...I focused my senior project on a Dental Hygienist, someone works in a dental office and performs many tasks that a dental assistant cannot. I did my senior project on a Dental Hygienist because I plan on attending college and obtaining my Associate’s in Hygiene. Throughout the process of writing my senior project I was faced with some negative and positive outcomes which lead me to think of ways I could have done it better but overall I enjoyed the experience it brought me. While working on my project I constantly became stressed over how well my project actually was. I constantly had to remind myself that this project was essential on my path to graduation. After I finished my project the first time, I reviewed the essay and presentation twice....
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...Background of Oral Health Care in Massachusetts Oral health is often considered separate from overall health. However, dental diseases are not only associated but can also lead to heart diseases, stroke, and diabetes. The significance of this correlation is due to the concept that the majority of care in cost excess can be attributed to these medical conditions. Some of the major oral health conditions of concern include tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancers. As the population begins to shift towards an increase in elderly patients, they are living longer and keeping their teeth longer as well, resulting in an increase in the need for treatment of gum disease and other dental services. These problems can also be a complication of certain medications used to treat systemic diseases. The purpose of this paper is to improve access and quality to oral health care for elderly population in Massachusetts who are residents in Long Term Care facilities. (Clemencia M. Vargas, 2001) The elderly are identified in the U.S. Surgeon General’s report on oral health as one of the most vulnerable populations with regard to poor dental care. In Massachusetts 13.3% of the state’s population are considered seniors, defined as being 65 years of age or older. There are more than 143,000 residents age 85 and older and that number is expected to grow 52% by the 2030. About 45,000 Massachusetts residents live in long term care facilities and there is no one-size-fits-all model of oral health...
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...that the Human and Health Services field, Dental Hygiene in particular, is the career pathway that I am most interested in and would like to pursue further after graduation. In pursuing this occupation, I understand that there are many personality traits that I must present. Since Dental Hygienists are around people each day at work, a hygienist must be outgoing, ambitious, and willing to interact with several different types of people. One must also get along with his or her co-workers, be a hard worker, and be willing to adapt to change that may occur in their workplace; these would be considered as required personality traits to excel in this occupation. As a Dental Hygienist, you are considered to be a specially trained health care professional who help to maintain the dental health of patients and also prevent oral health problems that may occur due to poor oral hygiene habits and techniques (Dental Hygienist). Dental Hygienists see their patients for their routine appointments every six months where they receive a teeth exam and cleaning. As Dental Hygienists, many different tasks are to be performed daily. Hygienists must be willing to administer anesthesia to their patient, give patients their annual teeth cleanings, and also assist dentists while performing fillings, teeth bleaching, sealant, and root canals by making sure the patient is as relaxed and comfortable as possible. Some benefits of becoming a Dental Hygienist are the...
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...person in my dream job. My dream job is to become a dental hygienist. I know it is a lengthy, competitive process, but rewarding. If I had the opportunity to shadow a dental hygienist, I would attempt to retain and learn all the information possible. I would not show up unprepared. Before hand, I would call the office and schedule the shadowing hour. I would also point out that I would love to be able to shadow the dental hygienist for the most part, but also would like to shadow the dentist. They are similar fields and it is never a bad idea to explore other areas of dentistry. I would have a bag ready with any useful items I could use. I would have a notebook with a couple pens to take notes with. I would dress myself in a presentable matter because it is an office. I would show up 10 to 15 minutes early to show that I am serious about shadowing and ready to learn what I can. The first question I would ask the dental hygienist is for what reasons do they love their job? Most people would not want to be in a career they will be doing the rest of their lives where the only reason they like it is because of the money. I would love to hear the reasons he/she has for choosing dental hygiene as a profession. The second question I would ask is how challenging was dental hygiene school? I know college will not be easy, but being able to hear from someone who has gone through it would remind me that I need to be serious about dental hygiene and be able to...
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...organization. Recruitment in particular was one of Jane’s strong points. Her command of interpersonal communication skills allowed her to welcome and educate newcomers to our association and ultimately increase our membership. I have no doubt that Ms. Doe’s ability to communicate will aide in caring for her future patients. After all, what skill is more important than communication for a dental hygienist? Communication is crucial for a comfortable and high-quality dental experience. Furthermore, our organization went on to foster good relations with the then mayor, Mr. Jim Ryan and as a result Kent High School was chosen as the location for the 2006 State of The City Address. Ms. Doe played an active role in helping to establish the credibility of our association, which helped lead to such honorable recognition. I remain very grateful for her efforts. Jane Doe is a kind, capable and intelligent individual. Ms. Doe has proven invaluable on many occasions and I believe whole heartedly that she will be a fantastic addition to your dental hygiene program. Ms. Doe will do well and represent the SFVC Dental Hygiene Program with integrity. Respectfully, John...
