Category Archives: Dental Hygiene

Living Well On A Dental Hygienist Salary

Dental hygienists today have become an integral member of the oral healthcare force. There is a reason why most dental hygienist work in the offices of dentists, and that is because the dentist’s office isn’t complete without dental hygienists performing their tasks. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for this occupation will increase by 36% through 2018, which is much faster than the average. It’s no wonder why there are a growing number of people wanting to become dental hygienists, wanting to take advantage of the excellent job security and high dental hygienist salary the job offers.

A dental hygienist is a licensed dental professional who focuses on preventive oral health. The scope of practice of dental hygienist depends on each State’s laws and guidelines. The typical tasks that licensed dental hygienists perform include prophylaxis cleaning of teeth. Prophylaxis is a procedure that is meant to prevent, rather than treat or cure a disease. Dental hygienists also perform scaling and root planning, which is the removal of dental plaque and calculus or tartar in order to ensure healthy gums. They also administer fluoride and provide instructions for good oral hygiene and care.

Dental hygienist salary varies, depending on where you are working. “Where” here means both the geographical location and work setting. Most dental hygienists work in dentist’s offices, public health clinics, public and private hospitals, correctional institutions, managed care organizations, in corporate environment, or in nursing homes. Those that are working in dentist’s offices receive $68,160 in annual dental hygienist salary. The industry or work setting that pay the highest dental hygienist salary is in office administrative services with $68,223 annually, although that difference isn’t much when compared to those working in dentist’s offices.

When it comes to the “where”, as in the geographical location, it pays to be a dental hygienist working in the State of Alaska because that is where the highest paid individuals earning $96,280 in annual dental hygienist salary are employed. Check out the website of the Bureau of Labor Statistics for a complete rundown of all States and the average dental hygienist salary that you can expect if you’re planning to practice in a particular State. You can also check out the metropolitan area list and see the dental hygienist salary for metropolitan areas listed there, like in Santa Rosa-Petaluma area in California, where dental hygienist earn the highest salary among all metropolitan area with $112,290 a year. In Flint, Michigan on the other hand, they have the highest concentration of dental hygienist in the area, with 4.68 dental hygienist for every thousand workers. Dental hygienist is Flint receive $52,460 annually, or $25.22 in mean hourly dental hygienist salary.

There will be an increasing demand for dental hygienist brought forth by the increasing population who needs dental care. There is also ongoing research indicting the link between proper oral health care and general health which will give emphasis on preventive dental services, which incidentally, is the main task of dental hygienist. As a result, facilities that provide dental care, particularly dentist offices, will look to employ more dental hygienists. This excellent job security and competitive dental hygienic salary makes this career truly attractive.

Dental Hygienist Gets Boost After Taking Professional Etiquette Class

Malissa Sturgiss is a dental hygienist who admits she lacks confidence and has very low self-esteem. She admits that this may be the reason why she is having a hard time landing a good job and keeping it. Sturgiss is already 48 years old and despite her age she is still not confident towards being a dental hygienist. Malissa just graduated last May and despite the demand for her profession she was never able to get a job. She blames herself for not trusting her skills and believing that she is an effective dental hygienist. She applied for dental hygienist jobs and got interviewed but to her dismay no one seems to be interested to hire her after all. Malissa then realized that she may not have presented herself well during her interviews. She knows that she needed a push to learn how to be confident. Malissa Sturgiss used to be the Director of the Office of Small Business Assistance in Texas. With her previous work experience it may seem unusual for others to know that Malissa is still the shy type but she really is. Sturgiss also stated that she know very well what she wanted and that is to get a job as a dental hygienist but her problem is she doesn’t know how to present herself the right way. Everything about Malissa changed after she took classes for professional development and etiquette classes with Protocol and Etiquette Worldwide.

The former Office of Small Business Assistance Director in Texas was provided with different ways of handling herself properly in a personal and business way. “I was taught of how to dress appropriately and how to carry a good conversation. I also learned that introducing myself properly and formally makes a lot of difference when applying for a job” said Malissa. The owner of Protocol and Etiquette Worldwide Sharon Schweitzer personally trained Malissa to be everything that Malissa is not. After spending less than 20 hours of attending to the classes and paying about a thousand dollars just to take professional development and etiquette programs by Sharon Schweitzer, Malissa finds everything she invested in the program worth it. Malissa also added that if not for Protocol and Etiquette Worldwide she wouldn’t have the two jobs she now has. She also stated that she feels more confident and competent. “I never thought that despite the economy that we have and a lot of business closing down I still got myself two part-time jobs”. Malissa is now working with Spicewood Hill Country Dental Family Dentistry and Lakeway Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry. She feels very satisfied and happy because she landed the job she really wanted.

