As an assistant professor in University of Bridgeport’s Fones School of Dental Hygiene, I’ve realized that many people — patients and students alike — have only a surface-level understanding of what a dental hygienist does. The reality is our role extends far beyond “cleaning teeth.” By carefully observing a patient’s oral cavity, we uncover insights that often surprise those in our chair.
Take the tongue, for example. In traditional Chinese medicine, the tongue is a key diagnostic tool. Its shape, texture, and coatings can provide clues to a range of health conditions. Similarly, in dental hygiene, our training allows us to interpret the oral cavity as a window into overall health.
Dental hygienists can uncover fascinating details about a patient’s habits, lifestyle, and even systemic health during a routine intraoral examination. For instance, we can determine:
- Whether you breathe primarily through your nose or mouth, even while sleeping
- Childhood habits such as thumb-sucking or nail-biting, as well as adult habits like teeth grinding or clenching
- Your diet — whether it includes acidic foods like lemons or habits like chewing ice
- If you’ve tried popular health trends, such as consuming apple cider vinegar for weight loss
- Whether you’re right- or left-handed based on brushing patterns
- How vigorously or gently you brush your teeth
- Potential risks for heart disease, respiratory conditions, digestive issues, or endocrine disorders
How can we determine all of this? It’s rooted in our comprehensive education and training. Dental hygienists are preventative healthcare practitioners who not only treat oral diseases but also educate and empower patients to maintain their overall health.
Our curriculum is grounded in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), providing a rigorous and well-rounded foundation. We study:
- Pharmacology: Similar to nursing programs, to understand medications and their effects
- Head and neck anatomy: Cranial nerves and the intricacies of pain control, such as administering local anesthesia
- Pathology and microbiology: Enabling us to identify diseases and understand their microbial causes
- Radiology: Mastering the physics behind X-rays and their diagnostic applications.
- Nutrition: Recognizing its impact on oral and systemic health.
- Public health and ethics: Preparing us to advocate for and serve diverse populations.
This robust education equips dental hygienists with the tools to assess, diagnose, and educate patients on how their oral health connects to their overall well-being.
Dental hygiene is not limited to clinical practice. The profession offers diverse career paths, including research and development, forensic investigation, public health initiatives, sales, advocacy, administration, and education. A degree in Dental Hygiene opens doors to endless opportunities, making it an exciting and versatile field.
If you’re intrigued by the science and art of dental hygiene, we’d love to teach you! At University of Bridgeport, we offer comprehensive programs that prepare students for dynamic and rewarding careers in this vital healthcare profession.
Learn more about UB’s Dental Hygiene programs and discover how you can make a difference — one smile at a time!
Amanda Sargent, MSDH, RDH, is an assistant clinical professor in the Fones Dental Hygiene program at University of Bridgeport. She teaches Clinical Dental Hygiene to first- and second-year students. A lifelong dental professional, she received her master’s degree from UB Fones in 2019. She is an avid reader and a weekend day tripper since moving to Connecticut from New Jersey to join the UB team.