I count myself lucky to have the services of an excellent locally trained dental hygienist on my team at my dental practice in Encino. We all can communicate beautifully. During her day our hygienist provides professional teeth cleanings, patient education, gum care and diagnostic screenings that play such an important role in balanced health care.
TLC – Plain and Simple
I always choose a person that is personable, professional and gentle, so a visit to our office is low on the stress scale. Because we set aside a full hour for each cleaning appointment, you won’t feel rushed. We care about our patients as individuals and pride ourselves in long-term relationships with our clients. I am NOT interested in assembly-line dentistry. In fact, just the opposite.
The Health Link
Research shows a link between general health and oral health and the work of a hygienist is an integral part of preventive oral health services. With life expectancy so closely tied to a healthy lifestyle, we provide ongoing dental care that will help you keep your teeth your whole life when possible. If a problem crops up, we use the latest treatments and only the very best materials on the market.
I am happy to report that we have many patients well into their ‘90s, who have healthy teeth and gums. Dentures, bad breath and soft foods are not inevitable. Regular visits with a good hygienist-dentist team will ensure optimal oral health.
What Happens During Teeth Cleaning?
A teeth-cleaning session – prophylaxis – is more than just a cosmetic procedure. Yes, your teeth will shine from the polishing, but more importantly the hygienist will remove hardened tarter and softer plaque material that host bacteria which can lead to decay and gum inflammation. Irrigation and flossing will remove deeply imbedded particles that irritate gums and lead to infection, decay and bad breath. X-rays will tell what’s going on with decay and gum problems that I can’t see. They also help us keep track of your dental history.
Once the teeth are clean, my hygienist may apply fluoride, sealants or a dental antibiotics to prevent future dental problems. She also assists chairside during difficult cases and cosmetic restoration
More Hygienists Needed
Dental hygienists are sometimes the unsung heroes, but not in my office. She is among the ranks of a very honorable profession. In fact, employment of dental hygienists is expected to grow 36 percent through 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics – partly due to a growing and aging population, as well as a more health-conscious culture.
Training for Dental Hygiene
Qualifications include an interest in health care, have good interpersonal skills and enjoy working with your hands and have a motivational personality, then a dental hygiene career may be right for you. Typically, the training involves a minimum of two years of college education followed by two years of dental education that includes classroom and clinical coursework. Then comes the dreaded State Board of Dentistry exam.
Hygienists can work in a general dentistry practice, a hospital, a pediatric office, with a periodontal specialist, on a nursing home staff, or in a public health clinic or education program. About half of hygienists work part-time, which offers people flexibility in their schedules.
Anyone you know who is interested in a career in dental hygiene, I encourage you to look for a well known, highly ranked accredited program, so you will be exposed to the most up-to-date procedures and innovations. Regulations vary from state to state, California is known for having great schools like USC my school. Yes, I am biased.
Tip of the Day: If your dental hygienist does not use manual hand instruments to clean you may not be getting a complete job.
Best regards, AM
