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The Evolving Role of Dental Hygienists and Patient-Centered Care By Annette Arevalos, RDH

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The Evolving Role of Dental Hygienists and Patient-Centered Care

by Annette Arevalos, RDH

In recent years, dental hygienists have transformed their approaches to prioritizing patient comfort and education, resulting in stronger patient-provider relationships and improved oral health outcomes. Now, with patient-centered care at the forefront of dentistry, hygienists must be able to adapt and respond to each patient's unique needs, preferences and circumstances to ensure personalized treatment plans, which leads to building long lasting patient relationships and trusting referrals of family and friends.


Prioritizing patient care and comfort
Modern dentistry techniques and technology allow us to treat overall patient health, not just oral health. By diagnosing and treating issues early, we can improve quality of life, enabling patients to eat better and alleviate potential fear of dental visits. There are a number of benefits to prioritizing patient care, including:

  • Reducing anxiety and fear.
  • Building trust.
  • Promoting regular dental visits.
  • Increasing treatment efficiency.
  • Preventing potential health issues.
  • Supporting comprehensive care.
  • Minimizing pain and discomfort.
  • Improving compliance and cooperation.
As a hygienist, it’s important to build trust with patients to establish a relationship and help eliminate the fear of going to the dentist. A typical appointment begins with a conversation while the patient is still seated upright. This initial face-to-face interaction helps us understand their comfort levels, concerns and goals. It’s essential to treat each patient as an individual, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. This personalized care helps establish trust and familiarity, making the entire dental experience more comfortable.

For example, I had a new patient who mentioned she always needed numbing for hygiene visits. I took the time to identify and address the source of the problem, rather than merely numbing her every time, and by doing this, we improved her oral health and overall dental experience. She had always needed anesthetic at her previous practice because she had an active infection, but I was able to properly address the infection and provided the patient tips for improved home care so she could maintain what I’d performed in the office. Now, she no longer dreads her appointments, enjoys coming to the dentist and numbing is no longer required!

When patients feel comfortable, they’re more likely to visit us more regularly, which helps with preventive care by reducing the risk of developing serious dental issues. It also allows us to identify early signs of dental problems such as cavities, gum disease and oral cancer. Early detection allows for timely intervention, preventing minor issues from becoming major problems.


The importance of patient education
Education plays a vital role in patient care. I often use diagrams and pictures to explain conditions and treatments, because visuals are easier for patients to understand. This method helps them grasp the importance of dental care and what can happen if issues are left untreated.

For example, if I don’t happen to have my little book of pictures on me, I will use my sleeve to show an analogy of the pocket area I’ll be cleaning. I explain that the space between my arm and sleeve is where I’ll clean, and the inside of my sleeve is the gum where we’ll be using the Gemini laser. Making information relatable and using everyday analogies ensures patients feel comfortable and not judged for being unfamiliar with dental industry language.

This zero-judgment approach fosters trust and encourages patients to follow their dental care plans. It’s important for patients to realize that we are all human and are not perfect— sometimes even people in the dentistry industry don’t floss every day, and that’s OK. The more we can relate and connect with patients, the easier it will be to build trust.


Ongoing education and training
Continuous education and training are crucial for dental hygienists to stay ahead of advancements in the field. This commitment to learning allows us to provide high-quality care and take on roles beyond the clinical setting, further contributing to public health services. It also enhances your professional credibility because it demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning and advancement in the field.

At Dee for Dentist, the practice I work at, we prioritize furthering our education, whether through courses recommended by the practice or personal initiatives. For example, I focus on continuing education courses that advance my career in leadership and clinical settings. This dedication to learning ensures we can offer the best possible care to our patients. It also provides valuable opportunities for dental hygienists to network with peers, share knowledge and collaborate on best practices.

Being informed about the latest technology and techniques enables us to treat more patients effectively. Education is not just about improving our skills but also about spreading knowledge. Many people are only aware of what they know about dental care, and as hygienists, we have the opportunity to educate a broader audience, enhancing overall oral and systemic health.

By prioritizing patient comfort and education, along with continuous learning, dental hygienists have the power to transform patient dental experiences. Staying informed and connecting with patients on a personal level can reduce anxiety, build trust, promote regular visits, and increase treatment efficiency, ultimately preventing potential health issues and enhancing quality of life for patients.

 

Author Bio
Arevalos_Annette Annette Arevalos is a dental hygienist at Dee for Dentist, a Las Vegas-based family practice that provides state-of-the-art digital dentistry by embracing the latest technology along with traditional dental services to promote the long-term oral health of every patient.
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The Evolving Role of Dental Hygienists and Patient-Centered Care
The Evolving Role of Dental Hygienists and Patient-Centered Care
By Annette Arevalos, RDH
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