Asst's doing prophy's

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: What should I do? I am a new hire in an upscale practice and the assist's are doing complete prophy's. I was dismayed to say the least. When I ?'d the dr., he told me it is for the benefit of the pt's, that way if several members of the same family come at once we can get them on their way quicker. He smiled and walked away. Any thoughts?

It is illegal for any dental assistant in the state of Indiana to scale. Yes, coronal polishing has passed, but it isn't the law yet. There are no continuing education classes for it yet, that's for sure. Report this dds to the dental board. You have your job and license to protect, but also you need to protect these patients that don't know any better. The dentist is taking full advantage of this situation and the patients. Very disturbing! I worked in a practice that did this twice in one day and I flipped my lid and told the dds that it had better not happen again. At the end of the day, she got in my face and yelled at me. I started looking for a new job the very next day. It is not worth it to work with immoral and unethical bosses.

kate in Hamilton, Ontario said: Actually sorry to say but some dental assistants are qualified to polish. I don't work in an office with a hygienist but a prosthodontist and if he needs me to polish then I am more than happy to because I am certified to do it! So It does not compromise the pt's health if you know what you are doing...you don't learn it in school then do a clinical exam on pt's for nothing. So please tell me how it is unethical and illegal again?

Since you don't know, most assistants are not legally allowed to polish in the States. Each State has its own laws and regulations regarding dentistry. In Indiana specifically, it did just pass that assistants can polish coronally, but it still needs to go through the proper channels and courses need to be made, etc. It also passed that hygienists can administer local anesthesia here, but again, a course needs to be approved and taken before that actually exists. Since I haven't had local anesthesia training, would you mind if I gave you a shot right now? I thought not. Coronal polishing isn't part of the curriculum for assistants that choose to go to school here...not yet.

Amber, thanks for voicing the facts. It's amazing how many asst's think they can go ahead and perform a hygienist's work just because they are in dentistry. Had to laugh about the shot. Did you see the ad for Allcare in Lafayette IN for a hygienist - stated must be anesthesia certified? I called and asked where that was possible in IN as I am waiting on the IDHA to notify me of classes and she (the hiring manager) didn't even know her ad was illegal!

kate in Hamilton, Ontario said: WOAHHHHH!! maybe you should relax..you look like the jerk not the dentists...lol

I am telling the truth, maybe you should inform the R.D.H. "polishing" your teeth your training in the proper technique. Many R.D.H.'s perform throughly and to the patients satisfaction. Maybe, you should not be a ... you need to relax. By the way, in many cases production IS the bottom line. When you finish Hygiene School, see what the Dentist you work for expects. Hygiene school is alot more intense and the Boards you take will show your knowledge as a Hygienist. Be polite and lighten up as the Indeed site asks.

kate in Hamilton, Ontario said: OK. well I will be in Hygiene school in a few months I'll get back to you on that..lol. But seriously don't get so mad...that is what about 5 hygienists have told me. One who is a teacher teaching hygienists. And have you done the assisting course? I am from Canada too so it might be different over here.

Please respond back on this site when you have completed Hygiene school in 2-3yrs. I feel you will have a new respect for the R.D.H.'s

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: What should I do? I am a new hire in an upscale practice and the assist's are doing complete prophy's. I was dismayed to say the least. When I ?'d the dr., he told me it is for the benefit of the pt's, that way if several members of the same family come at once we can get them on their way quicker. He smiled and walked away. Any thoughts?

Suzanne, You always offer insightful information. Many on their answers, get quite nasty and know everything, (and we can't change their minds,) but... hopefully some of the D.A.'s understand that they can and in today's world, be named in lawsuits. Alot of impolite responses... I'm sure if they continue into the Hygiene field the lightbulb will light up regarding our comments.

BM in Raymond, New Hampshire said: Please respond back on this site when you have completed Hygiene school in 2-3yrs. I feel you will have a new respect for the R.D.H.'s

She will... I was a DA prior to hygiene and I thought I had an idea of what hygienist do all day. I was in for a big surprise when I started hygiene school many years ago. DA's in Canada are allowed to polish but not before a scaling. The DA in my office works on kids only. And the DDS or myself will assess if the child needs more then just a polish.

