Alyson Chick Antonicelli
TITLE: Registered dental hygienist
YEARS IN FIELD: 20 plus
Q: Can you briefly describe what a dental hygienist does?
A: A dental hygienist is a licensed professional who specializes in preventive oral health. The most common procedures performed are routine cleanings (known as prophylaxis), scaling and root planing for patients with periodontal disease, taking of radiographs, applying dental sealants, administration of fluoride and providing instructions for proper oral hygiene and care.
Q: What do you like best about the work?
A: I love seeing my patients return for their six-month checkups. You build some great relationships when you’ve been at the same practice for a while and you take a sincere interest in their lives, not just their teeth.
Q: What is one of the most challenging aspects of the job?
A: On occasion, I will have a patient with a condition that just does not respond favorably, no matter what procedure I’ve tried or instructions I’ve given them. Usually there ends up being an underlying systemic condition that neither I nor the patient was aware of. Once we resolve that, it’s easier to plan the course of treatment and proceed.
Q: What type of education or training is necessary?
A: All dental hygienists must be licensed by the state in which they practice after completing a minimum of two years of training. They must also pass a written board as well as a clinical board exam. Licensed hygienists in Pennsylvania may administer local anesthetic (Novacaine) after completing 30 hours of training and receiving a special license from the State Board of Dentistry.
Q: What do you think is the most important thing for someone considering the field to know?
A: Not only must you have a real interest in biology, anatomy and physiology, but you must also be a good people person. You will be treating hundreds of people a year, many with dental phobias. It’s up to us to take care of them in a calm, professional manner. I want my patients to return for their checkups and be happy with the smile that they have.
Source: PennLive
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