Thursday, March 30, 2006
A dental hygienist is a licensed dental professional who specializes in preventive care. Most hygienists are licensed to administer local anesthesia, depending on the applicable regulations in their area. Cleanings, radiographs, sealants, scalings, and root planings are among some of the procedures frequently performed by a hygienist. In most states, hygienists work for a dentist, however in some locations, hygienists are allowed to practice without a dentist's supervision.In archaeologists studying the remains of two men from Mehrgarh, Pakistan, made the discovery that the people of Indus Valley ivilization, even from the early Harappan periods c. 3300 BC), had knowledge of medicine and dentistry. The physical anthropologist that carried out the examinations, Professor Andrea ucina from the University of Missouri-Columbia, made the discovery when he was cleaning the teeth from one of the men see History of medicine.Some information contained in the Edwin Smith Papyrus dates as early as 3000 BC and includes the treatment of several dental ailments . The Ebers papyrus also discusses similar treatments . Examining the remains of some ancient Egyptians and Greco-Romans reveal early attempts at dental prosthetics and surgery .
Historically, dental extractions have been used to treat a variety of illnesses. During the middle ages and through the 19th century, dentistry was not a profession into itself, and often dental procedures were performed by barbers or general physicians. Barbers usually limited their practice to extracting teeth, which not only resulted in the alleviation of pain, but often cured a variety of ailments linked with chronic tooth infection. Instruments used for dental extractions date back several centuries. In the 14th century, Guy de Chauliac invented the dental pelican a pelican's bea which was used through the late 18th century. The pelican was replaced by the dental key which, in turn, was replaced by modern forceps in the 20th century.Becoming a dental hygienist requires formal education.
Dentists trained in Malaysia have to complete 5 years of undergraduate study previously 4 years before earning a B.D.S Universiti Malaya or a Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Universiti Sains Malaysia. Undergraduates in Malaysia are required to spend the first 2 years in pre-clinical lectures and the next 3 years they are required to do clinical sessions as well as attending lectures. Oncegraduated from the course, Malaysian dentists are required to serve the Malaysian Government for 3 years compulsory service, enterian Kesihatan Ministry of Health or Kementerian Pertahanan Ministry of Defence as a military dentistIn the United States, dentists earn either aD.S. Doctor of Dentae are admitted after only fulfilling specific prerequisite courses. So unlikemany other countries, it can take more then 8 years to become a dentist.List of dental schools in the United Sttes Th degrees and require equivalent education and are identical in everyn purely practial training in the clinical setting. In at least one state, a state dental license can be received without taking the licensing exam State Board Exam upon completing this additional year of training. Dentists are licensed and regulated by the state in which they practice. The license is only valid in the issuing state and is non-transferable. There are many cooperative agreements between states that allow recognition of another state's license so as to procure a license either via "licensure by credentials" or "licensure by reciprocity."
The most common requirement for a dental hygiene degree consists of a two-year degree after science and general education prerequisites. Courses include anatomy, oral anatomy, materials science, pharmacology, periodontology, nutrition, and clinical skills. There are also four-year and six-year degrees in dental hygiene. In addition, the American Dental Hygienists' Association has defined a more advanced level of dental hygiene, the Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner.
Just as registered nurses go into homes as a private duty nurse, many hygienists would like legally to be allowed to provide care in their own office, treat those that are unable to get to a dentist office, or those unable to proceed with the recommended care by the dentist due to financial constraints. There are many patients who cannot afford the recommended dental care by their dentist, but on the other hand, would like to be able to keep up with the cleaning of their teeth. This is not allowed by many state dental boards for the hygienist to practice independently in this way. If dental hygienists were allowed by their respective state licensing dental board, dental cleanings could be provided to those patients unable to afford complex dental treatment, as well as those in nursing homes and other such facilities. This access to better dental health would benefit all and result in better total health that the population deserves.
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