Cheryl Calmis, RDH, BS, M.Ed
Cheryl Calmis, RDH, BS, M.Ed, is a practicing dental hygienist with experience in periodontics, including laser therapy and guided biofilm therapy. She received her BS degree in dental hygiene from UC San Francisco, a BS in biology from San Jose State University, and an M. Ed in Instructional Design from Western Governors University with the highest honors. She has written dental-related articles for DoctorBase and Cocofloss and is a Professional Educator for an oral hygiene company.
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...