Spring is in the air! It’s time to celebrate…and not just because winter’s in our rearview mirror. Dental Hygienist Week is April 8 – 12, 2024, and we’re thrilled to honor the unsung heroes of TrueCare Dentistry — the hygienists who take care of our patients every single day.
It’s easy to think of dental hygienists as unsung heroes because on any given day, they’re quietly going about their jobs, taking x-rays, cleaning teeth, and filling the dentists in on anything that needs their attention. But just because they’re quietly taking care of all the little things doesn’t mean these healthcare professionals are not one of the most critical pieces in the dental care puzzle. They absolutely are!
And during the second week of April each year, we get to shine the spotlight on who they are and all they do, and they get to be the center of attention! Let’s talk about why dental hygienists are so significant and what you can do to celebrate them.
Why Are Dental Hygienists So Important?
Dr. Alfred Fones is the dentist we credit for establishing dental hygiene as a profession. He launched the first school for training hygienists and trained the first apprentice Irene Newman, who went on to become licensed in 1917. Her licensure established a precedent that continues to this day.
Fones believed in the prevention of diseases through good oral hygiene, and that’s why he was so persistent in raising up trained hygienists.
When patients come into our office, they experience hygienists walking with them through a routine dental appointment. For cleanings, that includes:
- X-rays
- A visual inspection of the teeth and gums
- The use of special tools to scrape plaque off the teeth
- Rinsing with water
- An inspection by one of the dentists
What patients may not know is that the work of hygienists doesn’t only prevent the buildup of bacteria — which in turn prevents tooth decay — but it also protects people from other diseases.
When Fones started training hygienists, he was looking at the bigger health picture and aiming for the prevention of disease in general.
We’ve written about the connection between oral health and heart health in a previous blog post. While experts say there’s not a direct link between decaying teeth, diseased gums, and heart disease, they’ve noticed a pattern in unhealthy people — they tend to have unhealthy teeth and gums. The pattern has to do with inflammation that increases when bad bacteria take over in the mouth. Increasing inflammation contributes to all kinds of other problems, including heart disease.
Cleveland Clinic lists some of the diseases that can result when someone doesn’t practice good oral hygiene:
- Cardiovascular diseases such as clogged arteries, strokes, and coronary artery disease
- Pneumonia
- Complications with pregnancies
- Stunted growth in kids
So, while it looks like dental hygienists are simply taking care of your teeth, they’re actually safeguarding your whole body. And that’s why the work they’re doing is so important. These healthcare professionals are keeping your smiles beautiful and playing a part in maintaining your overall well-being.
What You Might Not Know About How Hygienists Are Trained
The first licensed hygienist — Irene Newman — started working with Dr. Fones as an apprentice back in 1906. He taught her how to scale and polish teeth. Scaling is the process of removing built-up tartar and plaque, and hygienists still do that for their patients today.
Modern hygienists also attend classes in accredited dental hygiene programs. The classroom learning provides a foundation of knowledge, and students put it into practice in labs and clinical programs. One of the most common training programs is a dental hygiene associate degree, although some students may go on to get a bachelor’s or master’s.
When they finish all their classroom work, labs, and clinical studies, prospective hygienists have to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), an intensive written exam that assesses how well they understand anatomy, dental procedures, professional ethics, and more.
The entire process usually takes several years, so by the time you meet a dental hygienist for the first time, they’ve already had a significant amount of experience in the field.
How You Can Celebrate Your Dental Hygienist This Week
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate Dental Hygienist Week! They’re well-trained, caring healthcare professionals who help you keep your smile bright and keep your health on track.
So, how can you celebrate your hygienists?
Well, one of the best ways is to schedule a cleaning if it’s been a while since you’ve had one!
You can also:
- Drop by and say hi… with a card and a bouquet of fresh spring flowers in hand. In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, a handwritten card can be a breath of fresh air! And a bouquet of flowers can brighten up any office.
- Include a gift card to your hygienist’s favorite coffee shop. If you’re not sure where that is, pick a local dive close to the dental office, so they can easily use the card on the way to or from work.
- Leave a 5-star review online letting the world know how great your hygienists are!
- Treat the hygienists and other dental staff to snacks or a catered lunch. This is another simple way to let them know they’re doing a great job.
- Donate to a dental charity. If you know your hygienists’ favorite charity, why not give a donation in their honor? This is a thoughtful way to celebrate the work they do.
These are just a few simple ideas for celebrating Dental Hygienist Week and letting your hygienists know just how important they are to you.
If it’s been a while since you’ve had an appointment with your hygienist or you don’t have a dentist and hygienist you see regularly, reach out to the team at TrueCare Dentistry. We’re happy to introduce you to the hygienists keeping our patients smiling brightly and helping them stay healthy!
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