Cheryl Calmis, RDH, BS, M.Ed
Cheryl Calmis, RDH, BS, MEd, is a practicing dental hygienist with over 30 years of clinical practice in the areas of periodontics, laser therapy, and Guided Bioflim Therapy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and dental hygiene. Inspired by her love of teaching all things dental, she graduated with honors with an MEd in Instructional Design. In addition to practicing clinically, she is a CE presenter, has written articles for Today’s RDH, Cocofloss, and DoctorBase, and is a Professional Educator for a major oral health care company.
A Hygienists’ Overview and Associated Risks of Intentional Dental Modifications
Dazzlers, twinklers, and grills. Those names sound like confections invented by Willie Wonka! While they might prompt images of tasty treats, they are actually names of oral jewelry attached to the teeth by a process referred to as intentional dental modification (IDM).
Deliberate body modifications in the form of tattoos, scarring, and piercings have been used by humans as far...
All Thumbs: How Dental Hygienists Should Be Using Their Hands Wisely
Dental hygiene students are taught how to hold and use instruments during dental hygiene procedures. I still remember being taught to “rock, rock, and roll using a modified pen grasp.” During a full day of patient care, we grip instruments in both hands with our thumbs, index, and middle fingers. Our dominant hand will be rocking and rolling while...
What It’s Like to be a Hygienist at a Periodontal Office
My career in dental hygiene has spanned over three decades ‒ something I find hard to believe. I have worked as a dental hygienist in various settings, including general dentistry, sedation dentistry, and prosthodontics.
While I look back fondly on my time spent learning the different skills needed for each of these dental specialties, my dental hygienist heart belongs in...