Many companies provide free samples of all kinds so I suggest branching out to see what other options you can try for different products. This includes prophy paste, prophy angles, fluorides (varnish, gel, etc), whitening agents, gloves, and so many more. I buy my own supplies with a budget so I love trying samples to see what I want to spend a little extra money on for the quality.

definitely depends on the school. you can teach with a bachelors, just maybe not there. i got my bsdh and most of my teachers had msdh but some also had masters in education/public health and a bachelors in hygiene. check with different schools and consider relocating somewhere where your skill and hard work will be valued.

yes! you can adapt all around the brackets and the gingiva! i use ultrasonic on all ortho patients because they most likely aren’t doing a great job at taking care of their teeth (just an observation)

Why would you sharpen during appointment or right before? The act of sharpening instantly creates a non-sterile environment by contaminating instruments. Sterilize, sharpen, then sterilize again. Get all items ready on side of tray, and don’t open instruments until right before or after pt is seated.

Study but don’t worry. It will be very wonderful once it’s over…you may feel uneasy afterwards but have no fears, that probably means you passed. And I agree…get a good nights sleep the night before but DONT STUDY the night before.

National I only studied my board review book I got from DH seminars for about a month and I passed 🙂

X rays first and perio etc while developing…but also in the meantime tell him to go DIGITAL!

Wouldn’t be a bad idea to get formal training if it’s offered 🙂 make yourself stand out!

Hygienists without explorers…tsk tsk. I don’t think anything can replace how easy calculus can be detected with an 11/12, not to mention I know I’m not missing anything.

I recently landed a job as a hygienist for a new Aspen location. I’m a fresh grad also and I am grateful for a job at all. 40+ hours and benefits sounds way better than another job I was offered (24 hours and lower hourly) and I am ready to be busy. Advice to you (and to remind myself) is to talk with them about how you want to schedule patients (they gave me control over my schedule) and to not be scared to voice your opinion. You are educated and full of knowledge… Don’t be afraid to use that.