S A LT L A K E C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E

N A TA S H A D E B E N E D I C T I S

P R O F E S S I O N A L P O R T F O L I O

2 9 2 2 W E S T 5 2 4 5 S O U T H

TA Y L O R S V I L L E , U TA H 8 4 1 2 9

TA S H A B E N I 1 3 @ G M A I L . C O M

Natasha DeBenedictis

2922 West 5245 South

Taylorsville, Utah 84129

April 6, 2015

University of Hawaii at Manoa

School of Dental Hygiene

Hemenway 200-B

2445 Campus Road

Honolulu, HI 96822

(808) 956-8821

Dear University of Hawaii Manoa:

I am writing in response to your school in Oahu, Hawaii for a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental

Hygiene. After reading the admission requirements, I am confident that my skills and my passion for

dental hygiene are a perfect match for this position.

I would bring to your company a broad range of skills, including my knowledge of dentistry from

working as a Dental Assistant. I have plenty of hands on experience as a dental assistant working in a

dental office for 11 months now. While working in the office, I learned proper teeth prophylaxis, fluoride

application and taking x-rays/developing x-rays. I have prophied on patients and applied fluoride on

children under the age of 16 for checkups.

My Critical thinking skills, respectful attitude and self-determination would contribute to a dental staff. I

work hard and stay focused during appointments. I interact with the patients in a very professional

manner. I have warmed up to more patients because of ongoing conversations that share similar interests

and lifestyle activities.

I may also add that I have done 40+ hours of shadowing in a dental office due to my job. I plan to finish

off the pre-requisite classes through my associate’s degree at Salt Lake Community College then apply to

the dental hygiene program at the University of Hawaii.

I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss this position with you. If you have questions or would

like to schedule an interview, please contact me at 801-651-2226 or by email at tashabeni13@gmail.com.

I have enclosed my resume for your review, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely’

Natasha DeBenedictis

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION 4

THIS DESCRIPTION IS SPECIFICALLY TO THE STUDENTS WHO WANT TO STUDY DENTAL

HYGIENE. THE PURPOSE IS TO GIVE THE READERS AN INSIGHT OF WHAT IT WILL BE LIKE TO

STUDY THE PROGRAM, WHAT TYPE OF CLASSES HYGIENE STUDENTS TAKE AND HOW THEY

CAN PREPARE TO APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM.

TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS 5

THESE TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS WALK THE READER THROUGH STEP BY STEP WHEN IT

COMES TO CLEANING UP VOMIT AND DEALING WITH NAUSEA. THESE ARE EASY TO READ AND

FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS AS WELL AS LETTING THE READER KNOW WHAT SUPPLIES WILL BE

NEEDED.

TECHNICAL DOCUMENT 6

BASED ON THE RESEARCH THAT HAS BEEN DONE ON A CAREER IN DENTAL HYGIENE, THE

READER WILL KNOW AND UNDERSTAND WHAT IT WILL BE LIKE TO STUDY IN THIS PROGRAM.

THE READER WILL KNOW WHAT STEPS NEED TO BE TAKEN, HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE

DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAM, WHAT TO EXPECT AND LOOK FORWARD TO, HOW LONG THE

DEGREE WILL TAKE AND WHAT KIND OF WRITING WILL BE USEFUL IN THIS CAREER.

RESUME 7

THIS IS MY PROFESSIONAL RESUME. ON MY RESUME, YOU FIND MY LEADERSHIP

AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS, SKILLS AND ABILITIES, PROFESSIONAL WORK

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION.

How to Become a Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists clean and examine patient’s teeth and gums. Not only do hygienists clean teeth, but

they must examine x-rays for any cavities and disease. Proper oral care is advised to patients by licensed

hygienists.

Becoming a licensed dental hygienist requires time and commitment to school. Most universities and

private schools that offer the dental hygiene program hold the same requirements in studying this field of

dentistry.

