The fluoride protects against cavities. Peridex or generic

To control bacteria, result- chlorhexidine mouth ing in less plaque and gin- rinse givitis

Periochip

To control bacteria and re- duce the size of periodon- tal pockets

Atridox

To control bacteria and re- duce the size of periodon- tal pockets

Actisite

To control bacteria and re- duce the size of periodon- tal pockets

Arestin microspheres

To control bacteria and re- duce the size of periodon- tal pockets

Periostat

To hold back the body's en- zyme response -- if not con- trolled, certain enzymes can break down bone and connective tissue.

How it's Used

Colgate Total

Used like a regular tooth- triclosan and fluoride paste toothpaste

Peridex or generic

Used like a regular mouth- chlorhexidine mouth wash rinse

Periochip

Chip is placed in the pock- ets after root planing, where the medicine is slowly released over time.

Atridox

Placed in pockets after scal- ing and root planing. Anti- biotic is released slowly over a period of about seven days.

Actisite

These fibers are placed in the pockets. The medicine is released slowly over 10 days. The fibers are then re- moved.

Arestin microspheres

Microspheres placed into pockets after scaling and root planing. Particles re- lease minocycline slowly over time.

Periostat

This medication is in pill form. It is used in combi- nation with scaling and root planing.

Conclusion

Today, dental hygienists serve an important function and role in dental practices. For their focus in pursuing education and training to prepare themselves for their profession, and in recognition of their outstanding and the contributions they make to the profession of dental care and practices, hygienists are recognized by their peers.

We're not just tooth cleaners anymore," said Grzegorek. "We are the gatekeepers to perio-systemic health." good hygienist educates with compassion rather than a lecture, Pietrantonio said, "caring about what people are going through and understanding that dentistry, even though it's what I think about all day, is a small part of what patients are thinking about (Daily Herald, 2006, p. 1)."

The profession of dental hygienist is one that has, since its initial creation, provided job opportunities for many people, especially women. It is one of the fastest growing careers in the professional job categories, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Like any work that is concerned with the delivery of patient care, it is important to develop practices that are safe, up-to-date, and, as a hygienist, to work closely with the attending dentist, and to be constantly aware of the improvements and changes in technology.

Individual dental health care is as important to a person's...

Professionals in the industry must strive to keep this notion at the forefront of healthcare industry thinking so that they help patients receive the best care possible. Health insurance benefits are often limited as to what procedures and conditions are covered for dental healthcare, which contributes to an individual's decline in practicing good dental care and in receiving the necessary professional care to ensure a healthy mouth. Industry professionals must work together, individually and as a professional group practice, to work on behalf of their professions and on behalf of patients to help insurance companies and other organizations that drive healthcare benefits to include dental care as part of their preventative medical packages.
The role of the dental hygienist is an important one, and one which should be performed with the dignity and pride of performing a service that is helping people to pursue better and healthier lives. It can be expected that as technology improves and dental care evolves to a higher level that the role of the dental hygienist will expand and take on an even greater importance in the dental practice office. This will create even more opportunities for individual hygienists to set and achieve personal and career opportunities.

References

Adams, T.L. (2003). Professionalization, Gender and Female-Dominated Professions: Dental Hygiene in Ontario. The Canadian Review of Sociology and Anthropology, 40(3), 267+. Retrieved November 30, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5002041268

Being a Dental Hygienist Means You Can Clean Up. (2006, February 16). Daily Post (Liverpool, England), p. 25. Retrieved November 30, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5013780467

Chojnacki, C. (2006, December 31). Smiles All around Women Clean Up in National Contest for Hygenist of the Year. Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL), p. 1. Retrieved November 30, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5018805116

Kaldenberg, D.O. (1995). Total Quality Management Practices and Business Outcomes: Evidence from Dental Practices. Journal of Small Business Management, 33(1), 21+. Retrieved November 30, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5000281668

Lewis, C. (2002, May/June). Fighting Gum Disease: How to Keep Your Teeth. FDA Consumer, 36, 16+. Retrieved November 30, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5002473984

Reid, a. (1981). Socialization into the Professions: the Impact of Dental School Faculty on Students' Professional Orientations. Canadian Review of Sociology and Anthropology, 18(1), 48-66. Retrieved November 30, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=95708025

United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Statistics (2006), found online at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos097.htm, retrieved 27 November 2007.