As a new graduate, the past few years might seem like a blur. You’ve endured many hours of studying, mock boards, exams, meeting proficiencies, late-night cram sessions, and searching for that perfect board patient. Be proud of your accomplishments – it has finally paid off! Since you’ve graduated, passed boards, and gained licensure, you can add the RDH credential to your name. However, you may be asking yourself, “Now what?”
Looking back as a new graduate in the early 1990s, I wish that a seasoned hygienist had shared the “good, the bad, and the ugly” of our profession with me. To help transition into practice, here are 10 tips for entering your new career. There are a variety of things to keep in mind, so here are 10 tips as you enter your new career.
1) Be confident but teachable
The transition from the dental hygiene program to practice may feel overwhelming in the beginning. You have the skills necessary to provide care to your patients, but it’s helpful to remain open and coachable. Perhaps your team members have an easier way to accomplish a task or know about a product that you were never introduced to in school.
Rely on your education, but don’t discount helpful ideas from others.
2) Be organized and stocked up
I cannot tell you how many hours I’ve probably wasted looking for things or moving them around to find what I needed because of a lack of organization. Your operatory should be stocked and set up to suit you:
- Ergonomic placement: Store the items you use most often in convenient, easy-to-reach places. I am five feet tall, so nothing I use frequently goes on high shelves.
- Accessibility: Group basic patient care items (air/water syringe tips, saliva ejectors, gauze) into a single accessible drawer for quick operatory turnovers or if you need something during an appointment.
- Standardization: Ensure your cassettes are organized in your preferred order so you can quickly grab instruments without rummaging through them.
3) Take care of yourself
Dental hygiene is physically demanding, so remember your ergonomics. All the bending, contorting, and repetitive motions can take a toll quickly and be harmful.
In addition to maintaining correct posture, using loupes and ergonomically designed equipment is beneficial, even if you must purchase them yourself. Trust me, it’s worth the investment. The kinder you are to your body now, the better it will be to you 15 or 20 years down the road.
Consider finding a great massage therapist and visiting them frequently to help prevent knots and aches from developing.
4) Communicate and collaborate
Beyond communicating your assessment of periodontal health findings to the doctor, tell them when you see something or if you even think you notice something suspicious. Some doctors may also appreciate making patients aware of potential concerns or outstanding treatment needs before the exam.
This not only informs them about the patient’s periodontal health, but can help you learn how your doctor diagnoses the need for treatment. In most general dental offices, you are the eyes and voice for that patient’s periodontal health, so speak up and let your expertise shine.
5) Invest in your patients
Get to know your patients as people – their families, interests, and hobbies. While their dental needs are a priority, don’t forget there is a person attached to that mouth. If you stay in an office for any length of time, these patients will become familiar faces. A true connection makes it a welcoming, favorable experience. They already assume you are a great clinician – show them you’re a great person, too.
6) Be a team player
Be on time, skip the drama, and look for ways to help. Most dental practices are very busy, and there is always something to do. If you have a few free minutes, help the assistants catch up on sterilization. Grab a quick periapical radiograph for the doctor if their patient is waiting. If the trash in the restroom is overflowing and you have time, change the bag.
And my personal favorite: If you have a sweet tooth and are picking up doughnuts for yourself, treat the team! They may not be healthy, but they are so good.
7) Find your ideal workplace
It may not happen right away, but keep looking until you find an office that aligns with your patient care philosophy and values. Because you spend many hours a day at work, I can’t stress enough how important it is to be happy while you are there.
If you are not on the same page with the people you work for or with, look elsewhere. The attitude, culture, ethics, and integrity of the office are important when deciding where to spend your time.
8) Not all days are perfect
It’s going to happen – you might run behind, miss a piece of calculus, or take nondiagnostic, overlapped bitewings. You may encounter a grumpy patient who is rude for no apparent reason, or a team member in a foul mood who takes it out on you.
Remember, it’s just one day. Keep your cool, gain insight, and continue learning from each experience.
9) Be involved and contribute
Being a new hygienist doesn’t mean you can’t be the leader or contribute in some area of your office. Offer to be involved in whatever area you are best suited. Perhaps you are great with social media and can manage the office’s pages, or streamline supply ordering because you have a knack for organization. Maybe you excel at planning events and can organize a patient appreciation day or teambuilding activities. Just be involved and try to contribute.
10) Trust yourself
Don’t forget that you are a highly trained healthcare professional, capable of providing preventive and therapeutic care to help patients maintain their oral and overall health. Rely on your education, clinical judgment, and critical thinking skills, but ask questions when necessary. Don’t feel ashamed to say, “I don’t know, but I can find out for you.”
In Closing
The transition from the dental hygiene program to practice might feel overwhelming at first, but in no time, you will find your rhythm.
Your dental hygiene education is a great foundation to build upon, but as new research emerges, best practices and protocols can change. From remaining open and coachable to finding an office that aligns with your patient care philosophy and ethics, don’t forget to continue to learn.
Most importantly, remember to have fun and enjoy the ride of being a dental hygienist. It’s the best one I’ve ever taken.
Before you leave, check out the Today’s RDH self-study CE courses. All courses are peer-reviewed and non-sponsored to focus solely on high-quality education. Click here now.
