Each October marks the beginning of National Dental Hygiene Month, a significant opportunity to raise awareness about oral health and recognize the professionals who work in the dental field.
In this blog, East Ohio College (EOC) dives into the history of Dental Hygiene Month, why it’s important, and how you can start a dental career. Keep reading to learn more about the significance of dental hygiene!
What Is Dental Hygiene Month?
National Dental Hygiene Month was founded in 2009 by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) to promote awareness to the public about the importance of dental health and the crucial work of dental professionals.
This annual recognition serves as a reminder that oral health is a serious matter. Dental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being that can be easily overlooked, so it is essential to schedule a visit to your dentist.
Dental Hygiene Month also serves as an opportunity to celebrate the professionals who have invested numerous hours in training, education, and practice within the dental field. Without these trained dental professionals, the dental field would lack the skilled professionals necessary to provide essential oral care. Recognizing their dedication highlights the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and encourages individuals to prioritize their dental health.
Why Is Dental Hygiene Important?
You may be wondering, why is dental health so important? According to the Mayo Clinic, the mouth is an indicator of overall health. Poor oral hygiene can be linked to certain health challenges, such as cardiovascular disease, arthritis, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and more. These illnesses often align with oral care, but by taking care of your dental health, you can limit the amount of germs entering your body and thereby reduce the risk of overall infection.
There are several simple ways to improve oral hygiene that you can incorporate into your daily life, including brushing and flossing twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste, and limiting your consumption of sugary foods and drinks. Additionally, it is essential to schedule yearly dental checkups to regularly monitor oral health, receive teeth cleanings, and undergo x-rays to ensure your dental health is in top shape.
Dental Hygienist vs. Dental Assistant
While both careers take place within a dental office, a dental hygienist and a dental assistant each have very different and crucial roles. Dental hygienists focus primarily on patient interactions and preventative care, including teeth cleanings, x-rays, and educating patients. Meanwhile, a dental assistant supports the office in a more behind-the-scenes manner, helping to ensure the office runs smoothly by preparing patients, sterilizing instruments, assisting in procedures, and more.
While both careers are essential to the overall function of a dental office, a dental assistant can be responsible for both patient interaction and administrative tasks.
What Does A Dental Assistant Do?
Dental assistants are the backbone of the dental team. Because they play a key role in the patient experience, dental assistants ensure that the office runs smoothly while providing excellent patient care, both administratively and clinically. Some of the patient-focused responsibilities of a dental assistant include mixing dental cements, taking impressions, developing X-rays, preparing treatment rooms, assisting dentists during procedures, and performing other similar tasks.
Dental assistants also play a vital behind-the-scenes role by completing administrative tasks that keep the office running smoothly, including patient scheduling, managing patient records, sterilizing equipment, and maintaining inventory, among other responsibilities.
Online Dental Assisting Program
East Ohio College offers an accelerated online Dental Assisting program that provides some flexibility without sacrificing hands-on learning. The program combines online coursework and simulations with in-person lab and clinical experiences at the East Ohio College campus in East Liverpool, OH.
Toward the end of the program, students will also complete an externship experience with a dental employer, allowing them to gain valuable real-world experience before graduating. Graduates of the program will be prepared to sit for the Nationally Registered Credentialed Dental Assistant* certification exam.
Start Your Dental Assisting Career With East Ohio College!
This October, celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month by furthering your education with East Ohio College! The EOC dental assistant training program will equip you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to improve dental health, one patient at a time.
Get started today by requesting information to connect with the EOC admissions team!
*Certification contingent upon passing this industry certification exam. Required/Included in Tuition/Fees.
Certifying entities are independent and not affiliated with or connected to East Ohio College in any manner.