I am a Certified Dental Assistant that has coronal polishing certificate and is currently in school for E.F.D.A. I have been working for my employer for 10 years getting payed crappy, although I love my job, my patients, I still want to get paid what I deserve. He told me that he would hire me as an EFDA, but right now I am not getting payed for my C.P. certificate, so what I would like to know is what is the min. I should get paid for the certificate in coronal polishing, ten years experience as a certified dental assistant, and also min. that I should get for as an EFDA. The practice is 3 day a week, hours not guaranteed, i am the first one there last to leave, everyone else do 24 hours or less, I work 10-12 a day. I learn quick, move fast, lab work ,front desk, out of a staff of 4 that was there longer than me... i am the only one he kept... and how do i tactfully ask him for a raise? Thank you, all replies are greatly appreciated.

I don't know what the pay is in Ohio for asst's but for hygienists it is the same. So, I would think it would be fair to tell you I know EFDA here get anywhere from $15 for new grads on up. I know several that are getting $20-$25/hr. I think the best way to ask for a raise is to prepare and for your own thoughts write down all the things you love about your job. Write down the areas you think you are being taken advantage of such as being in the office longer on a daily basis than the rest of the staff. What do you do when there longer and who would do those tasks if you didn't? Is this supposed to be a team member office? If so, why are you there longer? Bring that up. If you really want to get paid better, be prepared with your requests and be able to back them up by example such as shutting down the ops, trash, sweeping, opening & closing the office, pouring up models after everyone has left, pt. care calls, chart entries, whatever you do that is in excess of actually assisting the dr when he is working on a pt. Bring up your attendence, your pt. relationships, the fact you have stayed with him and would like to continue. Anything positive you can say. Also know that he may very well refuse to give you a raise. Be prepared to interview at other offices. It might be in your best interest to have a couple of interviews, many are kept confidential, beforehand to see for yourself what the rate of pay is. You may find that you have been underpaid more than you think!

ssnva1 in Richmond, Virginia said: I am a DA, and last year nursing student....most hygienist would love for DAs to do prophys! As long as they are not scaling you should be happy. At my old job we would help out by doing prohpys and then have the hygienist scale.

We do not or would not like for Da's to do the prohy, for one thing you were not properly trained and for another we dont just clean (polish teeth) teeth. We look for perio disease which if undetected can lead to many serious health risks, oral cancers that could lead to deformity or to death. There is a thing called neglet and that is whats happening with these Da"s doing these prohy's. If there is a DH liking this then they are lazy and do not care about our profession or the well being of the patients. . Dont get me wrong I was an expanded Da at one time, but that is why I had to go to dental school. Would you like someone cutting your hair if they were not a liscenced or trained hair dresser. I wouldnt!

Lady from Indiana. You are a prime example of unpleasent hygienists no one likes to work with. Clearly the states are different from Canada. I am an RDA level 2 and a licensed hygienist. I can appreciate what dental assistants know and do. The fact your a hygienist doesn't make you any better or any more knowledgeable. Yes in debridement and medical histories I agree. Assistants here are fully trained and able to perform prophys. Honestly, hygiene school we blew through coronal polishing in one clinic. Any assistant who is trained to polish has had guaranteed more training, you have bigger fish to fry (Perio!!!!!) But drop it about prophying or polishing or whatever you would like to call it. I was just browsing around and came across this ridiculous conversation, made me chuckle a bit.

Ps. In alberta assistants can do limited scaling up to 4mm!!!

Niki,
Don't know what lady in IN you are referring to as there are several of us on this post. You will see I originally started this discussion quite some time ago when I began working in a practice that encouraged unlicensed asst's to scale to boost production with no regard for the law in Indiana. I doubt any of us are unpleasant hygienists that no one wants to work with. We are upstanding hygienists who respect ourselves and our profession and our license.
Who are you to tell any of us on this post to drop it? You are browsing "around" and found it worth a chuckle, la-ti-da. Other people have been commenting for over a year and our opinions count.

