4 Simple Things to Do to Excel in Dental Hygiene School
Dental hygiene school is exciting, challenging, and, at times, overwhelming. With so much to learn, both clinically and academically, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly trying to keep your head above water. But here’s the good news: success doesn’t always come from big, complicated strategies. Sometimes it’s the simple, consistent habits that make the biggest difference.
Here are four simple things you can do to excel in dental hygiene school:
1. Wear the Dress Code with Pride
Yes, the dress code may feel strict or even a little annoying, but think of it as your professional uniform, not just another school requirement. In the dental world, how you present yourself matters just as much as how you scale. Dressing according to the guidelines helps you get into the mindset of being a professional from day one.
It also prevents unnecessary distractions. Instructors won’t have to correct you on dress code violations, which means their focus (and yours!) stays on your skills, your growth, and your progress as a clinician. When you look the part, you’ll start to feel the part, too.
2. Don’t Cheat—Be Honest in Your Learning
This one may sound obvious, but it’s worth emphasizing. Dental hygiene school is tough, and the temptation to cut corners can sneak in, especially in clinic. Maybe it’s skipping a step on a form, rushing through instrumentation, or pretending you’ve checked something you haven’t.
Here’s the truth: your instructors know. They’ve been in your position, and they can spot when things aren’t done correctly. Cheating doesn’t just hurt your grade; it cheats you out of the skills and confidence you’ll need when treating real patients. Being honest, even when it takes longer, builds trust with your faculty and helps you develop into a clinician who’s prepared and ethical.
3. Be Kind to Your Instructors
Your faculty members aren’t just grading your work—they’re investing in your growth. A little kindness goes a long way. In just a few months, they’ll become your colleagues in the dental world. Many can mentor you, help you expand your skills, and even connect you with job opportunities after graduation. They want to see you succeed, so treat them with the same respect and professionalism you’ll show your future patients.
4. Read the Syllabus
It may not be the most thrilling document, but the syllabus is truly your roadmap for success. Inside, you’ll find due dates, timelines, assignment requirements, policies, and more. Most of the time, the answers to your questions are already there. Before feeling overwhelmed or emailing your professor, take a few minutes to read through it carefully. It can save you stress, time, and unnecessary confusion throughout the semester.
Dental hygiene school will push you, but if you focus on these simple habits, you’ll stand out in the best way possible. They may seem small, but these actions set the foundation for your reputation as a student and, soon, as a professional dental hygienist.
Did you start dental hygiene school this semester?
xoxo Melia Lewis, MEd, RDH @meliardh
Oral Health Group Feature
At Hygiene Edge, we’re proud to share the journey of our founder—an inspiring educator, trailblazer, and true advocate for dental hygiene.
A Legacy Rooted in Passion & Mentorship
Melia Lewis, MEd, RDH, discovered her love for dental hygiene early on—drawing inspiration from her father, a devoted dentist. Growing up in a dental office, she developed a deep fascination with anatomy and oral science. Her passion, paired with familial mentorship, turned what could have been just a career path into a calling.
Bringing Clinical Support & Community to Life
Melia’s vision for Hygiene Edge was born from the challenges faced by solo practitioners and new grads: dentistry can be isolating, and mastering hands-on skills like instrumentation often lacks guidance. Hygiene Edge fills that gap—offering accessible video tutorials, tips, and product insights to support both learners and seasoned hygienists working in the operatory. Over time, the platform has evolved to serve educators, industry partners, and the broader dental network.
Balancing Professional Ambition & Personal Triumph
Behind the scenes, Melia juggles the roles of clinician, educator, and parent with grace. Her proudest personal accomplishment? Raising two daughters. Professionally, she values the meaningful change she helps create in patients—bridging oral health with overall well-being.
A Vision for Expanded Autonomy & Impact
Melia dreams of a future where dental hygienists are empowered to practice with autonomy across diverse healthcare settings—not limited to traditional dental offices. Imagine hygienists in hospitals, outreach clinics, cancer centers, and more, championing prevention and education.The Tech (and Gear!) That Empower the Work
Educating with Empathy: The Mouth That Speaks Health
If she could change public perception, it would be this: “Oral health is overall health.” The mouth isn’t an isolated system—it’s the gateway. Infection and inflammation in the oral cavity can impact the heart, lungs, pregnancy outcomes, diabetes, and beyond. Understanding this empowers better health outcomes.
