Work vlog of a temp dental hygienist

[@Iris__leen]

I love watching people work. It's like seeing the behind the scenes of the job. Keep up the vlogs!

[@gracehong8948]

Hello, I’m currently a third-year student in a dental hygiene program, and I have a question about working in a real clinical setting. How important is charting for a dental hygienist? I often struggle with charting, especially when encountering new clients who have restorations. What strategies or tips helped you improve your charting skills? Thank you! :)

[@anatherstory]

Hi! Honestly speaking, as a temp hygienist I do my part to chart a new patient’s existing restorations. But I’ve seen offices where the dentists like to chart it while they check the xrays, so it could vary. If you have a permanent position, I think it could be discussed with the dentist after you chart what you see in the xrays and visually, and have them go over when they do the exam.

[@gracehong8948]

@@anatherstory Thank you so much for your comment! It’s great to know that charting isn’t solely the hygienist’s job, lol. I feel a bit more relieved now, haha. Thanks again for sharing your experience!

[@a.llx575]

Do you ever get back pain? Or do you do anything to deal with back pain?

[@a.llx575]

Also do you use any hand free suction or do you hang the suction when cleaning?

[@anatherstory]

I get back pains when the chairs aren’t great for the providers. I go through different chairs from temping, and I can say a lot of offices don’t invest in chairs sadly. I rather choose to stand and clean if the chair isn’t comfortable for me to sit. And, I do just hang the suction on one side of the pt’s mouth during cleaning. I rarely use Releaf/Dryshield suction, but I should definitely use them more often.

[@martyjesseramalloza6770]

How do you deal with carpal tunnel syndrome as a dental hygienist? or how do you plan on dealing/ reducing it? alongside with back and neck pain 🥲

[@anatherstory]

Luckily I have Ergo loupes. For sure, this keeps me away from getting back & neck pain. So if you can, try to invest. I know a lot of hygienists go see chiropractors/therapists or get massages frequently (once or twice a week). And personally, I don’t have carpal tunnel syndrome yet but my wrists can get sore when piezo/cavitron units are very week and the patient has tenacious + heavy tartar build ups. It can also get sore from pulling out the patient’s tight/strong cheek. I try to be cautious and relax & reset my body. And I make sure to do wrist rocking motion to prevent injuries! Hope this helps:)

[@katphams]

Ana! I just entered my senior year and I’m already feeling all types of anxiety for the fall semester. Watching your videos definitely calms me down and eases some of that anxiety 🥹 Also, did you win the Exemplary Achievement Department Award as well?? I swear I saw your name somewhere when I was getting the award!! 💗

[@anatherstory]

Hey! It’s coming so soon! I know the senior year is a lot to handle, but don’t worry too much. It will all pass and you’ll do well:) And, I won the health department award if I remember correctly🤔. But, congratulations! Thank you for keeping up with my videos and viewing them🤍.

[@katphams]

@@anatherstory You're amazing, Ana!! I can't wait to be where you are. 🥰 Also, I dug through my phone and I actually found your number from when I first texted you about your porta-sim stand haha. I'd love to shoot you a message if I ever needed to get in contact with you if that's okay!

[@anatherstory]

It’s gonna come really fast, trust me. And of course! Reach out to me anytime:)

[@firelakie]

Your routine is fascinating to me. I never thought about what it would be like day-to-day for a hygienist. Had a dentist in the family but she passed early in her career. Thanks for sharing. 💜

[@anatherstory]

@firelakie thanks for watching!:)