Are you interested in becoming a successful dental hygienist? If so, you'll need to obtain the necessary education and develop the right skills. With the right training and dedication, you can become an expert in the field of dental hygiene. The first step is to obtain the necessary dental hygiene education. Most dental hygienists earn an associate degree in dental hygiene or a bachelor's degree.
You can also get a master's degree after earning a bachelor's degree, but it's rare. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), research, teaching, or clinical practice careers in school health programs may require a bachelor's or master's degree. Regardless of level, you'll need a dental hygiene degree to pursue these careers. Perhaps the most essential skill that dental hygienists should possess is communication. Dental hygienists should communicate with patients on a daily basis, talk about their dental routines, medical histories, and teach them about proper oral care.
Dental hygienists should also explain to patients the procedures and treatments being performed. In addition to patient communication, dental hygienists should also talk to professional colleagues. For example, they often contact dentists about any problems or abnormalities with the patient's oral health. According to communication skills, dental hygienists should also know how to collaborate with other members of the dental care team. Every day, they will work with dentists, dental assistants, office managers and other dental hygienists.
They often collaborate on patients' cases to analyze symptoms or find the best methods of treatment. They will also collaborate with other hygienists and work together to manage patient appointments and schedules. The dental hygienist's skills are a combination of technical skills and interpersonal skills (or “soft skills”) that help them to excel in their role. Technical skills include knowing how to work with dental equipment, cleaning teeth and performing certain procedures, as well as having knowledge about dental health conditions. The social skills required of dental hygienists include communication, compassion and collaboration, among many others, that help these professionals provide excellent service and care. Do you think you have what it takes to become an expert dental hygienist? Are you excited to learn and train with experienced dental hygienists? If so, learn more about Goodwin University's flexible dental hygiene program here.
You can also call 800-889-3282 for more information. Dental hygienists also work closely with dentists to share information about patients and determine what instructions to give them. They work closely with licensed dentists, cleaning patients' teeth and looking for signs of dental problems. At Goodwin University, students practice in a state-of-the-art dental laboratory and use real industry equipment to hone their skills. Dental hygienists should also be able to hear the sounds of the stethoscope when measuring blood pressure and the sounds of dental equipment. As a hygienist, you will play a fundamental role in the dental office and in the oral health of each patient by performing routine care, analyzing preventive measures and detecting dental diseases.
At SJVC, it can take about 16 months to complete the dental hygiene program and earn an associate's degree in science. Dental hygiene provides a unique opportunity to positively impact the oral health of every person who comes to the dentist's office. The growing understanding and respect for oral health has increased the need for dental hygienists. While some general dental offices work with patients of all ages, there are pediatric clinics that only work with children. To perform these tasks, they use several types of equipment, including hand, electrical and ultrasonic tools. When selecting a dental hygienist school, it's important to find a program that is properly accredited, that employs quality instructors, and that offers a practical curriculum and informative classes.
At the end of the day, they must also have organizational skills to keep up with their workloads and schedules. A dental assistant helps the dentist during cleanings and fillings by holding tools such as mirrors and suction tubes. Paying attention to even the smallest details inside a patient's mouth can differentiate a good dental hygienist from a great one. As an RDH (Registered Dental Hygienist), you will evaluate a person's oral health, perform preventive and therapeutic dental cleanings, and place antimicrobial agents, sealants and temporary therapeutic restorations.
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