Tag Archives: Hygiene

Why I became a Dental Hygienist

I often get asked by my patients, “why did you want to be a hygienist?”. So I thought about it and here are my reasons.
My favourite subject at school was always biology. I originally thought I’d be a Nurse like my mum. But all my school life I wanted to join the police force, so I joined the police cadets at sixteen, then the special constabulary at nineteen for two years. It was then that I realised that it’s wasn’t for me.
My first job from leaving school was a dental nurse and I loved it. My boss, at the time asked why I didn’t go and train to become a dental hygienist. So I went to the Eastman Dental Institute and qualified in 1995.
I love my job. Everyday is different. The interest comes from the fact that the needs and desires of every patient differs, so my approach is always varied.
I enjoy the challenge of motivating my patients. To make small changes in their daily routine that make huge differences. I find it so satisfying providing patients with a gentle but thorough clean leaving them feeling refreshed and healthy.
I enjoy the skill my job entails, the precision of effective calculus and plaque removal using an array of different shaped scalers.
The job can, at times, be quite stressful with the time pressures and the intense concentration that is required for many hours in such a small area. But generally my days are full of wonderful people, all very different, with whom I build such a rapport, I never get bored.
As long as my hands keep working I will carry on saving people’s teeth through up to date advice, hard work and motivation. Motivation is key.
I constantly read many dental publications and attend workshops and training courses to make sure I’m carrying out my job to the best of my ability.

Not just the cleaning lady

“Not just the cleaning lady”
 
There are many people who avoid seeing the hygienist as they find it a rather painful experience and often feel like they’re being told off!!
 
Here at the high street dental practice, we endeavour to provide a thorough but gentle clean, and treat our members how we’d like to be treated ourselves.
 
Gone are the days of being lectured at. It’s important to us to find out what’s important to you, and what YOU want to get out of your visits to the hygienist.
 
No longer is a “scale and polish” just a cosmetic procedure. There are now strong links between gum disease, diabetes and heart disease.
Bleeding gums are the first sign of trouble and shouldn’t be ignored. Bleeding is a sign of an underlying chronic infection or inflammation, it’s your body showing you that there is something is wrong.
 
If your gums bleed when you clean your teeth, then please come in and see one of our hygienists. We can work together on providing you with an oral care routine that is convenient and suits YOU.
 
So no lectures….. I promise!!!
Hope to see you soon
 
Gentle Jules
Hygienist at The High Street Dental Practice