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...My name is Anupreet Sangha, and I graduated with a bachelors of sciences in Biology from Simon Fraser University where I held many prestigious awards. During my post- secondary studies I received the opportunity to job shadow a dentist and observe him perform various procedures which provided me with knowledge about various practices in dentistry. This experience made me realize that this is the career that I want to pursue since all of the elements of dentistry fascinated me. There are numerous reasons as to why I choose to study at Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine. To begin with, WesternU proffers various resources for students and has a diverse population, some of which include advanced technology and...
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...chose to become a dental assistant because I always wanted to work in the health profession. I enjoyed working with people since I was a child and now I want to be a dental assistant. Although dental assisting is an exciting career and highly rewarding, the most important excitement is I like helping people. Since last year dental assisting became my highly professional career than other career, like nursing or another medical profession. In my essay, I will argue about the pros and cons of the dental assisting profession. To get in the dental assistant program for certificate, there is a one-year training program. They require you to have a high school diploma or GED to start the class. If you have financial aid to pay for your class or for book, that’s good. If you are not eligible for financial aid because of your income, you must pay for your class before the due date. Once you are done with training, they give you a test at the end and if you pass the test you can get a job with your certificate. Students are assigned to work in local dental...
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...paths and a variety of jobs for people to choose. Different people are suited for different jobs. I have chosen to pursue my education as a dental hygienist because I feel this career is suitable for me. I know good dental hygiene is very significant throughout life. Helping others to accomplish strong dental hygiene is essential and a goal of mine. I feel this profession will provide me with a rewarding hands-on job and interaction with many individuals. Dental hygiene is a vigorous and challenging career that offers teamwork, personal growth, fulfillment, extraordinary benefits and it is the perfect career envisioned for me. With background knowledge as a licensed expanded function dental assistant, the dental hygienist is a valuable member of the dental team providing patient care. Qualities essential for a good dental hygienist include compassion and the ability to communicate well with others, two qualities that fit my personality. I love the thought of knowing that I have made a positive impact upon an individual’s health. I work as an expanded function dental assistant at an office in Jonestown, so I understand what it takes to become a dental hygienist....
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...Most people have a negative view of the oral health care profession simply because they have no desire to work in a person's mouth. However, dental hygienists perform a wide range of services and ultimately play a large role in the care of society's oral health. My wife is a dental hygienist and she takes pride in working with people to improve their overall state of health. This article discusses the daily duties and responsibilities involved with the dental hygiene profession. What does a dental hygienist do? Before you pursue the field it's important for you to understand exactly what a dental hygienist does each and every day. Contrary to popular belief, a dental hygienist does much more than cleaning teeth. They perform a wide range of...
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...Furthering Your Dental Assisting Education INTRODUCTION With today’s economy, college students need to be completely informed with the chosen career path they are heading into. Choosing a career path with little to no chance of success would be a total waste of money, effort, and time. The problem with dental assisting is there is not as many vast opportunities to succeed in this career as there are for an individual who is interested in becoming a dental hygienist. CAREER ANALYSIS OF DENTAL ASSISTANTS America’s Career InfoNet states the definition of a dental assistant is to assist the dentist, set up the equipment, prepare patient for treatment, and keep precise records. Dental assistants work alongside the dentist to provide assistance during dental procedures. They sterilize and disinfect instruments to prepare materials required to treat each patient. Assistants also create a warm, welcoming environment for the patients before, during, and after treatment (United States, “Dental Assistants”). Additionally, there is a list of different practice settings available for assistants; group practices, solo practices, and orthodontic settings are available to name a few (“Dental Assistants”). In most states, dental assistants can learn their skills on the job; however, in order for assistants to perform more advanced functions, many states require assistants to obtain at least a certificate or even a license. Two year programs lead to an associate’s degree. These programs are...
