By Rebecca Claunch, RDH
Daily challenges in dental hygiene are numerous and varied. With that in mind, be aware that dental hygienists are expected to do more, know more, and perform at a level that is frequently not consistent with pay or appreciation.For many hygienists, a developing trend appears as a continual effort by dentists and staff to marginalize the dental hygienist’s abilities and knowledge. Despite ever-increasing educational and licensure standards, it seems apparent the dental hygienist has been developed into the “cash cow” for the dental office. Packing as many patients as possible into the daily schedule for the hygienist to treat is the goal of many office staff and dentists. Treating patient after patient without assistance should be acknowledged as an extremely difficult task. Dental hygienists work independently every day, utilizing a dental hygiene education, critical thinking, and skills attained through rigorous training and preparation.As dental hygiene becomes more complicated, and as information and technology move forward at rapid rates, the stress related to treating patients in this environment is immense. New advances and technology continue to explode on the horizon for dental hygiene. Unfortunately, many mainstream practitioners will wait years before seeing any of these. Tight budget controls in the “hygiene department” of numerous dental offices often leave hygienists working in subpar conditions, striving to provide the best treatment possible using whatever means are available.Expected to perform at the highest level, day in and day out, hour by hour (sometimes without a break), while enduring constant demands to meet or exceed unrealistic goals, is cause for a dental hygiene meltdown. The attempt to treat large numbers of patients promptly and efficiently finally takes its toll, triggering a large number of hygienists to burn out quickly and experience despair. When restrained from the ability to work within boundaries, ethics and professional standards, the dental hygienist begins to question why she/he attained a degree and a license to practice this profession.The means of “checking” patients allows the dentist to come in at the end of the hygiene appointment to perform an exam, therefore supporting the illusion that he/she is there to test the hygienist after each appointment. This scenario fuels the mind-set that the dentist is there to “check the hygienist’s work,” as if the hygienist is not a proficient healthcare professional capable of treating patients competently. Circumstances like this promote depression while low morale creeps in slowly, taking down the most exuberant professional. Placing the dental hygienist in these situations should be considered as the foundation for encouraging a swift exit from this profession, occasionally creating a shortage in the dental hygiene workforce. As dental hygienists, we must learn the most efficient means to provide income for ourselves and our practices, while providing excellent care and maintaining the value of the dental hygiene profession. Respect toward dental hygienists is advanced through communication and involvement in the decision-making process concerning the delivery of care. An enhanced level of professional recognition may well benefit this demanding profession by promoting newfound enthusiasm and passion for the continued practice of dental hygiene.
Rebecca Claunch, RDH, graduated from University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Dentistry, Division of Dental Hygiene in 1982. She is currently working as a sales executive for Redpoint Corp. Ms. Claunch continues her education through UMKC School of Dentistry, Division of Dental Hygiene, completing her Bachelor of Science degree with plans to pursue a Masters Degree. She is an advocate for distance education and degree completion.