The owner of Austin Protocol and Etiquette Worldwide is a licensed labor and employment attorney who also holds four international protocol and business etiquette certifications from the Protocol School of Washington. The school was built and founded by Sharon Schweitzer because she saw the need for professionals to be trained to pass international business protocol to be competitive in the job market.

Short and Easy Steps to Becoming a Dental Hygienist

Whether you are an experienced practitioner or are exploring a career, the dental hygienist profession offers many opportunities that can be very satisfying. These opportunities include becoming a licensed health care professional, the satisfaction of helping keep people healthy, flexible work schedule, different work settings, and career growth. The profession itself is very attractive, not to mention the short path to be becoming a dental hygienist and the decent salary you can get.

A dental hygienist is a highly trained and licensed health care professional that provides people with educational, clinical, and therapeutic services to improve your oral and dental health. As a dental hygienist, you would be expected to use the knowledge and skills you have gained to prevent, diagnose, and treat oral diseases in patients.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the dental hygienist profession will be one of the fastest growing professions as it is expected to grow by about 36% by year 2018. Furthermore, they enjoy an excellent dental hygienist salary that averages to about $62,220 per year. However, in order to be able to reap the benefits of the dental hygiene profession, you must learn how to become a dental hygienist.

The first step to becoming a dental hygienist is to obtain a high school diploma and successfully pass a college entrance test. Then you may be able to get your education from an accredited dental hygienist program. According to the US BLS, the minimum education requirement needed in order to work as a dental hygienist is a 2-year certificate program or an associate’s degree program. The program should be taken from an institution that’s accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Completing this level of education will qualify you to get a license, something that all states require.

There are about 301 dental hygienist programs that are accredited by the CDA in the United States. Certificate programs and associate degrees can be completed in 2-3 years. Upon successful completion of the said program, you must be licensed in your state. The licensure requirements include the completion of an accredited dental hygienist program and pass both the written and clinical examination. The written examination is administered by the American Dental Association’s Joint Commission on national dental Examinations. The clinical exam is then given by the state or the State or by regional testing agencies. Once you have the license, you are now free to pursue all the opportunities offered in this field.

The compensation in this field may be given hourly, daily, or yearly. The benefits may vary from one practice to practice and it may also depend on having full-time or part-time employment. Many dental hygienists are also given hospital and medical benefits.

Getting to Know the Dental Hygiene Profession

The dental hygienist profession is one of the most underrated jobs for 2011, as obtained from the data from CareerCast.com. It’s true, if anyone is ever asked what profession they would want to pursue in the future, of course they would choose the more prestige professions in the health care industry. Some people may look for professions with all the glitz, glamor, the high salary rate, but these people may not have realized that there’s more to a job than just having a high salary. There are such jobs such as the dental hygienists wherein they can support themselves on the dental hygienist salary without too much stress, all the while knowing that this occupation also offers job security.

Generally, the dental hygienists’ duties may mainly revolve around working with a dentist. The dental hygienist help in educating the patients regarding proper oral care and teach them about dental health. They are not to be confused with dental assistants as the dental hygienists are licensed professionals that are tasked to administer routine dental procedures to patients. Some of these tasks include providing prophylaxis, taking tooth x-rays, removing stains, performing temporary fillings, and applying fluoride. As to the scope of practice of the dental hygienists, it is mandated by the State where the dental hygienists practices.

To qualify for the dental hygienist profession, a high school diploma is required. The least formal training in order to work as a dental hygienist at a private dental clinic is a two-year associate’s degree. A bachelor’s degree may be needed in order to work at public dental offices and public school systems. When choosing a program, make sure that the school or program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). The program should also prepare you for the licensure examination. As for the licensing, the criteria for the dental hygienist licensing depends on the State. Most licensure examinations cover two parts, both written and practical.

As for the dental hygienist job outlook, it is among the fastest growing occupations these days. The growth of the profession is expected to increase by 36 percent through 2018. While the job opportunities for dental hygienists are excellent, the average dental hygienist salary in the U.S. is $60,000, as of October 18, 2011. Their salary is also expected to increase at a faster than average rate than other jobs in the next five years. The profession also offers high career advancement opportunities and other benefits including paid vacation and sick leaves, as well as healthcare plans. If you are looking for a growing field with lots of career opportunities, then you might consider going into the dental hygiene profession. This is both a lucrative and rewarding profession as you will have the chance to help people every day in maintaining their oral and dental health.

