Advice for the Recent Dental Hygiene Graduate
Being a recent dental hygiene graduate is full of emotion. For one, relief that you made it through a really tough program! Sadness that you won't see your new best friends that you've been hanging out with every day for the last two years, and nervousness as you set out to find your perfect job. We've been compiling advice from hygienists all over the US and Canada for you recent grads! Things they wish they would've known when they graduated, how to keep hygiene instresting, and how to be dental hygiene for the long haul.
"Try and get as much experience temping in multiple offices as possible. You're able to find out what you like and most of the time, temping can lead to a permanent job." Courtney Calder
"Be confident, especially in your knowledge and skills. However, you must still be teachable and know that you are still going to learn something new every day." Mandy Faucette, graduated in 2012
"The advice I would get be after 30+years is to get to know your patients. Build a relationship. You'll help them want to improve their oral health and do what you ask when they know you care. It's simple. But very powerful." Karen Alston
"I would say my best advice is to value your education and be willing to continue learning. I think we are very well educated and that sometimes we are discredited, by dentists, our patients who think we're the same as assistants, and even each other when people go to different schools. But we are very knowledgeable and have all the knowledge and skills that we need to provide excellent patient care. We need to be confident about that. But at the same time, we also need to be willing to learn from our peers and search out the latest information that is continually being released so we can make sure we are providing the best patient care." Chanci Oyler, graduated in 2008
"You have a professional degree, but your learning doesn't stop now. Take the time to develop yourself personally, gain emotional intelligence, and have courage. Your courage will help you as you evolve professionally but it will also help you uphold your integrity and your dental hygiene oath. Remember the galaxy is your limit!" Jazmin Haley
"When you first graduate, trying to find the perfect job can be tough. Take your time and do a lot of temping to see what you like in an office, what you don't, and to be exposed to many different software systems, instruments, and office dynamics. Don't stress, which I know is hard, if the perfect 5 day/week office doesn't fall into your lap right away. Just like it dental hygiene school, it all works out! Congratulations on joining an amazing profession!" Melia Lewis, graduated in 2009
"One of the most important things is to keep learning and working on developing your skills, especially in dental hygiene diagnosis and treatment planning, also clinical skills take a while before they develop fully.
Also, if you have a diploma or associates degree, get a bachelor's degree ASAP. It won't affect your income in clinical practice, but you will have more career options later on, in case you want a change from clinical practice Also, even if money is tight, get disability insurance. I worked with someone who was in a car collision soon after graduation, she could not work for six months.." Linda Douglas
"GET A MENTOR YESTERDAY and Networking really does matter." Elicia Lucpoli
"Pay attention to the ergonomics/kinesiology experts. Too many careers ruined by bad backs and other chronic workplace injuries in this job. Avoid working in offices with 12 o'clock delivery." Scott Ross
Thank you to everyone who offered advice to our recent grads!
What advice would you give yourself as a recent gradute?
Sealant Placement
In our latest video, we should the sealant placement technique per The Clinical Practices of the Dental Hygienist, 2017.
We definitely know there are lots of other techniques out there based on materials, patients, etc. What do you do in your office? What works and what doesn't work for sealant placement? Let's talk about it! Let us know below.
Citation of video content Wilkins, Esther Mae., Charlotte J.. Wyche, and Linda D.. Boyd. Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer, 2017. Print.
Hygiene Dental Code Flow Chart
Confused which dental code to use where with a new dental hygiene patient? Be confused no more by printing off our FREE Hygiene Code Flow Chart.
See new patients in your office?
Confused with what codes to use when?
Wondering when to use the "new" hygiene code and what to use after you've treated a patient with generalized gingivitis?
Wonder no longer! We have a Quick Code Flow Chart to print off, hang up in your cupboard, and know exactly when to bill what! Download it here!
Our Hygiene Edge Code Flow Chart is for personal dental hygiene use. Not to be sold. Thanks!
Improve Your Pediatric Appointments
It is very important to help our pediatric patients have a positive experience in our hygiene chairs. It can set the stage for compliance for their oral health for the rest of their life. There are many ways to make the appointment a positive experience; from little details such as writing their name on their patient cover to letting them pick out the flavors of the polish paste and fluoride. The tell-show-do technique for treatment is one of the most accepted behaviors. Check it out in this weeks video.
How to Start a Caries Remineralization Program- Part 1
I remember as a new grad sitting there perplexed (sound familiar?) as a female patient with immaculate oral hygiene in the chair with a mouth full of caries. She was understandably frustrated. I tried remembering what I learned in hygiene school and couldn't come up with anything beyond brush-floss-rinse&repeat.