Thank you to Oral Health Group for spotlighting Melia!
RDH Under One Roof Take Aways
Welp, that’s a wrap for this year’s RDH Magazine Under One Roof Dental Hygiene Conference. This is seriously one of my favorite weekends when it comes to dental hygiene and is an event that isn’t to be missed, especially if you’re looking for ways to connect with other dental hygienists who are doing amazon things both inside and outside of the dental operatory. With lots of networking opportunities and classes both about clinical dental hygiene and other topics, you’ll find something you love during the busy 3 days. After going this year, here are a few of my takeaways that I want to jot down for next year.
Always plan on bringing things home. I’m not going to lie- I had lots of clothes and shoes to bring for the event you for different events, dinners and parties. With that, my suitcase was pretty full and I didn’t bring a spare, because that felt a bit dramatic. I also do regularly attend conferences, so I tend to be pretty picky on the items and products I bring home. Turns out, I was so wrong. There were SO MANY amazing things to bring home. From being gifted a Sonicare at the Hearts to Hands award ceremony, to buying a Flaus electric flosser, so lots of samples of new products that I’ve been wanting to try out, it was definitely a fun and successful experience. Turns out, my suitcase ended up being overweight on the way home. Learn from my mistakes- plan on bringing some things home, no matter how picky you are.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring a sweater. The Gaylord centers where they are held are BIG. There’s lots of walking between the hotel room, classes, and the exhibit hall, so comfy shoes are key. Having a sweater is so helpful in chilly classrooms, even when it is 100 degrees outside.
Don’t be shy! There are so many amazing dental professionals that are excited to connect. If you’re feeling alone during the conference, no doubt someone else is feeling the same. Reach out to the people around you to join in in classes or one of the very fun evening parties.
A conference is definitely an investment, but such a great opportunity to grow, learn, and reconnect on your “Why” when it comes to dental hygiene. Put next year’s event on your calendar now and I’ll see you there!
To see some of my favorite things I like to bring along to a conference, check out this link:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/hygieneedge/list/26GDDJ1J0O9IF?ref_=aipsflist
Thank you for supporting Hygiene Edge!
Xoxo Melia Lewis, MEd, RDH
Placing Silver Fluorides like ClearDefense
When I first learned about silver diamine fluoride. I remember how amazing it could be for so many patients. It could be applied to patients who could not get to a traditional dental clinic but still need care and to arrest current decay. It could be applied to kids if they had decay since their baby teeth would fall out eventually. It could be applied to anterior baby bottle caries to prevent the need for sedation during treatment. However, knowing how amazing it is and applying it to real life is definitely two different things. As I would talk to patients about the amazing benefits, of course we need to talk about the potential side effects of any medication or application. The second we would mention that the teeth would turn dark, the conversation would turn. Unfortunately, in my private practice setting, acceptance was low due to the discoloration of teeth that would happen the silver would oxidize and arrest the active caries.
That’s why I was so excited to learn and try ClearDefense- a new nanosilver fluoride from Young Specialties. This silver fluoride utilizes nanosilver to arrest decay, but it does not leave the teeth silver or dark colored. Have you seen this before?
How does Nanosilver work?
Nanosilver particles are highly effective against cariogenic bacteria, especially Streptococcus mutans, which we know is a major contributor to decay. They do this by disrupting bacterial cell walls and membranes, preventing cells from growing duplicating. It can also release silver ions which interfere with enzymes and DNA in cells, preventing these cells that have come in contact with either to replicate or metabolize. When combining nanosilver with fluoride, the two together give a powerpunch of preventing bacteria from replicating as well as giving extra minerals in that area to strengthen the weakened enamel or dentin.
Why is it Nano?
Having nanoparticles in a new silver fluoride is key for it to work. Since the particles are so small but have a large surface area, they are able to penetrate into tight spaces and follow decay as has worked its way into a tooth. The silver with fluoride will get rid of bacteria in the area of decay, but also give extra minerals to strengthen the area after the decay has stopped.
Helpful tips when applying Nanosiver:
It should not be used on someone who is allergic to the ingredients, or who are allergic to heavy metals.