Maintenance of Dental Hygiene as a Must-Observed Aspect in Every Developmental Milestone

It need not take a person to enroll into dental hygiene programs in order to know how to take proper care of their teeth. Maintaining good dental hygiene is as important as keeping every aspect of your being in well-groomed state. Regardless of age, gender, nationality or belief, taking care of the teeth is basically needed to pave the way to effective mechanical process of breaking down of food as the initial part of the digestive process. It is also important for the prevention of gum diseases, gingivitis, cavities and other infections that may eventually affect the integrity of other major systems of the body, including the cardiovascular system. This only means that maintaining the oral health cavity is more than just having whiter teeth and appealing smiles. It entails a lot of responsibility that generally affects one’s total being as well.

Since humans generally use their mouths to eat and drink ever since they were born, this would naturally entail the need to keep a good dental hygiene. This means that proper care of teeth begins even from the formative years. Mothers are advised to wipe their infant’s gums with moistened wash cloth every after feeding, since residues may deposit into their mouths which may be good breeding places for microorganisms to thrive. Toothbrushes with soft bristles are usually used with little fluoridated toothpaste in removing milk and food fragments. Since their milk teeth may start to grow when they reach six months, they also need to keep them clean by having regular brushing and flossing habits.

As the child grows, there may also be increasing dental health needs. First dental check-ups are usually recommended when the child reaches up to one year of age or just about 24 weeks after the eruption of the first tooth. Health education is essential for growing children, since they will need the close supervision and support of their parents or guardians in establishing good dental hygiene habits, including the right handling of their toothbrushes to the proper strokes in brushing. Permanent teeth may replace the temporary ones by ages 6 to 14, and so regular brushing and flossing is highly advised.

Regular dental check-ups are recommended for adults every six months to prevent or detect gum diseases or cavities. Potential loss of permanent teeth may be prevented by early detection of gum diseases, which contribute to the loss of bone support around the teeth. These gum diseases may show up with plaque build-up, which may not be taken out by just brushing the teeth. Since such build-up may result to oral infections that cause gum inflammation and other mouth complications, this may only be dealt with by dental hygienists. These specialists are the ones who can detect signs and symptoms of both early and advanced stages of gingivitis and gum diseases.

Being a dental hygienist entails a lot of responsibilities including the some preventive tasks and removal of deposits. They examine gums and teeth and record any diseases or abnormalities. Work settings for dental hygienists may include well-lit offices, wherein they may be required to wear protective equipment when working with the clients. There are many aspirants who are interested not only with the nature of work but also with the dental hygienist salary as well. Dental hygienists may expect an average income of $44,000 every year. This occupation has a very promising outlook, with the projected employment rate of up to 237,000 jobs until 2018. Being in the field would not only benefit oneself but also those who are in need for oral health services, which is also increasing in number.

Dental Hygienists Getting Worried with the Worsening General Oral Health

Any health aspect has its field of specialization in the healthcare industry. Even some elements related to health that we think are very private and thus has no need for any health personnel to intercede may still be subject to the supervision of certain specialists. People may have considered brushing their teeth as the standard measure of dental hygiene and should be entrusted to them as a personal matter, but such issue has caused quite a distress to some healthcare professionals specializing in oral health to find how its poor maintenance has caused an increasing number of diseases affecting other body systems. This is so because of the significant relationship between dental hygiene and systemic health.

Maintaining proper care of oral health, though one of the basics in physical hygiene, has been one of the most neglected health aspects. Majority of people experiencing bleeding gums while brushing their teeth dismiss such issues as insignificant, which would then be left unattended resulting to worsening conditions. The importance of gums and teeth are being repeatedly emphasized by dentists and dental hygienists alike. Increasing rates of gum diseases significantly poses threats to the existing medical conditions such as heart diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, pancreatic cancer, premature birth and stroke. That is why it is literally true that keeping your teeth and gums strong and healthy can help you extend your lifespan to significant lengths.

Healthcare jobs specializing in the oral care include dentist and dental hygienist careers. They are the ones expected to address your oral health needs whenever you visit dental clinics. Others may not have very pleasant memories with their visits to the dentists, which is why they have tendencies to skip regular appointments unless their teeth ache. Other personnel usually seen in their offices include dental hygienists, which others may confuse with the licensed dentists. It is important that people know the difference between the two to ensure they get to avail the services they need from the right specialist.

