To treat patients, you'll need to talk to them. Up to 75 percent of people are at least a little afraid of going to the dentist. Between 10 and 15 percent of people have significant fear. When you work in dental hygiene, you'll meet these people all the time.
When patients start crying in the dental chair because they're terrified of dentists, you'll have to be a compassionate person to comfort them. You can also call our corporate office at (84) 700-JOBS. Telephone support is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. At 5 p.m.
PST. Perhaps the most essential skill that dental hygienists should possess is communication. Dental hygienists should communicate with patients on a daily basis, talk about their dental routines, medical histories, and teach them about proper oral care. Dental hygienists should also explain to patients the procedures and treatments being performed.
In addition to patient communication, dental hygienists should also talk to professional colleagues. For example, dental hygienists often contact dentists about any problems or abnormalities with the patient's oral health. According to communication skills, dental hygienists should also know how to collaborate with other members of the dental care team. Every day, dental hygienists will work with dentists, dental assistants, office managers and other dental hygienists.
They often collaborate on patients' cases to analyze symptoms or find the best methods of treatment. They will also collaborate with other hygienists and work together to manage patient appointments and schedules. The dental hygienist's skills are a combination of technical skills and interpersonal skills (or “soft skills”) that help them to excel in their role. Technical skills include knowing how to work with dental equipment, cleaning teeth and performing certain procedures, as well as having knowledge about dental health conditions.
The social skills required of dental hygienists include communication, compassion and collaboration, among many others, that help these professionals provide excellent service and care. Do you think you have what it takes to become an expert dental hygienist? Are you excited to learn and train with experienced dental hygienists? If so, learn more about Goodwin University's flexible dental hygiene program here. You can also call 800-889-3282 for more information. Most of what you need to know to be a dental hygienist will be covered during an associate degree program in dental hygiene.
This includes how to clean your teeth, take x-rays, apply fluoride treatments, and help the dentist with procedures such as root canals, fillings and crowns. Other traits and skills needed for the field include communication skills, independence, time management, problem solving, and empathy. Likewise, if you're treating an adult patient who dreads having a dental procedure, you should be able to put yourself in their shoes and find ways to help ease their anxiety. If you know that manual dexterity isn't your strong suit, then being a dental hygienist probably isn't the best occupation for you.
It's your job, the dental hygienist's job, to make sure that every patient feels welcome and comfortable during their visit. Dental hygienists must understand the signs and symptoms of various dental conditions, from gum disease to cavities and cavities. One of the key functional skills of dental hygienists is the ability to observe details and visual abnormalities, either through X-ray images or directly inside the patient's mouth. Dental hygienists must be able to determine anatomy and pathology through radiographic images, demonstrate adequate depth perception when completing procedures, and observe appropriate patient care and safety tactics.
As noted above, this level program will provide you with diverse skills, techniques, experiences, and challenges to prepare you for success. If you want to become a dental hygienist, an associate degree in dental hygiene is required to become licensed. Students can also gain experience at the school's Dental Hygiene Clinic, which is a functional dental office with real patients from the community, supervised by experienced professionals. As a dental hygienist, you'll need to master minute movements and become an expert at using small, sharp instruments with both hands.
An accredited dental hygiene school will also provide you with practical clinical experiences, in which you can put your learned skills into practice. Dental hygienists must be able to handle their tools in small crevices to remove plaque from all tooth surfaces and not harm patients. In addition to keeping up with the schedule, dental hygienists also take into account the organizational skills that are responsible for some administrative tasks. Like any health professional, dental hygienists must be compassionate and empathic with their patients.
Paying attention to even the smallest details inside a patient's mouth can differentiate a good dental hygienist from a great one. . .