Dental hygiene continuing education is designed to keep dental hygienists up to date on the latest dental hygiene standards and practices while also allowing them to maintain their professional skills. The completion of dental hygiene continuing education classes is required by many governments before a dental hygienist’s license can be renewed. Many professional associations require members to complete continuing education classes as a condition of membership, even if the hygienist practices in a state where it is not required to maintain a license.
Dental hygienists are dentists who specialize in the treatment of teeth and gums. Dental health is important not only for a patient’s oral health, but also for their overall health. Dental hygiene continuing education ensures that a hygienist not only knows how to best care for a patient’s teeth, but also is up to date on new dental care techniques, sanitation procedures, and pain management. Education in caring for dental patients with specific medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart problems, is especially important. Caring for pregnant women and working with patients who use alternative and herbal remedies are two other current topics of interest.
The requirements for dental hygiene continuing education vary depending on the jurisdiction and the requirements of the professional association. In the United States, for example, all but one state requires dental hygiene continuing education classes to be completed on a regular basis. Dental hygienists can meet their continuing education requirements in some states by doing self-study or taking online courses. Other places have more stringent requirements for a hygienist’s education, and may require that courses be completed only in a classroom or clinical setting.
Continuing dental hygiene education classes are typically offered through dental hygiene schools, professional association meetings, and, in some cases, online education providers. Any course taken by dental hygienists should be approved by the appropriate licensing board or professional association or associations to which they belong. Hygienists should also discuss taking courses relevant to the dental practice where they work with their employer. Because of the population they serve, some practices may encounter specific issues on a regular basis, and additional training in that area would benefit the hygienist, practice, and patients. Dental hygiene continuing education courses may help hygienists achieve their career and professional goals by allowing them to develop a specialty area.