Julie in Collingwood, Ontario said: I don't know the laws in US but here in Canada Assistants are trained to do prophys - the just can't scale. We often have a family come in where the assistant see the children, if any scaling is needed then the hygienist comes in.

Children also need to see an R.D.H. prior to any polishing done by a D.A. Children (even ones who are very young CAN and do have tarter.). All patient's should first have an R.D.H. or Dr. see them for an exam to check for decay and tarter). Again, a Prophy is: Scaling and polishing. A prophy is NOT just polishing.

BM in Raymond, New Hampshire said: Children also need to see an R.D.H. prior to any polishing done by a D.A. Children (even ones who are very young CAN and do have tarter.). All patient's should first have an R.D.H. or Dr. see them for an exam to check for decay and tarter). Again, a Prophy is: Scaling and polishing. A prophy is NOT just polishing.

BM actually here in Canada JUST polishing is also called a "prophy" it doesn's mean a full prophylaxis which is scaling and then polishing.

Kate, just curious about how you submit a claim to insurance for a prophy? If you don't scale in the US, it legally isn't a prophy. I've had dr's point this out, that I have to scale "something" for it to be a prophy. I agree with BM, many young children do have tartar and should be seen by the hygienist before polishing. That's the way we are trained here.

I would like to apologize for my scarcasm yesterday to Niki. It was unprofessional.

kate in Hamilton, Ontario said: BM actually here in Canada JUST polishing is also called a "prophy" it doesn's mean a full prophylaxis which is scaling and then polishing.

Do all patients (children and adults) see the Dr. or Hygienist in Canada prior to polishing by D.A.'s? Do the patients in the practice where you work, have an exam prior to you polishing?

BM in Raymond, New Hampshire said: Do all patients (children and adults) see the Dr. or Hygienist in Canada prior to polishing by D.A.'s? Do the patients in the practice where you work, have an exam prior to you polishing?

Yes of course..the hygienist or in my case Dentist will scale and do an exam and then I will polish and take radiographs if necessary.

Odd to take radiographs after the exam. Here in the states, they are necessary to diagnose and the dentist wants them before he looks in the mouth.

Let it be said Suzanne that some (like myself) can appreciate the brutal truth about hygiene as you delivered here in this thread. I just wish I had heard some brutal honesty about hygiene before I decided on this career path 8yrs ago.

So do I!!

suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: Odd to take radiographs after the exam. Here in the states, they are necessary to diagnose and the dentist wants them before he looks in the mouth.

well i'm talking after a cleaning. The Dentist wants to be sure all dentition is free of food and calulus to get an accurate reading to determine any underlying caries or problems. But even if it is an exam the Dentist will look at all the teeth and then I will take any PA's if he suspects any areas of concern.

kate in Hamilton, Ontario said: Yes of course..the hygienist or in my case Dentist will scale and do an exam and then I will polish and take radiographs if necessary.

Thank you for being civil. Many offices (in Canada and US) have a protocol. I'm just concerned for employees that might get caught in the Dr.'s protocol that might tell you to do procedures.... If you are ever working in the U.S., note that their are Dr.'s who may ask you to perform as you are doing in Canada for a prophy... it is the same here. Have a nice day.

BM in Raymond, New Hampshire said: Thank you for being civil. Many offices (in Canada and US) have a protocol. I'm just concerned for employees that might get caught in the Dr.'s protocol that might tell you to do procedures.... If you are ever working in the U.S., note that their are Dr.'s who may ask you to perform as you are doing in Canada for a prophy... it is the same here. Have a nice day.

Mistake, a prophy is not the same in the U.S. as Canada. Take care.

