How do you know if you’ve chosen the best dental hygienist near me? There are many factors to consider, but here are ten of the most important tips to keep in mind when looking for the right person to help you take care of your teeth and gums.
1) Don’t Just Choose a Dental Hygienist Near Me
You’re probably in need of a dental hygienist near me for one of two reasons: you have a cavity and need it filled, or you have gum disease. In both cases, don’t just choose a dental hygienist near me; do your research first. Not all dental hygienists near me are alike. The following 10 tips will help guide you toward choosing a good one that is right for you.
2) What Will I Be Paid to Be a Dental Hygienist?
So, you’ve decided to become a dental hygienist. Congratulations! Now that you’ve made your decision, your next step is to figure out what you will be paid. This is an important question to ask because it can have a huge impact on how much income you bring in over time. If you are like most people and do not want to work for free, then here are some tips for figuring out what dental hygienists near me earn each year.
3) The Importance of Gaining Experience
No matter what type of dental hygienist you become, gaining experience is vital to your success. Inexperienced hygienists are likely to provide poor service, which will end up discouraging patients from returning for their regular cleanings. So how do you gain experience? You can either volunteer at a community health center or apply for an entry-level position at a dental office. There’s no right or wrong way to gain experience—as long as you do it!
4) Consider the Office Hours
You may think your hygienist is just there to make sure you’re keeping your teeth clean and healthy, but they’re actually more like a dentist specialist. They know more about your oral health than you do, so don’t be afraid to ask them questions during your appointment. Plus, it never hurts to get a second opinion!
5) How Long is the Commute?
The closer your dental hygienist’s office is to home, work, or school, the more likely you are to schedule regular visits. Since time is money for most of us, it’s also a good idea to find out if there are any traffic delays around your dentist’s office that could make getting there difficult during peak hours. The fewer detours you have to take, and the faster you can get through them if they do occur, when traveling from one appointment to another means less time lost in your day. Of course, things like parking and distance aren’t always within your control when seeking out a new dentist; however, they can make a big difference in how often you actually go.
6) Take Your Time and Read Reviews
Reading online reviews is a great way to find a good dental hygienist. Asking around your community and making phone calls to different dental offices in your area can also be an effective strategy for choosing one. Researching whether or not gum disease is curable might also be worthwhile, so that you can ensure that you're treating your teeth properly. If they are not curable, then it will save you money and resources if you choose an office with good customer service, who doesn't charge extra for treating gum disease. Since there is no harm in asking questions, it might be worth seeing what kinds of services are included in a cleaning package before picking one dental office over another.
7) Consider Working with Children/Adults With Special Needs
Since taking care of children and adults with special needs can be challenging, it’s a good idea to get as much experience working with them as possible. If you can, volunteer for organizations that provide direct care to people with disabilities. If volunteering isn’t an option, ask your school if you can take a class in special education or sign up for extra clinical hours at your place of employment. These hands-on experiences will help you develop excellent communication skills, empathy and patience—three key traits that make great dental hygienists.
8) Get to Know the Dentists and Staff Members at the Office
You’re going to be spending a lot of time at your dental hygienist’s office, so it’s important to make sure you feel comfortable there. Do they play music in the waiting room? Are they generally friendly and kind? Do they seem too eager to use expensive treatments or procedures? All of these factors should be considered when picking a dental practice near me.
9) What Type of Insurance do They Accept?
Not all dental hygienists offer comprehensive insurance, but most will accept major plans through a variety of carriers, including Delta Dental and Cigna. Additionally, some dental offices are able to complete claim forms on your behalf and work directly with your insurance provider. Make sure to ask what types of plans they accept before you make an appointment. You might be surprised by how many options are available.
If you’re wondering if gum disease is curable, we have some bad news and some good news. The bad news is that gingivitis and periodontitis (two types of gum disease) are not curable... but if they’re caught early, they can be managed.
Comments