...decided 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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...moment I knew exactly how important it is to have a back up patient. I did not get to see what was happening during the examination time since most of the time I was in front office. I tried to go back to help out. However, I did hear that some clinicians did not have the correct set up because they thought everything was in the cassette when they sterilized it. There is no room for “thought” at an exam. It’s crucial to follow directions given by the instructors. Check, double check, triple check everything. Some forms were not filled out correctly according to the criteria so the patients got rejected. There were specifics about probing the exact quadrant that you are going to scale, not the entire mouth. They had to complete dental charting as well in that quadrant. At the end, all of the data would be calibrated. It was interesting to see all the patients having assigned numbers instead of their names. I enjoyed being a part of the Mock Board. At least I got a feel for some do’s and don’t on such an important day which can significantly reduce stress...
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...Eng 112-online | A Mandatory Oath Within the Dental Field | Persuasive Final Essay | | AnnaMarie Lopez | 6/17/2010 | A Mandatory Oath Within the Dental Field The Health Care profession is a rapidly growing industry with the dental field as a major part. It is often difficult to select a personal dental office from the many that are available based not only on skill, but honesty and integrity from the entire staff. All dental professionals should be required to take an oath of ethics and professionalism to ensure this professionalism. This can be beneficial for several reasons, but most importantly, to allow patients to feel more comfortable and confident in the choice they have made to entrust a dental office. Patient care should always be the main focus of any practice. Many staff members throughout the dental office are responsible for providing this. Most offices consist not only of a Dentist, but also an assistant who is commonly referred to as an RDA, CDA or DA. These vary from Registered Dental Assistant, to Certified Dental Assistant to Dental Assistant and differ based upon allowable duties or functions they are able to perform. To become “registered” or “certified”, successful completion of an exam is required, however an oath is not. These assistants often work directly with the patients just as much as the dentist, if not more. To ensure assistants also maintain patient care as a priority, the requirement...
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...Dental X-Rays More Than Just a Picture Mary Elise Golowic Wayne County Community College District – DEN 100 Abstract Many dental instruments used today are similar or identical to the day they were created, although it is not the case with the diagnostic tool used by dentists known as oral radiographs or dental x-rays. This paper will explore what a diagnostic radiograph is, how the x-ray is performed, how it provides dental professionals an aid in the finding of cavities, abscess and infection under tissue prior to having the ability to see it with the naked eye saving the patient time, money and possible pain, also with touching on how today’s technology has improved the dental professionals ability to detect many abnormalities from bone loss to tumors by using the ability to view medical issues prior to physical or visual signs are present (ADA 2014). Today, x-rays have become state of the art; occlusal radiographs, panoramic and intraoral views, or even the newer digital x-rays have become valuable tools in the care and treatment of dental health. Dental X-Rays More Than Just a Picture Diagnostic radiographs or dental x-rays, are a type of image of the teeth and mouth that are used to diagnose or treat patients by recording images of the internal structures in order to assess whether or not there is disease, foreign objects, or structural damage. X-rays are a form of high energy, electromagnetic, radiation that can penetrate the body to form an image on film. Structures...
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...New Dental Patient X-rays: Need and Necessity June 24, 2014 PROCESS MONITORED The Quality Assessment Study will be monitoring the process of obtaining a new dental patient’s previous x-ray history before their initial appointment. The study was performed in an established general dentistry practice, involving the dental hygienist, the dentist, and the office administration staff. Prior to the study the dental practice rarely asked a new patient if they had had previous dental x-rays. When the patient arrived for their initial appointment with the dental hygienist she would ask the patient about previous x-rays while gathering other health and dental information. If the patient thought that they had x-rays within the last five years the hygienist would have to obtain the previous dentists name and phone number and call them herself or have another staff member call and find out when the x-rays had been taken. In general, a full set (18 individual x-rays), an FMX, is taken every 5 years, and set of bitewings, BWX, (2 or 4 individual x-rays/depending on the age of the patient) are taken once a year, and a panorex is taken when needed for oral surgery purposes (wisdom teeth), orthodontics, trauma, or for other diagnostic needs. The previous process wasted not only the dental hygienists time, but the patients and the dental practices time as well. This process also made the practice seem somewhat unorganized. Dental x-rays are a vital part of a patient’s...