It can be applied to all ages of patients, but the research currently is showing placement only on adults.
It can be used for both hypersensitivity on roots or enamel, or off-label to arrest active decay, though most research is only for sensitivity.
It doesn’t taste great, so having proper isolation is key for both patient acceptance and for uptake. You can also apply a fluoride varnish over your silver fluoride to both help with the state and to give the area extra mineral for remineralization.
We are so excited for you to bring this into your office and to introduce a new product into a noninvasive dentistry model. To learn more about ClearDefense, read more research on it, and order for yourself, check out their website.
What To Do About the Dental Hygiene Legislative Changes
Mad about the proposed changes in Nevada to RDHs? You should be. I know I am. It definitely feels like a bit of a slap for our education, qualifications, and love of health and prevention. We know so much and are currently underutilized, and yet we are at the brink of having our careers and profession completely washed.
Here are some things to do to support both Nevada but dental hygienists in your own state.
Engage in Legislative Advocacy:
Contact Legislators: Reach out to your state representatives to express concerns about AB334 and its potential impact on dental hygiene standards.
Participate in Advocacy Events: Join events like your local oral health day at the Capitol to meet with lawmakers and advocate for the profession.
Collaborate with Professional Associations:
Join ADHA: We need collective voices as part of the ADHA. No matter how you feel about politics and the ADHA, joining is literally saving our profession.
Educate the Public and Peers:
Inform Patients: Discuss the importance of receiving care from licensed dental hygienists and the training involved in ensuring quality care.
Peer Discussions: Engage with colleagues to share information about legislative changes and encourage collective action.
Utilize Social Media and Online Platforms:
Raise Awareness: Use social media to highlight the role of dental hygienists and the potential risks of expanding duties to less-trained personnel.
Organize Online Campaigns: Coordinate with peers to create unified messages and campaigns that can reach a broader audience especially in our local communities outside of dentistry. Gone are the days where we can think we in dentistry are going to protect our own. Dentists will not protect our profession.
Support Continuing Education and Autonomy Advocacy:
Promote Advanced Training: Advocate for the importance of formal education and continuous professional development in dental hygiene.
Participate in Autonomy: This is the only next step for dental hygienists. Only being able to work in 1 setting, and that seting activity working to get rid of us isn’t sustaining dental hygienists careers and goals. Working to promote autonomy (which doesn’t only mean having an indepentant practice) is key for us.
By taking these steps, dental hygienists can actively contribute to preserving the integrity of their profession and ensuring that patient care remains safe and of high quality.
What are you doing TODAY to help?
xoxo Melia Lewis, MEd, RDH
Why Using the 2017 AAP Classification in Dental Matters
Can you believe that the “new” updated American Academy of Periodontology Classification System was introduced 8 years ago?! Even though it is almost a decade old, we still regularly get questions on how to use it, and even more common, why does it matter? What we were doing in the past has worked for years, so why change a simple thing like naming a disease?
Simply put, this system is more than a name change. Yes, you will be doing similar things, like looking at radiographs and periodontal pocket depths, but there is more involved. Understanding the new AAP Classification System (2017 update by the American Academy of Periodontology) is critically important for dental professionals for several reasons:
1. Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
The updated system provides clearer definitions for periodontal diseases, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and peri-implant diseases.
It introduces staging and grading, helping clinicians determine the severity, complexity, and rate of progression of periodontitis.
This allows for more personalized and effective treatment plans.
2. Improved Communication
The new classification standardizes terminology across the dental field, improving communication between:
General dentists and specialists (e.g., periodontists)
Dental professionals and patients
Dental teams and insurance companies
3. Risk Assessment
The grading component (A, B, C) emphasizes risk factors such as smoking and diabetes, which helps tailor preventive strategies and patient education.
It enables dental professionals to identify high-risk patients early and implement interventions to slow disease progression.
4. Documentation and Insurance Compliance
Proper use of the classification system supports:
Clear documentation in patient records
Justification of procedures for insurance claims
Compliance with legal and regulatory standards
5. Patient Education and Engagement
With a more comprehensive and visual way to explain disease severity and progression, patients can better understand:
Their diagnosis
The importance of treatment
Their role in disease management and prevention
6. Recognition of Peri-Implant Diseases
For the first time, the classification includes peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis, which is essential given the rise in dental implants.
