(HARLINGEN, Texas) – At Texas State Technical College, Dental Hygiene students learn that their future jobs as dental hygienists extend far beyond providing teeth cleanings.
They also serve as advocates for promoting oral health in the community and empower patients through education on proper oral hygiene, diet and disease prevention.
Jocelyn Castaneda, who is working on an associate degree in Dental Hygiene at the college, said she helps patients improve their oral hygiene by tailoring her approach for each one.
“I have shared pictures about oral health, read patients information that I’ve researched online, and suggested specific toothbrushes they can use,” Castaneda said.
Student Alexandria Fernandez said the program is preparing her with the skills needed to explain complex oral health topics to patients.
“I take time to understand their lifestyle and habits to determine which is the best way to communicate with them,” Fernandez said. “For those with systemic diseases, I’ve helped guide patients to learn about resources on nutritional counseling or tobacco cessation.”
Maria Garcia, another student, said the impact of her patient education is evident when patients return to the Dental Hygiene program’s student-staffed clinic for further treatment.
“I ask patients how their routines in brushing their teeth and flossing are going at home,” Garcia said. “Some tell me they have changed from using a manual to an electric toothbrush. As a result, their plaque scores improve. It’s evidence that what I’m doing is working.”
According to onetonline.org, dental hygienists in Texas earn an average annual salary of $94,490. The need for dental hygienists in the state was expected to grow 21% from 2022 to 2032, according to the website.
Registration for TSTC’s fall semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.