The profession of dental hygiene is entering a truly exciting time. Peer professionals and patients alike are now understanding the preventive purpose of the dental hygienist. Access to preventive dental care is now considered a basic right as the link of oral health to systemic health is being demonstrated.
In addition, the proven success of dental hygiene diagnosis and treatment planning as well as related preventive care are also now being recognized. Therefore, the emphasis must now be on preparing for these new horizons in dental hygiene education as well as maintaining continuing education (CE) throughout the professional lifetime of the dental hygienist. Also recognized is the importance of far reaching technology in the everyday lives of both patients and dental hygienists. Adaption to change is the key to the future!
It is important to keep in mind that effective communication is as important to healthcare as clinical skill. To improve individual health and build healthy communities, healthcare providers such as dental hygienists need to recognize and address the unique culture, language and health literacy of diverse consumers and communities.
Finally, each learning situation has its own unique culture, values, principles and processes, as well as codes of conduct. However, as a dental professional, every participant needs to consider their professional actions as they move forward in their career as they are helped by their dental educators.
See ADHA Access Magazine Member Profile of Margaret
See ADHA Access Magazine Consumer Education Guest Editorial
Feel free to contact Margaret in regards to writing, speaking or other related matter
