Dental Hygienist Careers - A Personal Narrative

I have been a hygienist for two years now. I clean teeth and do very basic dental surgery.

Some people may not understand what a dental hygienist is for. Well, for the word hygienist itself, it means sanitation. So I, among others, help you take care of yourself better. Being a hygienist is one of the most interesting professions anyone could ever take. Let me tell you my own personal experience in this field.

One day, I met this sweet old woman. "My daughter suggested I go to a dental hygienist," she smiled with a toothy smile; all teeth in tact (or maybe dentures). "I know what you are thinking dear," she smiled knowingly; "they are all real."

I smiled back.

It's amazing to know that there are still some old people who have strong and healthy teeth. "Ma'am, you know how to take care of your teeth well," I said admiringly. "You always brush your teeth three times a day?"

"Of course, I also floss and gargle and I take some calcium supplements, too." She replied.

"That's great. You really know your dental hygiene. Now, what would you want me to do for you today?"

"Well, dear, my teeth aren't as perfect as they look from the outside. I got some fillings here are there because I used to have a sweet tooth. After I got a severe toothache a long time ago, I started thinking about my teeth and how I should take care of them because I was really cranky whenever I get a toothache." She said, "A few days ago, I tried to crack this nut open and my filling got loose. Now, I need one of it replaced."

"Alright, don't you worry about it? Do any of your teeth hurt?" I asked.

"Never in decades my dear..." She answered.

"That's good. Now let's get started with your filling." I asked.

"Will that hurt? It's been a long time since I got my tooth filled."

"Not at all. It would be as smooth as silk and you won't even feel anything. Now, after I have fixed your teeth. You have to take care of them extra carefully now, alright?" I said and after less than twenty minutes, I got her tooth filled.

"Ma'am, your teeth needs prophylaxis."

"What is that?"

"It is a method of cleaning your teeth." I explained and showed her a short video about it as I explained further, "I will be treating your teeth so that I could remove some plaque and tartar."

"Alright, do whatever you think would be best for my teeth. I would appreciate that"

After I was done with the procedure, I gave her a brochure and I then explained to her what are the usual causes why fillings would get loose and what she should do to keep her fillings last longer. Mrs. Norbeck, my patient, was a very responsive woman. She nods in response and asks questions when she needs to get things clarified. Even at her age she still manages to keep most of her teeth well. I wish that all people would take the time to think about their oral hygiene just like Mrs. Norbeck.