Hygienists
Hygienists are highly skilled, trained, and licensed dental professionals
Regularly visiting a dental hygienist is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy, bright smile and prevent future dental issues. It’s not just about getting your teeth cleaned – it’s about protecting your overall health, preserving your confidence, and ensuring your long-term well-being.
A hygienist isn’t just someone who cleans your teeth. They are highly skilled professionals who go through rigorous training and education to care for your oral health.
Here’s why you should make these visits a priority: You should appreciate the dedication required to become a hygienist.
First, let’s talk about why these visits matter. Plaque and tartar can build up in your mouth over time, no matter how well you brush or floss. This buildup can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, bad breath, and tooth loss. A hygienist uses specialized tools and techniques to remove the plaque and tartar you can’t reach with your toothbrush. They also check for signs of more serious issues like oral cancer and gum disease – catching problems early can save you pain, time, and money in the future. Beyond that, a professional cleaning leaves your mouth feeling fresh and can give you a real boost in confidence.
Here are some of the essential tasks that dental hygienists perform:
- Examine patients’ mouths for oral health concerns, such as plaque and tartar buildup, gum disease, and other potential issues.
- Diagnose conditions and develop treatment plans within their scope of practice, offering tailored care to keep your oral health on track.
- Cleaning teeth by removing plaque, tartar, and stains using specialized tools and techniques that are far more effective than regular brushing and flossing.
- Provide preventative information and treatments to patients, such as applying sealants and fluoride, which help protect your teeth from decay and other problems in the future.
Our Services
Consider the dedication it takes to become a dental hygienist. These professionals complete between two and four years of education and training to ensure they’re qualified to care for your smile. Let’s take a closer look at the five major steps to becoming a dental hygienist.
Step 1: Graduate From an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program
The first step is to graduate from an associate degree program in dental hygiene accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). In this program, students will explore a variety of subjects, including biomedical sciences, dental hygiene sciences, and dental sciences. Many dental hygiene programs incorporate practical training into the curriculum to help students gain supervised clinical experience. This typically involves 8-12 hours of hands-on training per week. This is where future Hygienists begin developing the skills needed to care for patients effectively, learning everything from cleaning techniques to patient interaction.
Step 2: Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)
Once students complete their associate degree, the next step is to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). This comprehensive exam assesses their knowledge of dental hygiene and their ability to apply clinical skills in real-world situations. To pass the NBDHE, students need to score at least 75 points. Preparation is essential for this exam, so students must use textbooks, lecture notes, and practice exams well. Familiarizing themselves with the format and rigor of the test will help them succeed in this critical step.
Step 3: Pass an Approved State or Regional Clinical Board Examination
After the NBDHE, they need to pass an approved clinical board exam specific to their region or state. These exams test their hands-on patient care skills, ensuring they are competent in clinical procedures. Each state or region has its requirements for clinical exams.
Step 4: Obtain State Licensure
After passing both the NBDHE and the state or regional clinical exam, before they can work, they need to apply for licensure with their state’s dental board. This step typically involves submitting proof of education, NBDHE score, and clinical exam results. Depending on the state, they may also need to fulfill other requirements, such as passing additional exams. Once they obtain the state license, they are officially qualified to practice as dental hygienists.
Final Thought
Please think about that by the time you sit in the hygienist’s chair, in our Tristate Dental Spa Plainfield dental office, you’re being cared for by someone who has dedicated years of hard work and education to ensuring your smile stays healthy and bright. Dental hygienists are supremely skilled and educated individuals. From the moment they start their education to when they earn their state license, dental hygienists are committed to giving you the best care possible.