Niki in Calgary, Alberta said: Lady from Indiana. You are a prime example of unpleasent hygienists no one likes to work with. Clearly the states are different from Canada. I am an RDA level 2 and a licensed hygienist. I can appreciate what dental assistants know and do. The fact your a hygienist doesn't make you any better or any more knowledgeable. Yes in debridement and medical histories I agree. Assistants here are fully trained and able to perform prophys. Honestly, hygiene school we blew through coronal polishing in one clinic. Any assistant who is trained to polish has had guaranteed more training, you have bigger fish to fry (Perio!!!!!) But drop it about prophying or polishing or whatever you would like to call it. I was just browsing around and came across this ridiculous conversation, made me chuckle a bit.

Ps. In alberta assistants can do limited scaling up to 4mm!!!

Which lady from Indiana? I don't know what it is you do in Canada. It is of absolutely no consequence to what goes on here in the States. Who is a prime example of a hygienist that no one wants to work with? If it is me; I don't really care. Alot of people seem to be intimidated by smart women that know what they're doing. It's comparing apples to oranges, really. If your school allowed you to "blow through coronal polishing in one clinic", then bully for you. The education we received at the Indiana University School of Dentistry was a little more rigorous. An assistant here in Indiana, I can fully guarantee you, does not have the schooling or experience in polishing that the hygienists do. That is how it is set up in this state. You can call it what you want ('ridiculous'), or maybe you can choose just not to post. You went to a school that spent a single clinic on polishing? I can only hope you were able to spend more time on your "limited scaling up to 4 mm!".

suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: Amber, thanks for voicing the facts. It's amazing how many asst's think they can go ahead and perform a hygienist's work just because they are in dentistry. Had to laugh about the shot. Did you see the ad for Allcare in Lafayette IN for a hygienist - stated must be anesthesia certified? I called and asked where that was possible in IN as I am waiting on the IDHA to notify me of classes and she (the hiring manager) didn't even know her ad was illegal!

Yes, Suzanne, I saw that ad! Loved it! Have you followed up with that loser dds that you worked with? I love looking at the Indiana Health Board, or whatever they're calling it now (it was the Health Professions Bureau). Look up dentists and there will be links to the ones that have had action taken against them. It is chilling. Some that have had action taken against them have been hygienists, too. Mostly drug related. Yeow! Are you working now?

Hi Amber, I am probably the lady from IN Niki is referring to. Doesn't bother me one bit! Glad for her she blew thru her polishing in only one clinic. Took me a little bit to get used to the speed of the foot pedal and hold the cup and the mirror and the suction but maybe I was slow:). If their hygienist's can scale 4mm, I wouldn't want to be one there. Why have a hygienist when your asst can do everything? Not much job security for the hygienist. I know dds here who refer to periodontist anything over 4 or 5mm.
But, thanks for asking, I had 2 interviews last week and one offer this week. Guess not everyone hates me. I also got paperwork to fill out (and did) on the dds. Seems he's in a bit of a jam for having all of his assts clear back to early 90's taking x-rays without being state certified. Plus both assts and 2 more hygienist's have quit. I'll keep you posted and have a great holiday weekend!

Suzanne said: Hi Amber, I am probably the lady from IN Niki is referring to. Doesn't bother me one bit! Glad for her she blew thru her polishing in only one clinic. Took me a little bit to get used to the speed of the foot pedal and hold the cup and the mirror and the suction but maybe I was slow:). If their hygienist's can scale 4mm, I wouldn't want to be one there. Why have a hygienist when your asst can do everything? Not much job security for the hygienist. I know dds here who refer to periodontist anything over 4 or 5mm.
But, thanks for asking, I had 2 interviews last week and one offer this week. Guess not everyone hates me. I also got paperwork to fill out (and did) on the dds. Seems he's in a bit of a jam for having all of his assts clear back to early 90's taking x-rays without being state certified. Plus both assts and 2 more hygienist's have quit. I'll keep you posted and have a great holiday weekend!

