Q: What's a typical workday like for you?

A: I go through all of my patients' charts the day before and prepare my room for patients when I arrive in the morning. I also help to prepare the sterilization and x-ray developer rooms. I normally see seven to eight patients a day, of all ages. I do a regular cleaning to remove calculus, plaque and stains and to evaluate the health of the gums. I give oral hygiene instructions, take x-rays to detect decay, administer analgesic injections when needed, and do intraoral/ extraoral cancer screening examinations. Our environment is very team-oriented, so, for example, I may take an x-ray for someone and help out at the front desk.

Q: How does your role fit into the bigger health care picture?

A: My role is to clean and help maintain a healthy balance in the surrounding tissues of the teeth. It's also to educate and guide the patient to what the patient can do for good overall health care and to help them keep inflammation under control, because inflammation can lead to disease.

Q: Who do you interact with during the course of the day?

A: I interact with the dentist, other dental hygienists, the dental assistant, office manager and sometimes sales representatives.

Q: Why did you become a dental hygienist?

A: I started as a dental assistant. I was attracted to the role of a dental hygienist because it allows for flexible hours and I really like working one on one with patients.

Q: What do you like about your work?

A: I derive satisfaction knowing that I can make a difference to help people feel better and stay healthy.