Career in Dental Hygiene

Introduction: Why Dental Hygiene?

So, here's the thing. When I was a kid, I had this bad experience with tooth pain. All those sugary snacks were fun until they weren't. The discomfort stuck with me and kind of pushed me towards dental hygiene as a career. I thought, "Hey, why not help others avoid what I went through?" It’s about improving oral health and giving people the care they need.

The Skills Needed in This Field

You know what's important in dental hygiene? Some key skills and qualities. I'm talking about being open-minded, detail-oriented, and compassionate. Oh, and you gotta be committed too! Stressful situations? No problem. Staying calm helps me provide the best care possible for patients. Oral hygiene is crucial because let's face it—the mouth is super sensitive and needs precision.

The Growing Need for Dental Care

Lately, there's been a big uptick in demand for dental care and prevention methods. Dentists are swamped! That’s where dental hygienists come in—we're essential in preventing issues and helping treat existing ones. What do we do exactly? Things like cleaning teeth, polishing them up, sealing them to fend off cavities, and teaching folks how to better their oral health.

Beyond Basic Duties: The Role of a Hygienist

But wait—there's more! We also handle X-rays and support dentists during trickier procedures. While dentists focus on technical stuff, we're making sure patients get that crucial preventive care to keep their mouths healthy.

Aiming High: My Future Goals

Once I snag my first accreditation as a dental hygienist, I wanna make sure I represent society well and keep growing in this field. I've got my sights set on more studies—like going for a master's degree—and working at public places like dental schools or research centers. Someday I'd love to be a hygiene coordinator at a clinic, keeping everything running smoothly.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead

Choosing what career path to take isn’t always easy—believe me, I know! But thanks to my own experiences and passion for oral health, I'm diving into dental hygiene. With the right skills and determination, I'm sure I can leave a positive mark on the field while providing top-notch care to patients. By learning more and stepping up my game, I hope to push forward the boundaries of dental hygiene and really make a difference.

References

• Burt, B.A., & Eklund, S.A. (1999). Dentistry, Dental Practice, and the Community (5th ed.). W.B. Saunders Company.
• Darby M.L., & Walsh M.M., (2014). Dental Hygiene Theory And Practice (4th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.
• Wilkins E.M., Wyche C.J., & Boyd L.D., (2020). Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist (13th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Nield-Gehrig J.S., & Willmann D.E., (2007). Fundamentals of Periodontal Instrumentation & Advanced Root Instrumentation (6th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
• Patterson A.H., 'The Importance of Preventive Care'. Journal of Dental Education.
• Smith R.G., 'Dental Public Health – An Overview'. American Journal of Public Health.