The Importance Of Dental Hygienist

An apple a day will not keep the dental hygienist away. Dental hygiene is one of the most important fields of human health and it requires a very persistent and understanding professional to do the job. The mouth is an impervious part of the human anatomy and much of what dental hygienists do is try to prevent poor dental health, which is the reason most people see the dentist 2-3 times a year. Before you meet with the dentist you see a dental hygienist. Overall, most people think he/she cleans and polishes your teeth so it is easier for the dentist to check for cavities and then patients receive tiny toothpaste and the dental hygienist tells the patient to floss. They do much, much more than their patients actually realize. Most of the preventive …show more content…
If the hygienist does not succeed in educating their patients on the state of their teeth, the patients can end up suffering from a magnitude of dental problems. Cavities, one of the more understood outcomes of poor dental health, can be solved with fillings and other forms of care that require the hygienist to inform the dentist so they can perform the operation. Gingivitis, or gum disease, is much more serious, even if it does not require any surgery initially. According to Mrs. June, this again requires the hygienist to inform their dentist they are working with so the dentist is brought up of the state of the patient’s health and, if necessary, the secretary so they can schedule any additional appointments, as the patient may need to have a follow-up. The hygienist also needs to reinforce the necessary actions the patient needs to take to fix the problem. Whether that is flossing or a special toothpaste or mouthwash is up to the hygienist. Again, reminders may need to be sent home, especially for younger patients or older ones that are forgetful. Educating the patient on what might the outcomes be may encourage them to be more cautious with their teeth, which is exactly what a dental hygienist wants and what the patient should want to.
Being a dental hygienist can be a very tasking job, one that requires hard …show more content…
Normal aches and pains can be common for all sorts of careers, but, [w]ork-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are common in practicing dental hygienists, as well as dental hygiene students” (Humann). MSD can cause problems such as, “burning, tingling, numbness, swelling, limited motion or pain in the back, neck, shoulder, arm, hand, and wrist”. The afflicted areas are places the hygienist needs to use daily to help their patients. If they do not address the issue quickly the outcomes could mean not being able to work for long amounts of time. It is best to receive massages and go to a chiropractor during the time you are working to ensure your aches and pains do not result in anything