The one people is commonly familiar with is the dentist, who is a doctor that completed a four-year Bachelor’s degree program after undertaking a pre-dentistry program for two years. They are required to secure a license before they are able to practice their profession by passing the licensing examination, which includes written and practical exams. He is the one authorized to examine the patient and make diagnoses. He can perform technical procedures involving such as conducting through examinations and performs reconstructive or corrective surgeries. He is primarily responsible for any courses of action that demand advanced skill levels. Dentists may expect an annual salary of $154,270, with an hourly rate reaching up to $74.17 per hour.

In contrast, dental hygienists have lesser educational requirements, though they also need to be licensed before they can practice. In order to be qualified for the licensinge exams, they should first complete a two-year Associate’s degree program. They are the ones responsible in preparing the patients before the dentists conduct their examinations and procedures. It is also their task to give health teachings to their patients on good oral hygiene. Their primary duties include the cleaning, sealing and whitening of teeth. This career is also one of the fast-rising healthcare jobs, with appealing dental hygienist salary reaching up to $66,950 every year and $32.19 per hour.

Securing Your Future Dental Hygienist Career with a Good Dental Hygienist Degree

When we talk about good oral or dental hygiene, it includes our daily routine that involves tooth brushing as well as flossing. These are the two basic things that people should not ignore as these are also the two basic things that would keep our good hygiene and let us keep a beautiful smile. Aside from these, we must supplement the basic dental care that we ourselves provide by regularly visiting a professional dental care provider such a dentist or a dental hygienist. These qualified professionals will be able to provide us with additional care in order to complete our every day dental hygiene habit. With these oral health needs of the people, one of the best career choices to make these days is that of a dental hygienist. Being a dental hygienist gives more benefits than just being able to help people. It also provides a high dental hygienist salary even with just with the shorter training requirements.

Getting a quality education and a good course is crucial in ensuring a good future for those who dreams of having a good lifestyle. For this, many people now seeks good education as this is the greatest factor that would help you get a secure job that will provide you with the means to meet your daily needs and that of your family as well. Getting a good dental hygienist education will then be able to guarantee a brighter future for you. It all starts with great high school grades most especially in math and science as these are the basis for one to be eligible of securing higher levels of a dental hygienist education. It is also advised that education and training is taken from a well known and reputable institution.

The most preferred and the most common programs offered for the dental hygienist education is in the form of an associate’s degree. Some education levels that one can take is that of a bachelor’s and master’s degree. For those who want to work in private dental offices, the least educational requirement is an associate’s degree. The bachelor’s degree or the four year advanced degree is needed if the desired work is in teaching, or research in public health institutions. The basic coursework in dental hygienist trainings may include dental material, physiology, microbiology, periodontology, and clinical dental hygiene. After the program, the dental hygienists must be licensed or certified. The requirements for licensing may vary from State to State. The 2-part licensure examination is provided by the American Dental Association (ADA).The first part of the exam is in written form, while the second part is a clinical exam.

As for the daily life of a dental hygienist, they have a primary role in dental health as well as in healthcare. Their job basically involves on removing deposits from the teeth, asses the gums as well as record any abnormalities or diseases found. They provide professional hygiene treatment such as tooth cleaning, taking dental x-rays. Their job depends on the laws of the State regarding their practice. Some dental hygienists in some states are even allowed to apply anesthetics, create temporary fillings, as well as remove sutures. Although they normally work alongside with dentists, they can perform basic dental procedures independently.

Dental hygienists enjoy high salaries as well as excellent job security. Although there is no exact figure on the amount of compensation that the dental hygienists make, the calculated median annual salary of dental hygienist in 2008 is about $66,570, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Aside from their salaries, they also receive other employment benefits like paid vacations, healthcare plans, and paid sick leaves. Along with these is the excellent employment outlook as the job opportunities are expected to grow by 36% through 2018.

A dental hygienist profession is one of the fastest growing professions today. This lucrative career offers part-time flexibility as well as easier schooling and training. The job offers many benefits that make it very attractive to many people. Educational qualifications are one of the best things that lead to advancements and growth in one’s dental hygiene career. It is also the qualification that will determine the benefits and salaries that the dental hygienist can make. Earning a good dental hygienist degree opens wide range of opportunities for the dental hygienist.

