It is clear to me and to the world that dental hygiene has advanced at an astonishing pace in the last couple of decades, but I have witnessed that there are still limitations. Instances such as these are humbling and have taught me that despite recent breakthroughs, there is still much more left to learn. I believe my greatest skill lies in my interaction with those around me, and my ability to discern how best to relax others and gain their trust. Many people overlook just how important it is for a hygienist to have this ability, but I have seen its necessity firsthand.
It was an excellent opportunity foreshadowing at Dr. Greenburg’s dental office. While working, I observed a multitude of defining traits in the hygienist. I envision myself in his place one day, matching his passion for hygiene, his knowledge, and unquenchable thirst for more knowledge, and his desire to treat his patients to the best of his ability.
What struck me as so profound is how the hygienist presents the ability to calm the patients’ mind and to gain their trust. In doing so, they were able to alter dreaded dental visits into pleasant experiences. Each time I saw the facial expression of a patient soften, I thought back to my experiences when I was a kid in the dental chair. I believe that in addition to their knowledge, intellect, and analytical skills, the most experienced hygienist also possess the simplicity of humanity. My experience on the patient side of dental interactions has made this clear, and I wish to employ this insight to my patients’ benefit in the future.