If you were slow getting the hang of polishing, then I must've been standing still! You're supposed to put everything and the kitchen sink in someone's mouth and still see what you're doing? HA! I'm as mystified as you about Canada's hierarchy of dentistry. You bring up a good point of why have hygiene if the assistants can do it all. My husband said he was glad he gets his dental care here :)!
I'm thrilled you got an offer of employment! Yay! I hope it's somewhere that does things the right way and values what hygienists have to offer...you really deserve it.
Thrilled to hear of the dentist's trouble. Seems he's not above the law. I'll bet that was a serious blow to his ego. The quick turnaround in staff says enough to me, too. Excellent development! ( I feel horrible for his patients.) Please do keep me posted about your job and what happens to this dentist. Enjoy your long weekend, too!

Hi there
In Canada Certified Dental Assistant "CDA" take a 10 month course which includes xrays, polishing with a rubber cup, assisting DDS, and applying sealants etc... They are not allowed to pick up a scaler at all to remove deposit!

Alberta is the only province that has allowed a CDA to take extra training in order to perform supra scaling. This extra training has a very limited scope of practice.

Here in Canada the public hygiene programs are 3-4 years depending on if it's a degree or diploma program. But there is also more and more private colleges opening up and they are 18month hygiene programs.

Hi Suzanne in In, I myself live here as well. I was wondering where you live, and where you have been looking for employment, i would like to find something closer to where i live but I am still having to drive 1.5 hrs to work.

Hi Crystal, I live in Terre Haute. I know you are tired of 1 1/2 hour commute! That's horrible. I know of a job in Indy at Immediadent in Greenwood. The office mgr is very nice and they have a great staff, all really helpful and fun to work with. You can work 10 or 12 hour days and get it over with quick. I just got an offer in Columbus, what a coincidence! Can you tell me anything about the area? Please be direct. Thanks.

Hi suzanne I know alittle about columbus i used to work there at dr pawlus office. He is awesome! I relocated because it was 2 hrs from me due to the hwy 46 i had to take to get there. I live in Linton now, i moved her from plainfield 2 yrs ago. Columbus is a nice area and i know of a few offices opening. Im not sure what office your going to but you can email personally if you want to and i can discuss the ones i know with you. Thanks for the info on greenwood, i work in indy now but i would like to find something closer, im medical leave for a short time but would like to temp and find something closer if poss. my email is crystal_03@hotmail.com i would love to hear back from you and disc the craziness of hyg world.
see ya
p.s columbus will be a far drive for you but its a pretty one

Tracy in New Berlin, Wisconsin said: I'm in hygiene school right now, and there is no way that the assistants spend more time polishing than we do.

i've taken the DA program at a well known college and the DH program from the same place. i would have to agree that as da's, we did spend a lot more time practicing prophy's then i did when i was in the dh program.

but, we arent supposed to prophy now unless it's been indicated (otherwise its malpractice), so really, the only people that should be getting it are ones that still have stain remaining after scaling.

Hi Crystal,
I sent you an email but maybe it got spammed. I whold be glad to talk to you and know of a job there if you are interested. I'll email you again.

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: What should I do? I am a new hire in an upscale practice and the assist's are doing complete prophy's. I was dismayed to say the least. When I ?'d the dr., he told me it is for the benefit of the pt's, that way if several members of the same family come at once we can get them on their way quicker. He smiled and walked away. Any thoughts?

Do they have a polishing certificate? You could contact your local board anonymously if concerned. But to scale is very much illegal in ALL states!

i would like know about x rays

Bonnie in Walters, Oklahoma said: i would like know about x rays

What do you want to know? How often: FMX 3-5 yrs. depending on ie-fillings, tissue and bone levels, hygiene level....BWX:some offices do "2" every six months,4, once a yr., some have BWX every 2-3 yrs. it's all "individual", sometimes though it depends on the Dr. and $$$$$ , etc. Number of films also goes by the office you go to, an FMX can be 16-20 individual films; digital technology allows for less radiation....Did I answer your ? If not, specify...and someone on this forum will most likely have your answer....

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: What should I do? I am a new hire in an upscale practice and the assist's are doing complete prophy's. I was dismayed to say the least. When I ?'d the dr., he told me it is for the benefit of the pt's, that way if several members of the same family come at once we can get them on their way quicker. He smiled and walked away. Any thoughts?