Regular Visits to Dental Hygienists Still Indispensable for Oral Health

If there are any careers out there that people would most likely find their services necessary to gain access to, it would possibly be those in the healthcare industry. People who have health-related problems will most likely choose to get the services they need in order to address these concerns. With the emerging health concerns nowadays, with people being more susceptible to abnormal health conditions because of physical, social and environmental factors among others, the healthcare services have thus become highly in-demand. Health advocates and health care professionals or workers alike believe that this may not be the case if people know and are practicing healthy lifestyles and taking care of themselves more carefully. This is possible by attending to every aspect of the human body, since each of them plays significant roles in maintaining its normal functioning as a single unit.

As children, it has always been emphasized to most of us how important maintaining the cleanliness of our teeth is. Some of us may even have associated whiter teeth to be the only parameter in determining our oral health. Dental hygiene is more than just brushing your teeth every after meals; it represents the overall preservation of the oral structures by performing activities in a regular basis. Since each day we bring food for our mouths to taste, chew or swallow, it is only natural that we take precautions in keeping them as healthy and clean as possible.

As mentioned earlier, oral hygiene involves maintenance habits other than brushing of teeth. The usual misconception among people is that dentists are the bad guys who use scary-looking tools to pull some teeth. However, even if regular dental checkups are an indispensable part of dental hygiene, this would still be subject to personal view when it comes to it being an obligation. Dentists, along with dental hygienists, are the ones responsible of performing the necessary procedures and maintenance in order to eradicate or avoid dental problems. Dental hygienists may be the ones that help you clean your teeth before you see an actual dentist. They can perform several tasks such as examining gums and teeth, applying fluorides and sealants or taking x-rays. They are also tasked to give information about the proper maintenance of teeth as well as the complications that may arise including oral diseases if correct cleaning or preservation is not or half-heartedly done.

Because of the increased demand for healthcare services, along with the compensations received by registered nurses, medical assistants, physical therapists, ultrasound technicians, radiologic technologists and many others, dental hygienist salary has also made this occupation one of the most rewarding and appealing. With the average annual income of roughly around $62,000 and possible schedules with lesser pressure compared to other occupations, those who are aspiring to become dental hygienists have foreseen themselves working with minor problems concerning the career path they have chosen.

Oral Health Essential in Preventing Risks from Heart Complications

When it comes to our oral health, we may have this notion that we do not need to see a dentist if there are no existing problems. In fact, only about half of the people in United States visit a dentist as often as once a year. Some of us have lesser concerns about maintaining dental hygiene, and just as long as no single tooth aches, there even might be no changes with dental habits, may them be healthy or not. Little that most of us know that not being able to take care of our oral hygiene may have significant effects on health other than just having tooth decay and tartar.

Generally, people see nothing more relevant than the connection between heart-related problems and high cholesterol levels. It is easy to associate one with another, and even if people have no medical-related degrees to start with, they would know from seeing how most of the people today die from lack of exercise, consumption of unhealthy food and sedentary lifestyle that contribute to the emergences of these cardiac diseases. But nowadays, with the health-related problems people suffering from constantly increasing, it is also time for them to be concerned about the connection between heart attacks and gum disease being higher compared to that between the heart and cholesterol levels. Taking care of your gums and teeth are also means to take care of your heart.

The most recent researches have yielded results proving the link between artery damage and gum disease. People with periodontal problems are actually more than twice as possible to develop heart disease as those without. The connection between heart disease and oral health may be due to the fact that dental hygiene can be a learning basis for conditions or other diseases. Oral symptoms have been one of the most common manifestations in many systemic diseases; a person about to have a heart attack may even show signs such as painful jaw. Other than hypertension, smoking and high levels of cholesterol, gum diseases are also actually considered a high risk factor for cardiovascular conditions.

Experts believe that the bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream, which would in turn cause damages to the artery walls resulting to inflammation. Since the mouth is a major opening of the body where anything being taken inside would have direct or indirect effects to our bodily health, the oral bacteria from infected gums may dislodge and be carried into the bloodstream. Gum diseases are caused by plaque buildup, and so if these would attach to the blood vessels, there is a high possibility for clots to form. Clot formation will be then be an instant cause behind the decreased blood flow of the heart by blocking the vessels, which would predispose the patient to risks of having a heart attack because of high blood pressure.

