Sejal Patel, dental hygienist and 2024 Dentistry Award winner, explains why hygienists do much more to improve outcomes, reduce costs and increase access in dentistry.
Hygienists are going to be imperative to the future of dentistry: indispensable in terms of prevention, access and demand for oral health. Hygienists contribute to a reduction in oral disease and lower overall healthcare costs through routine cleanings and application of fluoride treatments to patients, as well as education on proper oral hygiene practices.
With the healthcare system trending toward one that is more preventive and efficient, dental hygienists are playing expanded roles, including working in under-served areas and, quite possibly, performing more advanced procedures.
In the same manner, their participation in teledentistry and wellness programs further places them in a strategic position to make access to dental care more available and affordable for patients. Many hygienist engage in community outreach programs and school visits promoting oral health awareness.
With new technologies and evolving regulations, this allows hygienists to grow professionally. Many are taking steps to advance their careers, like specialising in areas like periodontics or paediatric dentistry, or roles in education and public health.
The Dentistry Awards
The Dentistry Awards celebrate excellence in dental practice, recognising dental professionals for their achievements and advancements.
For more information on all of our awards, visit www.dentistry.co.uk/awards.
Rising recognition of dental hygienists
Over recent years, greater appreciation has developed for dental hygienists. With the nature of healthcare taking a more preventive and holistic turn, hygienists are commanding more respect for the vital role they fill within oral health and patient care.
As research has continued to uncover the strong connection between oral health and general health, the work of dental hygienists in the prevention of oral diseases, patient education, and oral hygiene promotion has gained greater recognition.
The modern hygienist meets the challenge, especially with the demand for dental care and access, since hygienists do much more to improve outcomes, reduce costs and increase access. This wider recognition of skills and value in the healthcare system has resulted in the rise of status within the profession.
Making a difference
Dentistry being one of the rapidly developing healthcare specialties, a dental hygienist is indeed a rewarding role. It is a job that gives me the opportunity to make tangible, positive improvements in patients’ health and their confidence.
‘During the last few years, patients have been appreciative of what dental hygienists do with an increased emphasis on prevention, public health awareness and even the expanded functions of hygienists’
I can establish valuable relations with my patients by helping them maintain healthy oral hygiene to prevent serious conditions. Since it is prevention-oriented, it is a very satisfying job, and there is great variety in the tasks, which keeps things interesting. There is also much autonomy in the work and hence empowering.
However, this career is also flexible, allowing excellent work-life balance, and continuing professional learning. It takes time and patience to build that trust and rapport. I find it satisfying to see results in knowing that I help to make a difference in the quality of people’s lives.
During the last few years, patients have been appreciative of what dental hygienists do with an increased emphasis on prevention, public health awareness and even the expanded functions of hygienists. Dental hygienists are able to carry out treatment for patients as part of a team.
Continuous patient education required
Directly or under a written treatment plan from a dentist. And now Human Medicines Regulations 2024 came into force on 26 June 2024 to allow dental hygienists and dental therapists to supply and administer specified prescription – only medicines without the need for a prescription (or patient-specific direction or patient group direction). This allows patients to access dental hygienists without seeing a dentist – this way they are still been looked after.
More patients now realise that hygienists do more than clean teeth: they are concerned with finding health problems, they treat with sealants and fluoride, and they invest in a patient’s overall health management.
Yet, there’s still work to be done as many patients still may not have heard of dental hygienists or may simply think of hygienists as nurses who cleans teeth without understanding the broader scope of our role.
Continuous education and advocacy are very much required for awareness so that the patients appreciate the gamut of services provided by hygienists.
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