When it comes to having razor sharp instruments inside my mouth, pulling and scraping at tartar next to my gums, I want a highly skilled, well trained professional doing the work. Too many professions are already lowering their quality standards with lower cost labor, in an effort to save a buck. The hygienist is the most important line of defense for us who care about our family’s dental health.
The Dentist's education is vital, so they are prepared to correctly diagnose and administer care. The hygienist's education is just as important, if not more so. For the majority of my family’s visits, we spend 30-40 minutes with the hygienist, and about 30 seconds with the Dentist. I have yet to have a problem identified by the dentist that was not first noticed by the Hygienist.
In addition, Hygienists that earn their degree have proven that they know how to take initiative, manage themselves, and work hard toward achieving a goal. These are the character skills that every employer wants in their employees. Any employer who thinks they will get the same traits in assistants who do not go through the same training process are foolish.
I’m not sure what percentage of revenue in a typical practice comes from cleanings, but I would bet it is significant. Entrusting this care to less qualified employees, who have not demonstrated the commitment to the profession, degrades the patient’s care, and in my opinion is a poor business strategy for the practice.