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...Thesis Based on my research, I should stay on my current career path. Background I am planning to pursue a degree in Dental Hygiene. According to me, dental hygiene is a very manageable career. I wouldn’t want to work night shifts, so a profession like dental hygiene would be perfect for me. I like to be hands-on and I love the tools that dental hygienists use. Criteria I established three criteria in order of importance that describes why I want to stay on my current career path which is Dental Hygiene: • Salary • Work schedule • Job opportunities Research Methods According to the databases, I searched topics like best jobs for the 21st century, I read some books on most demanding careers, I looked at a case-study of a man who choose dental hygiene as a profession and how satisfied he is of the decision he made. I also interviewed my dental hygienist and asked him/her questions regarding life as a dental hygienist. Research Findings I will research: • How much will I earn. I used Ronald & Carly Rae Krannich’s book, The Best Jobs for the 21st Century, in which I found out information regarding salary. The salary of a dental hygienist is between $33,000- $60,000 per year and it is stated under one of the best paying jobs ( Krannich 101). I think $33,000 is a pretty good starting salary for a single person. The best part is that as you get more experienced, the higher your pay gets. You have so many benefits, like health insurance that is covered by your employer...
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...its production facility, regardless, if the company is producing goods or delivering a service. A positive company culture will be reflected in a well-designed goods-producing or service facility layout that will ultimately maximize the production process, as well as, meet the needs of and ensure the safety of the employees. In my thirty-five year experience as a dental hygienist, I have experienced poorly designed service facilities and their effects on production and morale. It creates a stressful work environment which is counterproductive. Maximizing the use of space, machinery, materials and staff, in a either a goods producing or service facility, will eliminate wasted time and materials (Bowee, Thill & Mescon, 2007, p.299). Smart design layouts ensure employee safety, as well as, support close communication and collaboration among employees, both of which are important in employee satisfaction and motivation (Bowee, Thill & Mescon, 2007, p.299). For example, a well-designed layout of a facility will have a smooth process flow, whether it is an assembly line of workers in a goods-producing facility or dental office staff in a service facility. If the flow of production is smooth and easy, it will be less stressful on the employee and as a result, the employee will be happier and more productive and project a positive attitude about their job and about the company. In addition, design layouts that support communication and teamwork among employees, will encourage those...
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...Dental Hygienist Career Dental Hygienists are the people that are there for others to rely on even though the job can be stressful, and sometimes physically demanding. Even with these negative factors if someone is passionate about the job they should continue to study the profession. In order to understand what it takes to become a dental hygienist one has to comprehend the core tasks, employment outlook, education requirements, and the job salary. Examining teeth and gums visually and with x-rays to find tooth decay and gum disease, reporting problems to the dentist, scraping hard built-up material off of teeth, polishing the patients’ teeth, keeping track of patients’ dental records, and giving advice on preventive dental care are...
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...Dictionary, a dental hygienist is a licensed dental professional who cleans and examines teeth. However, in my eyes a dental hygienist is much more than that. A dental hygienist is a teacher, more the less a friend. A friend who inspires you to be the best you can, and choose the right choices when it comes to oral health. Our smile is what defines us; it is the first thing we notice about each other. Smiling should be contagious! I want my patients to be able to benefit from me, in being self-confident about whom they are, and not be anxious to smile. I did not always want to be a dental hygienist. When I was younger, I fantasized of becoming a veterinarian, and later decided on being an Optometrist instead. It wasn’t until I graduated high school and started working in a dental clinic, that I soon fell in love with the atmosphere. I knew right away what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. One of the reasons I have chosen dental hygiene as a career path is because I want to be able to give back to the Chickasaw Nation. I am Native American and have received multiple scholarships for school, and would like to work for the nation in the future. I want to educate my fellow natives about proper dental care, and become a care giver who can be trusted. By working...
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...For my job shadowing I chose to job shadow a dental hygienist. My job shadow took place at Always Gentle Dental in Dearborn. I learned a lot from this experience it was very valuable and educational. Always Gentle Dental is a very quiet and friendly facility. The typical work day and specific skills that are required for being a dental hygienist are taking x-rays, cleaning, and taking notes of the patient’s teeth. The tasks seemed fairly easy there is not much labor involved. I really enjoyed my job shadow experience, but overall I what I liked the most about my job shadow was that everyone was very friendly and helpful; they answered all my questions thoroughly and thoughtfully. On the other hand the only thing that I didn't...
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