This ensures proper diagnosis, monitoring, and maintenance of implant health.
The 2017 AAP classification system represents a shift toward precision, prevention, and patient-centered care. Understanding and applying it is essential for providing the highest standard of periodontal care in today’s dental practice.
Want to learn more about how to apply this system to your practice? Here are a few resources we have loved:
We’re having a lecture on it through CE Zoom on June 5th, 2025. We’d love for you to come!
A great course through Dentsply for free from one of members who helped create the system.
xoxo Melia Lewis, MEd, RDH
Why Sharp Instruments Matter: Better Calculus Removal, Patient Comfort & Clinician Health
If you've ever struggled to remove tenacious calculus or found yourself overworking during a hygiene visit, chances are your instruments weren’t sharp enough. In the world of dental hygiene, sharp instruments aren't just a preference—they're a necessity for effective, efficient, and comfortable care. Whether you're new to clinical practice or have been scaling for decades, prioritizing dental instrument sharpening is one of the best things you can do for your patients—and yourself.
The Key to Calculus Removal: Efficiency with Every Stroke
When instruments are sharp, calculus removal becomes significantly easier. Dull curettes and scalers require more pressure, more strokes, and more effort. This doesn’t just lead to inefficiency—it can also result in burnished calculus, which is harder to detect and remove, especially during periodontal therapy.
A sharp cutting edge engages the calculus immediately, allowing for clean, precise removal with fewer strokes. This means less time in the chair for your patient and more confidence for you as the clinician.
Better Patient Comfort Starts with Sharpness
By using instruments that glide easily and require minimal force, we’re able to provide more comfortable dental cleanings, particularly for patients with sensitive gingiva or periodontal concerns.
A sharp instrument = fewer strokes = happier patients. It's that simple.
Protecting the Clinician: Your Career Depends on Ergonomics
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get discussed enough: your long-term health as a clinician. Dull instruments force hygienists to work harder, increase pinch force, apply more lateral pressure, and engage awkward angles—leading to repetitive strain injuries, wrist pain, and even burnout.
By keeping instruments sharp, you reduce the strain on your hands, wrists, shoulders, and back. Sharp tools make your instrumentation smoother, lighter, and more ergonomically sound. That’s critical if you want to practice comfortably and pain-free for years to come.
Sharpening Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming
If sharpening intimidates you or has been pushed to the back burner in your clinical routine, you're not alone. But here's the good news: sharpening your instruments doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. With the right guides, stones, or sharpening tools (like the ones we review and demonstrate here on Hygiene Edge!), you can quickly bring your instruments back to their ideal cutting edge.
Set a routine. Sharpen a few instruments daily. Keep a test stick handy. And don’t forget to train your eye to recognize dullness before it becomes a clinical issue.
Final Thoughts
Sharp instruments aren’t a luxury—they’re essential for excellent dental hygiene care. They help us scale calculus efficiently, keep our patients more comfortable, and support our own health and longevity in this amazing profession. Take a few minutes each week to assess and sharpen your instruments—you’ll feel the difference in your hands, and your patients will feel it too.
Stay sharp (literally),
Melia Lewis, MEd, RDH
Co-Founder, Hygiene Edge
Tips for Successful Injections for the Dental Hygienist
The only thing more stressful than giving an injection, is giving it and it doesn’t work for you patient. Has this happened to you before? I definitely have. It isn’t fun to have something not so fun for a patient, like an injection, not take and have to redo the procedure for the patient. Here are some helpful tips to keep you as a dental hygienist in top shape as you give injections during your clinical day.
1. Know Your Anatomy Inside and Out
Review landmarks for each injection frequently (we have lots of helpful videos on this to review!)
Palpate before inserting the needle to confirm anatomy.
Be aware of anatomical variations that may affect success (e.g., high mandibular foramen, bifid nerves).
2. Practice Confident Patient Communication
Explain the procedure calmly and clearly, without alarming words.
Reassure patients by describing what to expect in neutral or positive terms ("You’ll feel a small pinch, then some pressure.").
Ask about previous anesthesia experiences and address fears proactively.
3. Positioning is Key
Position the patient so the injection site is at your elbow level for better ergonomics.