Requirements

Before applying to the dental hygiene program, a student must have attended college for one or more

years. Dental Hygienists must also have their undergraduate degree. Most get their Associates of Science

degree then go on from there. It takes about two years to get an undergraduate degree then another two

years spent in the dental hygiene program. Some go on to getting a Bachelor or Master degree to teach

and go into further research of dentistry.

Students take steps to becoming a dental hygienist by job shadowing. During the process of the program,

students shadow a licensed hygienist for 40+ hours before applying to hygiene school. Shadowing gives

the student an excellent insight of the career and the environment in which a hygienist works in.

Education

Typically, high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in dental hygiene take courses in

chemistry, biology, psychology, mathematics, speech, English and health.

While attending college, students takes pre-requisites for the program. These classes include chemistry,

biology, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, psychology, communications, nutrition and mathematics.

After all the pre-requisites have been completed, the following courses are taken through the program:

local anesthesia, dental pharmacology, oral pathology, periodontology, dental materials, nutrition in

dentistry, radiology, head and neck anatomy and clinical dental hygiene.

Licensing Exam

Once a student has completed the program, students must maintain a license to become a practiced

hygienist. Depending on which state a dental hygienist resides in, there are different requirements to

maintaining a license. There are practical and written exams that the student must pass in order to

become a licensed dental hygienist.

Figure 1. University of Hawaii at Manoa Logo. Source: manoa.hawaii.edu

Vomiting and Nausea Treatments What to do When a Patient is going to Vomit/Has Vomited

At one point in every individual’s life, someone has dealt with someone feeling sick or vomit. In

emergency situations when someone begins to feel sick or happens to vomit, what needs to be

done? Like performing CPR or caring for someone in shock, there are certain precautions that

need to be taken when dealing with vomit.

Symptoms and Signs

While working on patients, it is important to check and make sure the

patient is doing alright during the procedure. It is very important to

check on the patient often while they are on the Nitrous Oxide.

Nitrous Oxide is the “laughing gas” dentists give patients while

working on them. The gas is supposed to keep the patient calm and

relaxed during the procedure. Often times, patients can get sick from

the gas due to how it makes the body feel.

How do you know if a patient is feeling sick on or off the gas? Simply

follow these few steps:

- Ask the patient how they are feeling

- Check if their lips have lost color

- Check if the patient looks pale

- Check for irregular breathing patterns

- Listen for gagging or unusual sounds

What to do

If a patient does throw up, there are two things to remember before doing anything. What should

you do if the patient is on the gas? Remember these steps, because at some point in your career,

it will happen.

Step 1) Check for any signs of nausea or sickness.

Step 2) if patient responds to you, make sure to put them right on oxygen.

WARNING: If the patient is on the gas, DO NOT sit the patient up. You or the dentist must put the patient

on oxygen before removing the gas mask. If the patient is not on the gas and does throw up, then you may

sit the patient up.

Figure 1. Source: pixshark.com

Step 3) Grab any towels or paper towels and a bucket or trashcan if necessary.

Step 4) Tell the patient to lean or lay toward their left.

If the patient is not on the gas, follow the same instructions except sit them back up from laying

down. If the patient starts vomiting without further warning, stick the suction device in their

mouth and make sure they lean to their left.

Cleaning up the Vomit

What you will need:

- Latex gloves

- Medical mask

- Towels/ paper towels

- Garbage bag

- Q-tips

- Lysol

- Super sorb instant powder

- Broom

Make sure you are prepared.

Step 1) after the patient has thrown up, make sure to hand them a garbage bag, garbage can or

bucket if they feel like they may continue to vomit.

Step 2) you will most likely have your gloves and surgical mask on, but if another assistant is

needed to help clean up the mess, make sure you are wearing the attire.

Check on the patient.

Step 3) when cleaning up vomit, start by checking on the patient. Always check on the patient

first before anything else.

