The 6 things every dental hygienist should be doing to grow professionally

After working a full day of clinical hygiene in a North Carolina dental practice, Anastasia Turchetta, RDH, took a few moments to chat with Modern Hygienist about the six things she believes every dental hygienist should do in order to grow themselves as a professional and boost the bottom line of the dental practice.

Watch Turchetta discuss the link between oral sex and oral cancer

“We use our skills every day, but we also have to put the business hat on,” Turchetta said. “I think every dental hygienist should think about what he or she brings to the table for that dental practice. If you’re thinking there is something you’d like to have in the practice or something you’d like to do, you and the doctor has to know what you bring to the table. Write it down and have a clear strategy of what you are doing and how you’re going to get to where you want to go.”

Watch Turchetta's interview on the impact of e-cigarettes

Turchetta also thinks it’s critical for every hygienist to invest in his or her own continuing education.

“You have to grow as a professional, and you can’t always rely on someone else to help you do that,” she said. “You have to not only nurture your knowledge, but also your passion for what you do on a daily basis. If you want to really take ownership in that practice, you should do other courses besides just updating your clinical skills. Think about taking a marketing or business course as well.”

Watch Turchetta's Webinar on how to solve The Insane Pain of hypersensitivity

Click on the video below to hear more of Turchetta’s thoughts on the six things every dental hygienist should be doing …