13. They may need to educate others about what they can do
There are many people who do not understand what the role of a dental hygienist encompasses. Receptionists, office managers, patients and even some dentists may have to be educated. They do not mean to offend when they misunderstand the scope of the job, but they do need to be informed. Informing people requires patience, showing practical skills and demonstrating academic knowledge.
It is not uncommon for dental hygienists to end up in practices where the periodontal infection is still being treated with the same strategies and technology that was being used five or ten years ago. Many things have changed, and better tools, better science, and knowledge about the serious health risks of the oral-systemic link have made the job of the dental hygienist much more comprehensive. A dental hygienist can have an important role in helping to achieve higher acceptance from patients for periodontal procedures and incorporate new technology to serve patients better. When the role of the dental hygienist is maximized, the whole practice can benefit.
The role of hygienists has evolved greatly over time, but one component that has not changed that much is that they have been required to work under the supervision or assignment of a dentist. Currently, they work under varying levels of supervision as determined by the licensing state. Based on previous research, it is evident that dental students and dental hygiene students are not fully aware of each other’s scope of access.
The U.S. is currently experiencing an oral health care crisis, and many different strategies have been suggested to cope with it. Dental hygienists can play an important role in preventative oral care which offers one solution for addressing the crisis in specific populations. A number of states have already adopted policies that allow dental hygienists to give oral health care to underserved populations. They can do this without a dentist’s assignment.