Have the patient open just enough—not excessively—for better access and comfort.
Ensure your own posture is stable to avoid unnecessary hand movement during injection.
4. Use a Gentle, Controlled Technique
Apply topical for at least 1 minute with pressure for deeper penetration.
Stretch the tissue to stabilize it and reduce discomfort.
Insert the needle slowly and steadily—don’t rush.
Aspirate to avoid intravascular injection, and always re-aspirate if repositioning.
5. Deliver the Anesthetic Slowly
Administer the anesthetic at a rate of about 1 mL/min or slower.
Slow delivery significantly reduces discomfort and post-injection soreness.
6. Choose the Right Anesthetic and Volume
Match anesthetic type and dose to the planned procedure (e.g., 4% articaine for short, profound anesthesia; 0.5% bupivacaine for longer procedures).
Consider patient medical history when selecting vasoconstrictors.
7. Confirm Anesthesia Onset
Test the area with a blunt instrument before beginning treatment.
Ask the patient if their lip, cheek, or tongue feels numb depending on the injection given.
8. Manage Anxious Patients Thoughtfully
Use distraction techniques (wiggling the lip, verbal cues, visualization).
Consider using topical anesthetics with pleasant flavors to improve patient comfort.
For needle-phobic patients, consider sedation referrals or alternative pain management if appropriate.
9. Be Ready for Failures and Have a Backup Plan
Know the alternate techniques for missed blocks (e.g., Gow-Gates or Vazirani-Akinosi if IA fails).
Be prepared to repeat or supplement injections if needed, but allow adequate onset time before assuming failure.
10. Reflect and Learn
If an injection was difficult or didn’t succeed, take time to reflect:
Was the needle placed correctly?
Was enough anesthetic delivered?
Was there an anatomical variation?
Use each experience to build clinical confidence and skill.
We know you can do it with a bit of reflection and practice! Happy injecting!
xoxo Melia Lewis, MEd, RDH
Essential Elements to Include in an Attention-Grabbing Dental Hygiene Resume for a Clinical Position with Doug Perry
When seeking a clinical dental hygiene job, your resume needs to do more than list your skills. It needs to reflect your expertise, passion, and value as a dental professional. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements to include in your dental hygiene resume to grab the attention of employers and land your ideal clinical job.
1. Start at the Top
The top section of your resume is the most valuable space because you have one shot to grab their attention and hold it. Studies on eye-tracking and readability show that readers naturally start at the top and prefer content that gently guides them into longer content. To maximize impact, use a larger font (24-36 pt) for your name, followed by a concise 6–8-word headline and a clear, one-sentence objective statement (12-13 pt) that smoothly leads into your professional summary.
Headline Example: “Compassionate and Friendly Nature with Team-Oriented Professionalism”
Sub headline Example: “Excited to Leverage Clinical Experience and Passion for the Highest Standard of Care to Join a Progressive Office with a Patient-First Focus.”
2. Begin to Build Trust
A strong Professional Summary (or About Me) section should be next up. This is your opportunity to briefly showcase who you are, or in other words, what they can expect if they hire you. Talk about your years of experience, specializations (e.g., pediatric, periodontal care), and your commitment to patient care. This section is a snapshot of what makes you different or unique.
Example:
“Confident and collaborative dental hygienist with over 5 years of expertise in providing exceptional care to patients of all ages. Especially skilled in periodontal therapy, patient education, and using advanced diagnostic tools. Known for building rapport with patients and contributing to a positive team environment.”
3. Licenses and Certifications
Obviously, your professional state licensure is a key qualification. But you may also have a few other things of value. Perhaps you have specialized laser therapy certifications or maybe you have been trained in myofunctional therapy or sleep apnea screening. Whatever you have, ensure you include it all– even your basics like CPR for healthcare provider certification.
4. Clinical Experience
Your clinical experience should be the focal point of your resume. Rather than list it repetitively under each dental hygiene job, give its own section and emphasis above your work history. This gives the reader a focal point and saves space. Emphasize how well you do things, not just that you do them. Remember, you are selling yourself and why you are different.