I even pulled the other hygienist aside and asked her what I should do. She said "some people just have soft teeth." I couldn't accept this.
I went home and read and read. I learned about the role bacteria plays in caries. I learned about a natural sweetener found in fruits, vegetables and even you body makes it- it's called xylitol. There are over 2000 studies done and it decreases caries substantially.
The office I worked at started a caries remineralization program with xylitol. The kits flew off the shelf. The only problem was- I was the only person (at the beginning) that could confidently discuss xylitol. I want you to be able to confidently share this product with your patients.
Here is a video I made with ABC 4 in Utah discussing Xylitol.
Coming up soon:
Part 1: What is xylitol
Part 2: How to explain xylitol to patients
Part 3: How to get xylitol in your office
5 Tips for a Smooth Pedo Appointment
We have all had those days. Lots of pedo patients scheduled with definitely not enough time to see them all. Then, if they are nervous, it can take even longer and be a little overwhelming as a clinician. This video gives 5 easy and quick tips to help make your pedo appointments run just a little bit smoother, and hopefully help you keep on schedule!
Happy National Children's Dental Health Month!
Happy Love Day!
Happy Valentine's Day from us at Hygiene Edge! We love you for following our journey, asking the best questions, and for us to grow together into the dental hygienists!
Love: Melia, Shelley, Candi, and Jessica
Stuff Your Patients Are Talking About: The Brushies
One night as I was pursing Instagram, the cutest photo of little ones brushing their teeth with bright brushes caught my eye. Turns out the brushes in the photo weren’t just brushes but finger puppets to make brushing fun called The Brushies. Having a 2 year old, I definitely wanted to try them out on her and know a little bit more about the company and product.
The Brushies were created by two mom doctors, a dentist and a psychologist, that had a hard time getting their own kids to brush, let alone their patients. So, have a fun and interactive way to brush was a must and The Brushies were born. They are made of 100% food grade silicone that is all natural and BPA and phthalate free and can be put in the dishwasher to be cleaned (my favorite feature). The set also some with a book to read along and get to know the 4 different Brushies characters to make the brushing experience more interactive and fun.
I tried them on my daughter and she loves them! I wish I had them earlier in her life when she fought brushing more than she does now. She loves reading the book and playing along with the Brushies finger puppets. The only thing I noticed was they were a tad large since they cover an adult finger, which may be hard to use on a 6 month old. However, the gift pack is a perfect shower gift for any new mom.
If you want to purchase one for yourself or learn more about them, check out Amazon or their website.
*Congrats to Katrina Bennon for winning our Brushies giveaway! Please email hygieneedge@gmail.com with your contact information.*
How To Position Your Pediatric Patients
Don't let your economics suffer while working on those pediatric patients. Take the time to get them where you need them for the best treatment.
5 Tips To Keeping Busy During Downtime
I have worked in the Dental office for over 15 years. There have been days where I didn’t even have time to relieve my bladder and days where it felt so slow the day I thought it would never end. Have you ever found yourself in the situation where a patient has cancelled, you have some downtime and you can’t remember what you were going to do when you finally had time to do it? I also realize many of you feel like you never have downtime and I hear you! Even for those situations I have experienced greater productivity when I have a list of to-dos just in case I don’t need to use the bathroom when I have that 5 extra minutes. Here are a few ideas to help you get started on your go-to list when you have some precious downtime.
#1-STRETCH
Take time to take care of YOU. Due to the repetitive nature of our job it is important for us to take time to engage in movement that balances our working muscles. Check out our video on functional movements for the dental hygienist HERE.
#2- SHARPEN
This is another use of time that will extend your dental hygiene career and also help provide your patient with a better more comfortable cleaning. See below for help on sharpening HERE.
#3- STOCK
Taking the downtime that happens sporadically during the day to re-stock your room or order new supplies helps you have the things you need on hand during the day and get out of work on time. Check out our hygiene hack on how to create a patient cover packet for set up HERE.
#4 RECARE
The best cure for downtime is to find a patient instead! Recare is an important use of downtime. Work with your office manager to create an effective recare program to help you keep a full and fulfilling schedule. Read up more on how to do recare HERE.
#5 ASK THE TEAM
Working in a Dental Office is a TEAM job. After I have made sure my operatory is in order, I make sure I have asked the assistants and front office to see if they need any assistance with their duties.
What are some things that you do during your downtime that make you a valuable team member? We’d love to hear about what goes on your to-do lists that help you be the most productive in the time you have.