I started school for dental hygiene in august 07. So far we have just been practicing on each other and we start to see patients in January. I was just wondering how long does it take to feel really comfortable with the instruments. How long does it take to really be able to do everything correctly and have that moment where you just get everthing? Also I would love any advice you could give me. Thanks.
2007-11-10 12:22:08 · 3 answers · asked by bluemonarch17 3 in Health ➔ Dental
It's different for different people. I taught hygiene for a while, and some students pick it up right away. I do remember some, though, that had moments of revelation where everything came together. Just work on technique for now. Take your time and don't rush things. Particularly, work on placement of the tip of your instrument so you are keeping it on the tooth and not in the gingiva. Also, work on learning to explore with your scalers and currettes. As you are still working on each other, you won't have the opportunity to explore pockets yet, but do work on that light touch you need with the exploratory stroke, particularly with your Graceys and Columbias. If you get good at these two things, tip placement and exploring, you will be gentle and will develop the sensitive touch you need. Of course you need to have a good working stroke for scaling too, but that's easy. You can apply all the pressure you need when moving away from the gingiva as long as you have the tip placement thing down.
As far as getting comfortable with patients, it just takes time. Remember that they know you are a student. Also, freely ask your instructors for help. That's what they are paid to do.
2007-11-10 12:46:34 · answer #1 · answered by Amante 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just asked my sweetie ( a retired dental hygienist) to answer your question. She informed me that it will take time and working on patients to feel comfortable.The more time you spend working on patients the more familiar your instruments will feel, until it is second nature to you.Just take your time withthe first patients , follow the procedures they taught you in school and you WILL NOT HAVE PROBLEMS!! You will enjoy your profession.
2007-11-10 12:37:21 · answer #2 · answered by googie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
THE COMFORT IS SIMILAR TO THOSE FOR DENTISTS. TO BE FULLY COMFORTABLE IT TAKES SEVERAL WEEKS. PRACTICE ON PROPERLY SHARPENING THE SCALERS AND CURETTES. AFTER A TIME IT WILL BECOME SECOND NATURE
2007-11-10 12:38:17 · answer #3 · answered by Dr. Albert, DDS, (USA) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