A licensed Bridgeport dental hygienist is someone whose profession revolves around conducting initial patient screenings, cleaning teeth, and advising patients on oral health and preventive care. No dental office is complete without a dental hygienist and this makes it a profession which is high in demand. However, hygienists hold more responsibility than many people believe they do, and because of this the licensing process can be tedious.
It Could All Get Taken Away
Dental hygienists are generally required to at least have an associate’s degree, although some universities are now offering bachelor’s degrees for those who wish to pursue this profession. Bridgeport hygienists must complete a dental hygiene program accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA).
The ADA recognizes the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) as the accrediting body for dental hygienist programs throughout America. These CODA programs may be offered at either the associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree level dependent upon the school. After the completion of your CODA program, a hygienist is required to successfully complete the National Board Examination. This is then followed by a clinical performance examination. After everything has been completed, you are then eligible to apply for a state license as a dental hygienist. However, there may come a time where your hard work is threatened by suspension or loss of license.
Negligence. It is a dental hygienist’s responsibility to perform a thorough assessment of every patient. Detecting problems such as a malignant lesion could save a patient’s life, but the non-detection of such could result in major health problems that could lead to the loss of one’s license.
Not protecting patient privacy. In situations where information is shared about a patient either accidentally or intentionally loss or suspension of one’s license could occur.
Habitual indulgence in the use of drugs, narcotics or alcohol. The overuse of these substances could result in the Board viewing your performance as not up to standard and could result in the loss of your license.
Get the Help You Need Today!
Becoming a Bridgeport dental hygienist is a fulfilling and prosperous career. It takes years of experience, but your license is not untouchable. If the Connecticut State Dental Commission has contacted you regarding a problem with your license, please reach out to a Bridgeport dental hygienist license defense attorney.
