Dental Office Hygiene Terminology
Dental office hygiene terminology is important to teach and learn. Let’s remember this for all new team members. Because we miss important details otherwise. Especially if we assume someone knows something they don’t. And new team members want to impress others. That’s natural and normal. But may also prevent them from asking questions.
My Dental Office Hygiene Coordinator’s Manual is a great start! And although it may seem basic, it might also need further clarification. At least some of the terms used in the manual might also need support. So, I thought we might visit that a bit today.
Consider This for Patients Too!
Does your practice have a website? You may want to consider adding a page with hygiene definitions. Especially those we might use in our dental office conversations with them. Maybe even consider a running loop on in-office computers. Do you have computer screens patients can see? Create pages with hygiene definitions. And put them on a continuous loop!
This could be especially helpful in a hygiene treatment room. We can help our patients learn our language without having to personally explain the terms we use. And patients may really enjoy the educational experience. Give it a go and get creative! I would love to hear how it goes!
Dental Office Hygiene Terminology List
Here is a list of words a patient might hear from our dental hygienist or during their periodic exam with the dentist. They might be afraid to ask what these words mean. And team members might not want to ask either. Especially new team members. Even team members who have been in the practice for some time may have doubts. We just don’t know what others know or don’t know.
So, let’s make it easy on everyone and just make it available to all. Provide this information to your team, to your patients, and if you have a website, to anyone who finds you there! Now, here’s that list to get us started:
- abrasian
- bicuspid
- bilateral
- calculus
- caries
- cusp
- enamel
- erosion
- fracture
- full-mouth xrays
- gingiva
- gingivitis
- graft
- interproximal
- intraoral
- labial
- lesion
- lingual
- malocclusion
- occlusal
- palate
- periodontal
- periodontal abcess
- periodontitis
- perio maintenace
- plaque
- prophylaxis
- scaling
- sealants
- TMJ
You’ll find these terms now inside the Dental Hygiene Schedule Masterclass.
Dental Office Hygiene Terminology & Patient Education
Remember to include patient education as well! Be creative and think of ways to help patients understand more about their oral health. We know that about 80% of adults have a periodontal condition. So, let’s help our patients stay on track with their oral health care. And they are more likely to comply with treatment plans when they understand the overall health benefits!
