This past Wednesday, March 24, our Fundamentals in Biomedical Science Class was visited by a Dental Hygienist from Parker Dental. A dental hygienist cleans teeth, examine patients for signs of oral disease, plan treatments, provide preventive care from oral disease, and take x-rays of the teeth. Some Dental Hygienists can even get certifications to be able to numb patients for more advanced care. They are level two providers, so they can see their own patients as long as a doctor is present in the building for assistance if needed.
She talked to us about her decisions and path she took to lead to her becoming a dental hygienist. She originally wanted to pursue nursing, but she quickly realized that path was not for her. After three years of schooling, she was able to get a certification for Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting from the Alabama Dental Hygiene Program (ADHP). She wanted to purse the Dental field because of the freedom that comes with the job. She has freedom to dictate her own schedule and her hours are not restrictive for a personal life. She works 8-5, 4 days a week and makes an excellent living.
Patient relationships are essential in this field. If patients feel uncomfortable at the Dentist, it will prevent them from coming as often as they should or even at all, which is extremely detrimental to ones health. Hygienists also have the job of treatment planning. If they can communicate with patients early on how to address issues with their month, then patients are much more likely to eliminate these issues.
I greatly enjoyed her visit because it taught me about a field I have always seen but never really have known much about!.
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