: They Enjoy Educating Patients.
Knowing more about your oral health is important if you want to maintain it for a lifetime. Although your dentist will provide additional information about your upcoming treatment, your dental hygienist can share valuable insight about how to take proper care of your mouth while at home.
Not only are they knowledgeable on the topic of prevention, but they can also share how your mouth and body work together. This can give you a more well-rounded view of how you should monitor your diet, lifestyle habits, and oral health to achieve better overall wellness.
Reason #3: They Help Your Smile Shine.
In most cases, it’s not the dentist who is completing your dental cleaning. Instead, it is your dental hygienist. Their educational and professional experience ensures they are capable of clearing away plaque and tartar from your teeth and around your gumline. They are also the ones giving your pearly whites the polishing they need so that stains do not hinder your appearance.
But their abilities don’t stop there. They’re also the ones administering fluoride treatment and applying dental sealants should you need them for added protection.
Reason #4: They Ensure Accuracy with Clear Views of Your Smile.
Part of delivering accurate and comfortable dentistry is making sure the dentist has a clear and complete view of your smile. When it comes to dental X-rays, it’s imperative that the hygienist know which angles and how to properly (and safely) capture these scans. Doing so ensures proper diagnoses are provided and treatment is delivered to improve the health and aesthetics of your smile.
It is true that the unsung heroes of the dental office are hygienists. While it’s important to recognize and celebrate the care and attention provided by your dentist and other members of the team, make sure your dental hygienist knows how much you appreciate them during your next appointment.
About the Practice
At Distinctive Dentistry, we are fortunate to have four dental hygienists on our team, all of whom work hard and exhibit nothing but a kind and caring demeanor when working with patients. Whether they’re performing a dental cleaning, educating an individual on how to take proper care of their teeth at home, or taking dental X-rays, their efforts do not go unrecognized. If you would like to learn more about our team, contact us at (770) 445-6606.