Get out of the office! If it is your job to send in the claims to insurance companies and you know this is going on, you too can be held accountable for fraud.

After reading all of the comments on this thread, it seems that there is an international discrepancy over the term "prophy". Prophy is short for Prophylaxis, which means therapy to prevent disease. Therefore, a prophy is the combination of periodontal probing, scaling, both supra and sub, and polishing. It appears as though many assistants have learned the term "prophy" to mean rubber cup polishing, but as you can see, that is not the case. So in an effort to possibly clear up some of the hostile arguments I have read on this forum, there is in fact a finite definition for the term prophy, and it is certainly something only the hygienist is fully licensed to perform.

P.S. Child prophys are a whole different story, so this post is excluding them completely.

stacyelle in Orlando, Florida said: After reading all of the comments on this thread, it seems that there is an international discrepancy over the term "prophy". Prophy is short for Prophylaxis, which means therapy to prevent disease. Therefore, a prophy is the combination of periodontal probing, scaling, both supra and sub, and polishing. It appears as though many assistants have learned the term "prophy" to mean rubber cup polishing, but as you can see, that is not the case. So in an effort to possibly clear up some of the hostile arguments I have read on this forum, there is in fact a finite definition for the term prophy, and it is certainly something only the hygienist is fully licensed to perform.

P.S. Child prophys are a whole different story, so this post is excluding them completely.

Hi, Actually, children's prophy's SHOULDN'T be excluded...because many children get tarter also, "subg"...I've practiced for many years, and scaling above AND BELOW is necessary on some...+ the polishing.

exp in Exeter, New Hampshire said: Hi, Actually, children's prophy's SHOULDN'T be excluded...because many children get tarter also, "subg"...I've practiced for many years, and scaling above AND BELOW is necessary on some...+ the polishing.

While I agree with you, I was just trying to avoid the whole debate over child prophys. As I've heard over and over that assistants can do child prophys since it's "just polishing". While I disagree with that statement, I was trying to avoid interjecting my thoughts on that topic, but rather just give a definition of what a prophy is.

:-)

stacyelle in Orlando, Florida said: While I agree with you, I was just trying to avoid the whole debate over child prophys. As I've heard over and over that assistants can do child prophys since it's "just polishing". While I disagree with that statement, I was trying to avoid interjecting my thoughts on that topic, but rather just give a definition of what a prophy is.

:-)

Hi! We agree...and any good hygienist will always scale when needed on children. Many kids do get tarter, so we, as RDH's always hope that teeth are scaled prior to a polish, whether it is us or the Dr....first :-)

exp in Exeter, New Hampshire said: Hi! We agree...and any good hygienist will always scale when needed on children. Many kids do get tarter, so we, as RDH's always hope that teeth are scaled prior to a polish, whether it is us or the Dr....first :-)

This is a very controversial subject to say the least! What I would like to ask the parents of these children is this: " I am a National Board Certified and Indiana State Board Certified Licensed Dental Hygienist. I hold an Associates of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from the Indiana University School of Dentistry and I have been doing this for ten years. The assistant is a high school graduate that went to vocational school for dental assisting. You will be charged the exact same amount whether you choose me or the assistant. By the way, it is illegal for the assistant to perform most of the procedures that I can perform. Which do you prefer?" I worked in an office that was letting this vocationally trained individual see the children. I left immediately as you can imagine. When polishing coronally and administering fluoride in Indiana becomes a reality for the assistants, I would be more than happy to let them polish and fluoride. I think it's the taking advantage of parents and public that don't know better that is the much bigger issue. Dentists that know better but still worship the almighty dollar instead of ethical and moral care they need to give is the white elephant in this room.

Hi, Ethics, is a big question. In the real world, we RDH's, have to be careful in our approach, but , we hope that we are working for ethical employers....when those students graduate too...they really need to think about their comfort level, because every practice is different. It is hard out there to, when you NEED employment in the oversaturation of the DH field. Have a :-) day!