Step 4) if the patient is okay, hand him/her a few paper towels. Patients who vomit while laying

down may tend to get some in their ears, which is where the Q-tips come in handy. The patient

may be dismissed to the restroom to clean up.

Cleaning up with powder.

Step 5) the easiest way to clean vomit is by using the super sorb instant power. Sprinkle the

powder on the vomit and should dehydrate the vomit.

CAUTION: Try to be as calm as possible in this situation. Do not scream or yell. This could cause

the patient to become frightened. Other patients may even hear the screams and that could frighten

them as well. It is best to stay professional and handle this in a calm manner.

Step 6) after the vomit dries up, sweep the vomit into a garbage bag and dispose.

Step 7) wipe everything down then Lysol the room.

Cleaning up without powder.

If you do not have any super sorb vomit powder, this is how to clean up vomit another way.

Step 8) while cleaning the vomit, start by cleaning up the big chunks. If the vomit is runny, dab

with paper towels.

Step 9) clean all surfaces that were covered in vomit. Make sure to wipe everything down.

Step 10) once everything has been wiped down and changed, use the Lysol disinfectant spray.

This may take away the odor of the vomit and kill all germs.

Step 11) make sure to properly dispose of the vomit. Throw it out right away, do not let it sit in

the trash can inside the office building.

RUNNING HEAD: PURSUING A CAREER IN DENTISTRY 1

STEPPING INTO A

DENTAL HYGIENIST’S

SHOES

Natasha M. DeBenedictis

Salt Lake Community College

AN EDUACTIONAL REPORT ON A DENTAL

HYGIENE CAREER

PURSUING A CAREER IN DENTISTRY 2

Table of Contents

Introduction ……………………………………………………………………….…… 3

Methodology ………………………………………………………………………….... 4

Results of Research …………………………………………………………………..... 6

Discussion …………....……………………………….………………………………....10

Recommendations ………………………………………….……………………...…...12

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to analyze and develop an insight in a career in dentistry. After

conducting an interview with a licensed dental hygienist, I came to the conclusion that dental

hygiene is a stable career for the future. Upon the decision, the research plan contained the

following steps: interview a licensed dental hygienist, gather information about the written and

verbal communication used in this field, determine the organizational culture a hygienist

categorizes in, learn the rules and regulations that each individual has control over, gather

information about different documents needed in the field and view the physical appearance of

the work environment. From the results of the report, all steps listed above were fulfilled. Based

on the evaluation of the information given, dental hygienists are a part of an academic culture. I

have reached the conclusion that these individuals who study this field must be highly skilled

and educated along with being up to date with the science and technology. A few of my

recommendations include: shadowing a dental hygienist, be involved with scientific study on

dentistry and talk to any professionals who have advice for pursuing a career in dentistry.

Keywords: organizational culture, dental hygiene, dentistry, school, work environments

PURSUING A CAREER IN DENTISTRY 3

Introduction

Stepping into a Dental Hygienist’s Shoes

Pursuing a career in dentistry is very competitive. Individuals must dedicate their time to

studying any materials and documents required while in the field. Dental hygienists only do half

the work a dentist may do. From scaling patient’s teeth to writing on charts, I was able to

interview a licensed dental hygienist about the career. This report will be focusing mainly on the

type of organizational culture and writing that is included in this career. The purpose of my

report is to analyze and develop an insight on a career in dentistry, particularly dental hygiene.

After analyzing the feedback from the interview, I decided to do some more research

online and talk to my co-workers about studying dental hygiene. More information was gained

through this process. At the conclusion of this report, I was able to get a feel for what it is like to

work as a dental hygienist, know the type of communication and writing used in a dental office

and determine the organizational culture. In the near future, any individual who has a career

choice to pursue dentistry should continue to do so. Even though this field is competitive, the

need for dentists and dental hygienists are growing at an increasing rate of 16-33%.

This report includes four sections: methodology, research results, discussion and

recommendations.

