Client Care As an hygienist, you treat adults and children by performing oral cleanings, that include scaling and teeth polishing as well as removing plaque, stains and tartar build-up. You will be responsible for taking x-rays of teeth and gums and developing these. As part of the treatment, you will apply preventive care like fissure sealants and fluoride as well as preparing local anaesthetic.
Client Education You will teach clients about proper oral care including brushing and flossing. You will further be advising the importance of diet and lifestyle choices that affect their dental health and highlight the benefit and importance of regular dental check-ups.
Clinical Duties You will perform preliminary assessments and charting conditions of decays and oral diseases. You will assist the dentist team during procedures and surgeries and ensure all equipment and instruments are sterilized and disinfected.
Administrative Tasks The hygienist will update clients' care and dental records as well as managing clients' appointments and recalls. Handling inquiries and billing processes is additionally part of the administrative tasks performed.
Collaboration You will work closely with all the employees in a dental practice including dentists, dental nurses and other professionals to ensure the best care is provided for the client. You will effectively communicate with clients to support their concerns and explaining treatment plans.
I always wanted a career where I help people. Working as a hygienist allows me to do that many times over. The field of dentistry has changed so much over the past 30 years, and we know so much more than we used to about the mouth/body connection. Not only do we help people with their dental health needs, educate them on how to care for their mouths, but we also know how the oral cavity and its toxins link to other diseases such as heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. The job can be stressful and hard at times but it is very rewarding and no days are the same. The work life balance is also good, so you can switch off and enjoy time with friends and family.
My career choice has allowed me to earn a nice living without the full-time hours, daily commitment, and after-hours work required from some other professional jobs. My role as a clinical hygienist allowed me to be able to take a break and have my two children and, allowed me to stay home with each of them for a while, which was very important to me. When they both got a little older, I returned to work part-time, which has given me the ability to be involved in their growing up, in a way I couldn’t have, if I had been working full-time. We were even able to homeschool both of our children through graduation! I could continue with several other reasons about how much I enjoy the choice I made so many years ago. The list is lengthy, and maybe that is the reason, that I have stuck with it for such a long time.
I find dental hygiene very rewarding. The opportunity to build relationships with your patients and they will look forward to seeing you every 6 months, is soul warming. You will almost become friends with some of your patients and you’ll follow along in their lives, laughing together, crying together etc. It’s a special kind of relationship and trust that you don’t necessarily find in other health careers. There are days when a patient comes to see you and the goal of that appointment becomes less about oral hygiene and more about being a support system. When patients are stressed or depressed, we can tell because stress presents itself very clearly in the oral cavity. It opens up conversation and sometimes a patient just needs someone to listen. I’m happy to be that person. And there is no better feeling than working one-on-one with a motivated patient to guide them and take them from disease to optimal oral and dental health! It is so rewarding to see the positive impact you can have on someone’s life. It can however be tough on your body, so if your workplace allows part time working hours or flexible working, it will be worth it.