Amber in New Castle, Indiana said: This is a very controversial subject to say the least! What I would like to ask the parents of these children is this: " I am a National Board Certified and Indiana State Board Certified Licensed Dental Hygienist. I hold an Associates of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from the Indiana University School of Dentistry and I have been doing this for ten years. The assistant is a high school graduate that went to vocational school for dental assisting. You will be charged the exact same amount whether you choose me or the assistant. By the way, it is illegal for the assistant to perform most of the procedures that I can perform. Which do you prefer?" I worked in an office that was letting this vocationally trained individual see the children. I left immediately as you can imagine. When polishing coronally and administering fluoride in Indiana becomes a reality for the assistants, I would be more than happy to let them polish and fluoride. I think it's the taking advantage of parents and public that don't know better that is the much bigger issue. Dentists that know better but still worship the almighty dollar instead of ethical and moral care they need to give is the white elephant in this room.

I agree totally! Also, some assts never went to a school they were trained on the job. And while I know some of them are qualified and able, they are NOT licensed. Period.

Hi Everyone,

Yesterday I attended an ethics CE. The hygienist that taught the CE told us that by the first of 2011 there will be course work availabe for both local anesthetic (hygienists) and coronal polishing & fluoride (dental assistants). Needless to say, after her presentation, she was swamped by every hygienist in the room. Bottom line on her opinion was that this will cost many hygiene jobs. She already knows of dentists that have returned to doing their own hygiene work. Also, the hygienists in Indiana will have to take a mini NERB on local anesthetic. It is expected that there will be no testing for the new procedures for dental assistants.
Let me go on record that I respect DAs and that EFDAs do a hard job that I would not want to attempt. However, this will leave all auxilaries at the mercy of the dentist. I have only been a hygienist for 4 years and I have seen assistants doing cleanings, drunken dentists, a physically abusive dentist, and a new dental school graduate who could not recognize the signs recurrent breast cancer on a pano (boy did I suffer for that one).
I thought my job would be to help people maintain or regain good health. I love perio work and my patients. But instead my job is to produce as much money for the practice as possible. I am tired of trying to cram 45 minutes of work into 30 minutes. The lady from Terre Haute is right about everything you have to do in an appointment. Once I finish my current subbing job, I am done with hygiene. By the time you factor out all the kid prophys there won't be any jobs left. There already weren't enough in Indiana. I am in my mid fifties and this was a career change for me. What a mistake. I have to take blood pressure medication just to practice hygiene. On the weeks I have no work my blood pressure is 106/76; hygiene weeks 190/100.
I am sad because I feel I had something to contribute to the profession, but I'm done.

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: I agree totally! Also, some assts never went to a school they were trained on the job. And while I know some of them are qualified and able, they are NOT licensed. Period.

I am also posting this to Suzanne because she seems to want to keep informed about the current state of hygiene:

Yesterday I attended an ethics CE. The hygienist that taught the CE told us that by the first of 2011 there will be course work availabe for both local anesthetic (hygienists) and coronal polishing & fluoride (dental assistants). Needless to say, after her presentation, she was swamped by every hygienist in the room. Bottom line on her opinion was that this will cost many hygiene jobs. She already knows of dentists that have returned to doing their own hygiene work. Also, the hygienists in Indiana will have to take a mini NERB on local anesthetic. It is expected that there will be no testing for the new procedures for dental assistants.
Let me go on record that I respect DAs and that EFDAs do a hard job that I would not want to attempt. However, this will leave all auxilaries at the mercy of the dentist. I have only been a hygienist for 4 years and I have seen assistants doing cleanings, drunken dentists, a physically abusive dentist, and a new dental school graduate who could not recognize the signs recurrent breast cancer on a pano (boy did I suffer for that one).
I thought my job would be to help people maintain or regain good health. I love perio work and my patients. But instead my job is to produce as much money for the practice as possible. I am tired of trying to cram 45 minutes of work into 30 minutes. The lady from Terre Haute is right about everything you have to do in an appointment. Once I finish my current subbing job, I am done with hygiene. By the time you factor out all the kid prophys there won't be any jobs left. There already weren't enough in Indiana. I am in my mid fifties and this was a career change f

