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Short Commentary: Words of Wisdom for the New Grad

Words of Wisdom for New Grads

Townie RDH83 started a discussion that asked experienced hygienists for their pearls of wisdom for new graduates. Here are some of the very helpful suggestions:

  • That license you have worked so hard for is a license to learn.

  • Money isn’t everything when it comes to job selection. Take into account the practice philosophy, office culture, job responsibilities, people and the entire benefit package.

  • Take care of your body: yoga, Pilates, physical therapy – something that addresses core strength. Don’t wait for it to hurt. Always watch your posture.

  • Never surprise your boss with a radiographic finding in front of a patient.

  • Take as much (and as varied) CE courses as you possibly can.

  • Be a team player. Go out of your way to help out other team members and thank them when they help you.

  • Know that it’s always OK to admit that you don’t know something and ask for help.

  • Have a circle of RDH friends to discuss issues with.

  • Enjoy each patient and each encounter. Use the time to make an appointment as pleasant as it can be.

  • Give your employer and co-workers compliments when they do something well.

  • Learn, grow, enjoy! It’s a wonderful profession with lots of possibilities and experiences to savor.

  • Liberally lace patient conversations with what you’ve learned from continuing education. It gives them more confidence in your abilities. Buy tapes and CDs of CE meetings and listen when you have time – like driving to and from work.

  • Always keep compassion for your patients a priority. Treat them the way you would want someone to treat a member of your own family.

  • Record personal notes about each patient. That way, you’ll start to know more about them and can recall info at future appointments (weddings, babies, what they do for work, anything you find interesting) and the more you talk to them about them, the more comfortable they feel with you.

  • Love what you do and your patients will notice. Don’t become a polish queen! Tell patients why they need to floss and they will listen and respect you.

  • Say nice things about everyone and never say anything bad about anyone unless you are speaking to the person directly and with kindness.

  • Breathe!

  • Invest in loupes today!

  • Always, ask why? Question everything and don’t settle for, “That’s just the way we do it.” Don’t settle on mediocrity; instead ask, “How can this be done better?”

  • Invest in an ergonomic stool for yourself, always have good posture and you’ll avoid spinal surgery later.

  • Be self-managing and do your job without being asked. Make yourself invaluable to the dentist.

  • If you are in a place where you just don’t fit, move on! Don’t give up on the profession because of a bad office.

  • Be open-minded. Be flexible in heart and mind. Hygiene is a way of life, not just a career!

  • Be true to yourself and always follow your gut by following that little voice of intuition. It’s a gift!

  • Take care of yourself, physically, emotionally and spiritually – every day!

  • School is nothing like the “real” world! The real world is much more fun!

  • Never compromise your ethics!

  • Set goals for the day, for the month, and for the year. This could be anything from learning/researching topics to furthering your education. Keep things fresh and keep learning.

  • Have fun! School is over and no one is standing over your shoulder anymore. Be proud of what you have achieved. Don’t be afraid to show off what you know. Get to know your patients and your days will fly by.

  • Make each patient feel special.

  • You cannot stress to the patient enough about cancer screenings.

  • Purchase disability insurance.

  • Keep your mind sharp and your instruments sharper.

  • Join and support your professional organizations! For more tips: www.hygienetown.com/MessageBoard/thread.aspx?s=3&f=422&t=68684
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