This simply goes to show that maintenance of dental hygiene offers benefits focusing beyond the oral cavity. It is primarily important in preventing unbearably painful and bothersome infections, especially in patients who are at risk of developing infections of the heart and its valves. This is also the reason why prior to dental procedures, those who have artificial valves are usually recommended to take antibiotics. Decreasing the level of inflammation by maintaining oral hygiene is a significant way to ensure the overall good health. Dental hygienists, other than the dentists that we are very familiar with may also be the ones to perform some phases of periodontal therapy. They primarily examine gums and teeth and do dental cleanings by removing soft and hard teeth deposits. They assist in the preparation of diagnostic tests, which will be performed by the dentists, as well as take and develop x-rays. Dental hygienist salary, being around $62,000 per year, may be a great motivator for those already interested to venture into such field as well.

For those who are at risk to develop complications relating to cardiac problems, it is important that they maintain a good oral health by flossing and brushing daily. Regular flossing may help us prevent accumulation of plaque on teeth, and this bacterial film, if not attended to, may in time destroy the outer enamel of the teeth with its acidic components. With this, not only will the gums be irritated, swell or bleed, but breath may become odorous as well. The plaque, in its hardened state called tartar may then build up some more, leading do further complications such as periodontal disease, loosening of the teeth and gum inflammation. It is important that the dentist is aware of any heart-related concerns, and that their instructions and advices are to be followed and kept for proper management of any conditions that are already existing.

Dental Hygienists Play Important Role

Good oral health is very significant for everybody, from the young ones to the older individuals. Having good oral health is an advantage to our general health as it can affect our self-esteem, nutrition, and social integration. It is an important part of having quality life and of the general well being. With poor oral health, it may lead to pneumonia, cardiovascular diseases, dental pain and eventually to tooth loss. Tooth loss, bad breath, and cavity filled teeth can have a great impact on the person’s eating ability, comfort, self-esteem, and confidence in smiling and laughing. These are basically the reason for the existence of the dental hygiene profession. Aside from the dentists, people can now turn to the hygienists for the first line of defense in their oral health. They are highly skilled and highly trained dental professionals that deal more on preventive oral care. This is one of the high-paying jobs in the healthcare industry with their dental hygienist salary. The demand for these professionals has also grown in the recent years, especially now that good dental hygiene is very much needed by the older population, particularly those who are suffering from dementia.

Dementia is a condition that commonly affects the older adults. This condition can cause loss of brain functioning that usually takes place together with other medical conditions. Demented persons may be affected in their thinking abilities, judgment, behavior, and memory loss. Because of this, they may be unable to take care of themselves. People with dementia are prone to developing dental problems. They have medications that can reduce the production of their saliva and the saliva is very important in keeping a healthy mouth that can prevent oral lesions and tooth decay. This effect of reduced salivary flow lingers even when medication is stopped. Over time, and with the progression of their disease, they will have reduced ability to perform dental hygiene and denture care.

Taking care of people who are suffering from dementia can be a very demanding and stressful task. Since every individual’s disease progress is different from one another, each of them needs an individualized approach in preventive and curative dental care. Ideally, this should start as soon as the person is diagnosed with dementia. During the early stages of the disease, person with dementia may still be able to clean their mouth and teeth. Sometimes, they may need supervision and reminders on how to carry on with the task. The dentists or the dental hygienist may be able to advise their patients on how to perform oral care and on what kind of toothbrushes are advised for them to use. Usually, toothbrushes with adapted handle may help them improve their grip and the use of electric toothbrushes may give them more independence in performing their oral health.

During the later stage of dementia, the person may totally lose their ability to carry on with their dental care or they may lose their interest in the activity itself. This is where the nurses or the patient’s folks will have to take over the task of cleaning their teeth. The dental hygienists and dentists may be consulted to provide them guidance on cleaning the teeth of persons with dementia. However, as stated, the techniques may vary from one affected person to another. The basic way to perform the task is to let the affected person sit on a chair, with the nurse standing behind. The nurse can then support the affected person’s body and head using one arm. Then, they can brush or clean the teeth of the person with a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Regular visits to the dental hygienist are advised to the dental hygienist or to the dentist are very important, especially for those with dementia. The dental hygienist, together with the person with dementia and their families and nurse should all be involved in planning the dental treatment. Even though persons with dementia may have limited capacity to decide for their own treatment, they are given the opportunity to take part in the decision making. The dental hygienist or the dentist involved should provide them with the necessary information about the treatment in simple terms that the person with dementia may easily understand. Usually, they are providing them explanations where they only need to answer them with yes or no.