Note from a dental hygienist....

Good question. Here's how I became a hygienist and why I still love looking at teeth.

When I went to college, my plan was to be a nurse. Our first assignment with real patients was at the local VA hospital. Oh my...what an eye opener! That first day, I saw things no 20 year old girl should ever see...

I graduated from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in 1985 and have been looking at teeth ever since.

Early in my careeer, clients complained to me about hygienists being too rough or lecturing them too much. Of course, I never wanted to be a mean hygienist so I always tried to tread lightly...too lightly. I got the reputation of being the nicest, most gentle hygienist in the office. People loved me and I was happy:)

After a few years of trying to be the nicest dental hygienist, my focus shifted. I still wanted to be nice and gentle but also wanted to do more to help my clients improve their health.....That's the point right?

I got better at gently telling them (not lecturing) when they needed to step up their game. After all, it was important for them to know the true condition of their teeth and gums and my job to tell them.

And guess what?

Now I had a different problem.... there is too much to tell. And so much to do in the hour I have with them.

Let's face it...a dental appointment is not the most ideal setting for you to gather information. Your dental hygienist can give you bits and pieces but never the whole story.

So, this website has a lot of good information that you may not have heard because there is never enough time to tell you. I wrote it with you in mind....My client, who I love and want to help.....gently but firmly.

I hope you find something helpful here. You can relax and enjoy it. There's no one leaning over you with sharp instruments asking you a million questions:)

Thanks for visiting. Check back every now and then..... when I'm not looking at teeth, I will be busy adding new articles.

~Shelly~

thank-you for reading a note from a dental hygienist. Click here for "why I love brushing teeth"

Click here to return to gum-disease-cure home page