The Secret Lives of Dental Hygienists |
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May 15, 2007
by Joe Cooper
Healthcare Programs Columnist
A dental hygienist just cleans your teeth before the dentist comes, right? Actually, they do a lot more than that. Poor dental hygiene and periodontal disease have been linked to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Students at dental hygiene schools not only learn how to remove the harmful bacteria that can cause periodontal disease, but they also serve as oral health ambassadors by teaching patients and community members about proper hygiene.
Healthy Prevention
The most fundamental concept of dental hygiene is prevention. Good dental hygiene can prevent a whole host of dental problems, including cavities, gingivitis, tooth decay, and even eventual tooth replacement. There is no substitute for healthy teeth because, unlike hair or fingernails, they don't grow back.
The Benefits of Good Dental Hygiene
Keeping teeth white isn't the only benefit of good dental hygiene. Healthy teeth also give you:
- Better breath
- Improved digestion
- Prevention against painful (and costly) future dental problems
- Increased self-esteem
Helping the Mouths of Others
Students in dental hygiene degree programs often participate in community programs by bringing their knowledge to economically depressed areas that may lack access to, or funding for, quality dental care. They also provide free tooth care tools like toothbrushes, floss, and fluoride to help residents prevent dental decay.
Another part of the dental hygienist curriculum is learning how to identify social groups that are predisposed to dental problems, like the poor, the elderly, and immigrant communities. One dental school in Connecticut targeted key areas around the school where they would focus their efforts, and then dental hygiene students visited these communities to provide free education and materials. They received academic credit while doing something positive for the surrounding communities.
A Dental Hygienist Career
Professionals who graduate with a dental hygiene degree are poised for busy and stable careers. The growth in healthcare will provide consistency of work, and the median hourly wage for dental hygienists was over $28 two years ago (well above the national average). Not bad for a career making sure the world keeps their mouths healthy.
Sources:
About the Author
Joe Cooper is a freelance education and technology writer and edits medical literature. He holds a bachelor's in American Literature from UCLA.
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