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...Dental Caries Historical Timeline �� 2500 B.C.—Chinese—little white worms with black spots on heads caused decay �� 350 B.C Aristotle, et. al., figs and sweets caused decay �� 1819—Livei Parmly linked bacteria to decay created by a combination of lodged food and an “active poison which causes teeth to corrode.” • 1840—John Tomes—heat and moisture caused decomposition in the mouth �� 1881—Miles & Underwood—germs secreted acid that led to decay �� 1889—W.D. Miller— chemico-parasitic theory— carbohydrate retention + acidogenic bacteria 1938—H. Trendley Dean links fluoride to caries reduction �� 1955—Crest develops first fluoridated toothpaste �� 1990s—water fluoridation celebrates 50 years Dental caries is an infectious, CHRONIC , multifactorial disease caused by bacteria that is characterized by the destruction of enamel from acids leaving behind a preliminary “white spot lesion.” �� This process continues until the more organic, inner dental tissues are destroyed. D/W gives definitions of different types of caries. Caries Process �� Begins in the enamel and progresses through to the subsequent tooth layers in a triangular pattern until it reaches the pulp. Tooth cavitation = a carious lesion �� Lesions appear radiolucent on radiographs. Incipient lesions usually appear in the interproximal areas and can be arrested through proper home care or fluoride treatments. Zones of Demineralization �� Zone 1—destruction—caries from enamel surface into...
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...Dental hygiene is something that I take particularly serious, seeing as my parents spent their hard earned money to make my smile as healthy and as beautiful as possible. The decision to become a dental hygienist stemmed from all the years of dental check ups, braces, and constant reminders from my mother to brush my teeth. A dental hygienist is not a dentist, but really just a dental assistant with a longer chore list; they are the people you see before the dentist who clean your teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases, and provide for other preventive dental care. The decision to become a dental hygienist came about through a familial influence; and I suppose the thought of making close to 72 thousand dollars a year is not a defeating...
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...Dental Assistant/Hygienist * The kids will spend majority of their time with us * Make them feel comfortable/relaxed to get their best attention * Demonstrate the most efficient techniques for brushing and flossing (Our own activities:1) foam with playdough and string (demonstrates flossing) 2) model of brushing off decay and leaving healthy foods (demonstrates brushing and making healthy food choices) * Explain to them why it is important to prevent decay (show them real pictures of black rotten teeth) (Activity 3: playdough and marshmallow) As a dental hygienist, I tr As a dental hygienist, I am responsible for more than just "cleaning teeth". I will typically perform a “hygiene check” and evaluate each child’s mouth for areas that need improvement. I'm the health provider that your kids will be interacting with the most (even more than the dentist). I work incredibly well with children making their visit not only comfortable but also fun! I believe if you connect with children at a young age, dental problems cannot only be treated, but can be prevented by using dental education as a tool. Educating children how to effectively brush and floss or even choosing healthy foods can dramatically change to your child’s smile! Above all else, the hygienist is a coach helping to instill lifelong healthy habits! By connecting with children at a young age dental problems cannot only be treated, but kids will be given knowledge as a preventative tool...
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...College Writing 101 Jessica Whipple What are the factors that make dental hygiene important. (The invention of the tooth brush and diseases.) Your teeth are one of the many beauties of the human body; they come in all shapes, sizes, and even curves. Now you may ask what effects teeth have on humans besides beauty, well, there are many. They are what is essential for us to survive and to obtain nutrients, in order for our bodies to function daily, so it is very necessary that we care for them in the most special way, first lets take you into how the care for teeth got to where it is today. Before there was the invention of the toothbrush, people used rough cloth and chalk to rub across their teeth and even sometimes with the addition of products like salt and powder. The ancient Chinese would chew on twigs with a special flavor to freshen their breath. The ancient Greeks and Romans used crushed bones and oyster shells to clean their teeth with. But then, along came the invention of the tooth brush by the ancient Chinese, they cut open pigs and used the pieces of their neck to assemble what they called bristles to begin cleaning their beauties. Many years after, a man named William Addis was thrown into jail for starting a riot, since he wanted to stay fresh, he used his time to think of ways to stay on top of things, what he did was carve a bone handle, drill holes into it, and inserted boar bristles, that were held in place by wires. His contraption was very well known...
