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11 Dental Tribune United Kingdom Edition | 1+2/2016 TRENDS&APPLICATIONS 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 encompasses the promotion of oral health and prevention of dis- ease in diagnosis and operative care; however, it is important to highlight that the main difference is that the scope of practice for a dentistisfargreaterthanforaden- tal hygienist. This is where the sig- nificance lies in the strengths and key focus of these dental care pro- fessionals and the key role of both in overall sustainable oral health careforeverypatientinservingthe 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 potential requirement to further incorporate dental hygiene into dentistry if the existing inequali- ties of oral disease are to be over- come.Thiswillrequireanextended workforce of dental hygienists, the expansion of educational facilities and further efforts towards includ- ing dental hygienists in existing practicesinbothpublicandprivate health care. 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 inclusion of dental hygienists in effective periodontal care. It has also been identified in an interna- tionalreportthatoralhealthneeds and the delivery of care are partly mismatched, indicating a further need for the development and in- tegration of the role of the dental hygienist.Ithasbeenproposedthat 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 settings can positively affect patients by offering pre- ventive care outreach services. Improvement in the quality of life for individuals was noted through improved health outcomes. 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. Theroleofthehygienistinthe21st century ByVictoriaWilson,UK AD DTUK0116_11_Wilson 25.02.16 15:17 Seite 1 DTUK0116_11_Wilson 25.02.1615:17 Seite 1