Dental Hygiene
Table of Contents
Overview
A program that prepares individuals to clean teeth and apply preventive materials, provide oral health education and treatment counseling to patients, identify oral pathologies and injuries, and manage dental hygiene practices. Includes instruction in dental anatomy, microbiology, and pathology; dental hygiene theory and techniques; cleaning equipment operation and maintenance; dental materials; radiology; patient education and counseling; office management; supervised clinical training; and professional standards.
Oral health is tied to an individual’s well-being. Understanding the importance of oral hygiene is essential for healthy teeth and gums. But that’s not all. Gum disease and tooth decay are associated with increased risks for health problems in other parts of the body.
Dental hygienist majors learn how to perform routine oral checkups, assess for disease, and provide education on preventive measures. Dental hygiene is an evolving field with advanced technologies. Small x-ray sensors and needle-free anesthesia are a couple of ways in which dental hygienists use technology to improve patient care and comfort.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Medical Microbiology
- Nutrition
- Oral Health
- Dental Pharmacology
- Histology
Working in dentistry is a challenging, rewarding field. As a hygienist, you can pursue the following jobs in clinical settings, administration, research, and education.
- Research
- Education
- Management
Before you immerse yourself in your dental hygiene courses, be aware that you also need to complete foundational courses such as English, math, and science. Meet with your academic advisor to be sure you’re meeting the requirements for your degree. An internship isn’t required. But doing internships will provide insight into the practice of dental hygiene in a variety of settings, including rural communities or nursing homes.
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