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...Since its origin, dental hygiene career has used research to understand the relationship between oral care, education and the health of the public. Thanks to research, dental hygienist were able to advance and become an oral health provider by presenting documentation of the social value of the service they deliver to the population in general. For many years, the information used to guide the discipline of dental hygiene was provided by studies done by other professionals such as dentists, nurses, and social workers. However, dental hygiene research started after seeing the need to conduct research from a dental hygiene conceptual point of view. Since then research findings have contribute to the expanding perspective of dental hygiene,...
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...Dental amalgam, a restorative material that contains a mixture of mercury, silver, copper and tin, has been controversial throughout the years questioning its safety. The main concern is the level of mercury and its potential toxicity (Osbourne). By eliminating it from this office and becoming “amalgam-free”, may not be the best decision for our patients. Amalgam has many advantages over other restorative materials and should remain an option for patients when having restorative work done. Amalgam has many benefits such as its durability, long lasting, and is cost effective (ADA). One disadvantage to amalgam restorations is that they are not natural looking like composites. Composites may seem like a great option because they are tooth-colored, but they have a shorter life span as an amalgam and are generally more expensive. Composite material does not expand and contract like tooth structure, it often contracts causing micro leakage and eventually, recurrent decay. Amalgams, however, tend to expand while in the mouth, sealing the edges and helping prevent recurrent decay from happening (Stewart). Keeping amalgam in the office can help the business in many positive ways. Restorations will be done quicker, which can allow for more patients. In this case, the patient and the office both benefit. Another example of how keeping amalgams can help is by satisfying the patient with a long lasting restoration, along with it being at a reasonable price. The office may not...
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...Dental Hygienist #2 Oh my goodness, you all know that we have been undergoing a massive overhaul of our practice and that we are hoping to come back with a full team of individuals that are looking to assist you in your dental needs. Don’t forget, upon our reopening, you will be able to meet our newest Dental Hygienist, Nishtha Dhir. She has worked hard to become an expert in her field and is excited to see you in the office. Dental Hygienist #3 Hey All!! I know, you are ready to get back into these dental chairs for your everyday care and cleansing needs. Worry not, we are soon to be reopened and you will be greeted by our newest Dental Hygienist, Nishtha Dhir. We introduced you to Nishtha Dhir a bit earlier in the month, however, if you’ve yet to...
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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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...Although there are many different career paths, the dental hygiene field suits me best. A dental hygienist is a very important member of the dental field. They are compassionate and love to help others with preventative oral care. From a very young age and with frequent visits to the dentist I learned how important oral care is and what the consequences of not taking proper care of your teeth can carry. I have learned those consequences from personal experience. I love knowing my career will have a positive impact in the lives of many people. Furthermore, as a dental hygienist there are flexible schedules which will make it easy to help others and still have time for family. I will strive to be the best in the dental hygiene field as I can be. I grew up in a family of six, three brothers and both parents. My parents both worked full-time jobs, making it hard for them to spend time with us. They did make it a big point to always take care of our teeth. My mom scheduled weekly visits to the dentist up until the age of fourteen. At that age I decided it wasn’t necessary to continue visits every six months and developed an infection that nearly cost me part of my jawbone. After weeks of treatment at the dental office and plenty of medication I was able to...
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...Although the history of the career is very important, the education and skills required will help decide if one is qualified for this profession. It takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental assistant. Dental assistants receive their formal education through academic programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes, universities or dental schools (“Dental Assistant Education and Training Required”). Certification is very simple as well, dental assistants can become certified by passing an exam that evaluates their knowledge of the profession. Dental assistants are eligible to take the CDA examination if they have completed a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation....
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