Example:
Efficient in conducting routine cleanings…
Meticulous at performing periodontal treatments…
Influential with patient communication and education…
5. Work History
Keep this section very basic if your career to this point has been mostly dental hygiene and you are seeking a dental hygiene job. You don’t need bullets under each job unless there are some things you want to point out that are truly unique about that job. Those might include production levels you achieved, recognition you received, or additional responsibilities beyond your clinical work that you took on.
Example: Dental Hygienist | ABC Dental, Quakertown, PA | 2020 - Present
6. Professional Development and Continuing Education
Dental hygiene is an ever-evolving field. Employers appreciate candidates who stay current with industry trends. Include any continuing education courses, workshops, or seminars you’ve attended. This demonstrates your commitment to growing your skills and staying at the forefront of dental care. I have worked with some clients who have pages and pages of CE that are addendums to their resume. Most of the time you wouldn’t need that. But you should include in your main resume things that are unusual or make you stand out above most. This would include week-long specialized trainings, among other things.
7. Last and Possibly Most Important
Give your resume a unique design scheme. Don’t settle for templates that get used and reused on the Internet. You don’t want to be like everyone else – marketing yourself means personal branding. This does the employer a favor because you are not going to appear like all the other resumes. So, use some font variations (size and treatments), make your resume modular with columns and sections, and add a touch of color.
Final Thoughts
A well-crafted, well-designed dental hygiene resume should clearly present your qualifications, experience, and commitment to patient care. But more importantly it’s your opportunity to tell the story of you – why you are different, special, and of interest to employers. Doing this will create a little bit of buzz around you and could be one of the key reasons you land your dream job.
To learn more about resumes, check out these other articles from Doug:
Doug Perry is an expert resume writer and job search coach. He and his wife, Tracie, who is a dental hygienist, created GetHiredRDH in response to the challenging dental hygiene job market and have helped thousands of dental hygienists through tips and individual services. This includes basic job searches and strategically transitioning into different fields (within dentistry and outside). If you need individual help, click here to contact Doug.
Dear RDH
Dear Fellow Clinical Dental Hygienist,
I know you’re busy caring for patients and working hard to make a difference in their oral and overall health. Plus, many of us are caregivers to our families, volunteer in our communities, head up a household, and more. It feels like a lot all at once. Lately, it seems like our profession is under attack—from legislative changes that impact our scope of practice to the devaluation of preventive care at the national level. It’s frustrating and, honestly, a little scary to think about where things could be heading if we don’t take action.
So, what can we do? A lot.
1. Advocate for Our Profession
We can’t afford to stay silent. Get involved with your state and national dental hygiene associations (like ADHA) and stay informed about legislative changes. Attend meetings, send emails to lawmakers, and support efforts to maintain and expand our scope of practice. We need to be at the table when decisions about our profession are being made—otherwise, they’ll be made without us. Honestly, working with professional organizations in my state has shown how things change quickly behind the scenes and being plugged in can hopefully help steer the discussion to not forget about dental hygienists.
2. Educate the Public
Many people still don’t know what we do or how important preventive dental care is. Use social media, community outreach programs, and even simple chairside conversations to educate patients on the role of dental hygienists and the importance of professional cleanings, oral cancer screenings, and disease prevention. If fluoride is being removed from water sources, we need to teach patients about alternative ways to protect their teeth. If access to care is being threatened, we need to help patients find the resources they need.
3. Support Expanded Roles for Dental Hygienists
Some states are allowing dental assistants to perform duties that have traditionally been ours, yet many states still don’t allow dental hygienists to practice to the full extent of our education and training. We need to push for laws that allow us to work independently, provide more preventive services, and reach underserved populations. If we don’t fight for our profession, someone else will step in and take over.
4. Mentor and Inspire the Next Generation
If we want to strengthen our profession, we need passionate, skilled hygienists entering the field. Mentor new grads, speak to students, and encourage leadership within our profession. The stronger we are as a community, the harder we’ll be to erase.
5. Stay Connected and Engaged
You’re not alone in this fight. Connect with other hygienists, support each other, and share ideas on how we can protect and elevate our profession. When we stand together, we have a much stronger voice.
We became dental hygienists because we care about people, their health, and making a difference. Now, it’s time to channel that same passion into protecting our profession and ensuring we continue to be a vital part of the healthcare system.
Let’s take action—because if we don’t, someone else will.
With gratitude and determination,
Melia Lewis, MEd, RDH