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ePaper created 2016-04-19, 11:51:38 | version 1.38.0
Dental TribuneAsia Pacific Edition | 1+2/2016 04 OPINION Since the recent launch of the Emi- rates Dental Hygienists’ Club in the UAE,itcouldnotbeamoreappropri- ate time to discuss the growing role of the hygienist in the twenty-first century.Theprevalenceofpreventa- ble dental disease within the region prevails,and the need for a focus on the core strategy to overcome such disease needs to be addressed. The dental hygiene profession was founded over 100 years ago by Alfred Fones in the US for the pro- motion of oral health and preven- tion of disease. The fundamental ethical responsibility of the dental hygienist is the pursuit of the pro- motion and restoration of oral health. The dentist’s role certainly encompassesthepromotionoforal health and prevention of disease in diagnosis and operative care; how- ever, it is important to highlight that the main difference is that the scope of practice for a dentist is far greater than for a dental hygienist. Thisiswherethesignificanceliesin thestrengthsandkeyfocusofthese dental care professionals and the key role of both in overall sustain- able oral health care for every pa- tient in serving the public. In a recent survey carried out among dental professionals in the UAE, it became evident that a very small percentage of dentists actu- ally work with dental hygienists. It found further that a limited num- ber of dentists are proactive about integrating hygienists into their practice model. This highlights the potentialrequirementtofurtherin- corporate dental hygiene into den- tistry if the existing inequalities of oraldiseasearetobeovercome.This will require an extended workforce of dental hygienists, the expansion of educational facilities and further effortstowardsincludingdentalhy- gienistsinexistingpracticesinboth publicandprivatehealthcare. Another recent survey carried out in the region asked dentists how many of their patients are healthy. Regrettably, only a very small percentage reported having patientswithgoodoralhealth.This again highlights the need for the skill set of the dental hygienist in oral health promotion and preven- tion of disease. According to the findings of a furthersurveyintheregion,dental hygienists felt that very little of their total skill set was being utilised. This reflects the further need to ensure current dental hy- gienists’skills are being used to the maximum potential. In a European report, it has been identified that the UK, Spain, Swe- den and Switzerland are ranked as the healthiest in Europe in relation to the low prevalence of severe pe- riodontal disease, supporting the roleofthedentalhygienistincoun- tries where a facilitative medico- legal framework exists to allow the inclusionofdentalhygienistsinef- fective periodontal care. It has also been identified in an international report that oral health needs and the delivery of care are partly mis- matched, indicating a further need for the development and integra- tion of the role of the dental hy- gienist. It has been proposed that advancing education in dental hygiene will achieve better oral andoverallhealthformorepeople, by transforming the way dental hygiene graduates are prepared for the future to serve the health and wellness needs of society. In- creasing clarity on the identity of the profession will affect how it is perceived by the public. In order to reach this point, every member of the dental team needs to be fully on board regarding the role of the dental hygienist and invest time in achieving the optimal success. A global re-evaluation of require- mentsisneededtoensurethatthere is greater utilisation of hygienists in the provision of dental care with efficient and effective use of health care resources. Through evaluating the dental profession’s ability to provide care within the core skill sets, it is mandatory that the neces- sary steps be taken to ensure maxi- mum effectiveness of an integrated dental and health care profession to optimise on reducing the preva- lenceofpreventabledentaldisease. It has been advised in a recent extensive report that future public health care policies will be orien- tated towards recommending be- havioural support and adopting the common risk factor approach for oral health promotion. Dental hygienists in public health care set- tingscanpositivelyaffectpatientsby offering preventive care outreach services.Improvementinthequality of life for individuals was noted throughimprovedhealthoutcomes. Victoria Wilson currentlylivesin Dubai working as a Dental Hygienist at Dr Roze & Asso- ciates Dental Clinic. She is al- so founder and president of the first official Dental Hygienists Organ- isation in the Middle East under the Emirates Medical Association and Dubai Dental Society. Wilson can be contacted at victoria@dradubai.com. Dental South China 02.–05.03.2016 Hall: 14.2 Booth: K23 Dental Material GmbH 24537 Neumünster / Germany Tel. +49 43 21 / 5 41 73 Fax +49 43 21 / 5 19 08 eMail info@promedica.de Internet www.promedica.de Visit www.promedica.de to see all our products Glass ionomer luting cement - high level of adhesion - highly biocompatible, low acidity - continuous fluoride release - precision due to micro- fine film thickness - translucency for an aesthetic result Light-curing nano-ceram composite - highly esthetic and biocompatible - universal for all cavity classes - comfortable handling, easy modellation - also available as flowable version Light-curing micro-hybrid composite - applicable for various indications - attributes which ensure aesthetic results - excellent physical properties - high filler content - packable consistency (also available as Composan LCM flow) AD The role of the hygienist in the 21st century ByVictoriaWilson,UAE “Ape New Year!” DTAP0116_04_News 12.02.16 12:58 Seite 1 Tel. +494321 / 54173 Fax +494321 / 51908 DTAP0116_04_News 12.02.1612:58 Seite 1