Hi toothpick;
Thanks for your post and information on the state of hygiene as it pertains to Indiana. You brought up some very interesting points regarding the serious decline of our profession (in our state).
I've been sort of temping the past 2.5 years. I do not like to temp as I feel my strong suit is in one practice building relationships and trust with the patients. I did, however, have 2 very short term jobs. One was at a corporate office that had people sign a treatment plan. Then, when they came in for the work and only wanted to do 2 fillings instead of the 3, they were told that they signed a 'contract' and that they had to do it. I, of course, would tell them that was a load of bs. Perhaps that was why I was 'let go'. The other stupid office decided it would be a good idea to do fillings on a developmentally disabled young woman who could NOT give informed consent since she did not understand that she had cavities or what they were. These are the supposed jobs that are available. The absolute bottom of the barrel.
Perhaps robbing Peter to pay Paul (giving up polishing and fl2 to be able to administer local anesthesia) will actually kill our profession once and for all in the State of Indiana. I am a Hoosier and proud of my profession and where I choose to live. I dislike the dishonesty, horrid ethics, and the significance of the almighty dollar and how dumb it makes people act. The IDA in this state is out for themselves. They don't want us as hygienists to have more responsibilities to be able to reach populations that they themselves don't want anything to do with. It's very disheartening to say the least. So you're getting out? So am I. I'm sad about it, but I'll be glad to learn some new skills and still help people while getting some decent benefits for once. Being hired by a small employer really bites. Some out there are good; most are not. Best of luck in whatever you choose to do!!

Hi toothpick and pezamber,
You both say it all. I don't know what will become of hygiene but I believe with my heart it's all downhill from here. The past 4/5 years for me has been an incredible struggle but now that I've accepted it I'm moving on. I was introduced a couple of weeks ago to a group of nurses and this was said "she was a hygienist". I was really sad for a little while but the reality is I held myself and patients is such high regard for an exceptional standard of care that I don't have a job anymore. Too much trash in Indiana. DDS's here are whacked! All about the money. All for me and none for thee is what they think. How awful to take advantage of a mentally challenged patient! But I've seen it too. My last job had the supposed "contract" too. Our OM flipped when I told an elderly man (87) he didn't have to proceed with a bridge if he'd changed his mind, than he only signed a document stating he had been given a diagnosis, not to commit to the treatment. I don't believe in taking advantage of anyone, especially the elderly. As far as asst's doing hygiene, I've seen it in several offices already. One asst even used a Piezo and was offended when I unplugged it and carried it out of her op! Oh well, I didn't work there long after that. My dad used to tell me you have to stand for something or you'll never stand for anything. I practice that philosophy every chance I get and I sleep well. Thanks for thinking of me, I do like to stay informed.

Hi Suzanne, How's school going? I'm still in limbo as to moving on or sideways...to obtain work...to start from scratch is very scarey. I'm glad you have ethics. I think most of us do...except, the backstabbers that are becoming more apparent and even in our faces in the field of DH. I think I'll be making less than last year..ugh. Offered to work as a fill-in DA if needed in a couple of offices....I think they may consider me, since they wouldn't have to train from scratch and my years in the biz...take care....still think you should look in to becoming a lawyer...you'd be an assett to the profession of DH :-). 24yr. VET

Hi Suzanne, How's school going? I'm still in limbo as to moving on or sideways...to obtain work...to start from scratch is very scarey. I'm glad you have ethics. I think most of us do...except, the backstabbers that are becoming more apparent and even in our faces in the field of DH. I think I'll be making less than last year..ugh. Offered to work as a fill-in DA if needed in a couple of offices....I think they may consider me, since they wouldn't have to train from scratch and my years in the biz...take care....still think you should look in to becoming a lawyer...you'd be an assett to the profession of DH :-). 24yr. VET