PURSUING A CAREER IN DENTISTRY 4

Methodology

In order to get information on the type of organizational culture and writing that is included

in this career, I conducted an interview by talking to a licensed dental hygienist. Aside from the

interview, I also browsed the internet and talked to my co-workers about a career in dental

hygiene. The steps to the research include:

I) an interview

II) internet research

III) observation, and

IV) Opinions

The Interview

Since I am not an expert or professional in dental hygiene, I came up with a list of

questions relating to the organizational culture and writing in this career and consulted a licensed

dental hygienist. On January 28, 2015 I interviewed a licensed dental hygienist’s name is Jessica

Beaver. She currently works for River Crossing Dental.

Each question touches base on a similar feature by creating a definition of the specific

type of organizational culture a dental office categorizes under. The following questions that

were asked during this interview are:

What skills are required in your position on a day-to-day basis?

Any use of documents such as textbooks, training manuals, daily memos, websites and books?

How much control does the employee have over their work such as rules and regulation and

individual initiative?

PURSUING A CAREER IN DENTISTRY 5

What types of verbal communication styles are an important part of the career?

How would you describe the corporate/organizational culture?

What is the design of the physical work space & work attire?

What kind of writing is required in this career?

Internet Research

Shortly after the interview, I conducted some research online. Using the Google search

engine, I typed up short phrases such as “dental hygienist”, “cultural organization”, and

“requirements of a dental hygienist” to get more ideas and background knowledge on the career.

After using the Google search engine, I reflected back to some resources containing other helpful

and more in-depth websites. More research was done on websites bsl.gov, ada.org and adha.org,

which were recommended by some teachers and counselors in the past.

Observation

Without observations, there would not be clear explanation to some findings like the

work space and work attire. As an employee in a dental office, I included observance of the

workspace. I asked my coworkers some more information about the ethics of the workspace and

work attire in a dental office.

Opinions of Others

The information I gathered allowed me to look over the answers to see if I was missing

anything other important information that may be needed. I asked my co-workers about the

career in dental hygiene. The different opinions opened up different perspectives about the

career and lead me to further reasearch.

PURSUING A CAREER IN DENTISTRY 6

Results of Research

After coming up with a research method, I received very useful information and

feedback. In this section of the report, I will first share the results of research on a dental

hygienist. Then, I will explain what the research means and how it describes the organizational

culture dentistry fits in.

Cultural Organization

The cultural organization this career fits under is the Academy Culture. These employees

are highly skilled, organized and educated. Employees work their way up by developing their

skills in a stable working environment. Most of these organizations are seen in any medical

field. A dental hygienist requires all the skills that are labeled under the Academy Culture. The

dental hygienist must be tremendously up to date with technology and science as it advances at

an extremely fast rate. Hygienists also have self-discipline so the organization and time spent in

dental school reflects the self-discipline.

Interview Answers

Following up on the interview, the licensed hygienist I interviewed gave me very

sufficient information. I found all of this information very helpful to writing this report. Each

paragraph describes the culture, communication and writing a dental hygienist needs.

Skills that are required in a dental hygienist’s position on a day-to-day basis includes

communication with patients and staff, being on time for appointments and precise treatment

presentation. Dental hygienists must know how to properly sterilize tools, work with software,

PURSUING A CAREER IN DENTISTRY 7

be able to interpret x-rays and gum disease, provide hygiene treatments for regular cleanings and

periodontal disease, and have patient education along with dental hygiene textbook knowledge.

Use of documents such as textbooks, training manuals, daily memos, websites and books

include memos such as daily chores, restocking, following the schedule day to day and reading

and writing on patient’s charts. The employee must have hygiene textbook knowledge along

with enrolling in certain classes that are required for pre requisites. These classes include

intermediate writing, principles of public speaking, speech and liberal arts such as sociology and

psychology. Education and schooling is very important because not only do you learn from

different classes, but you must also know the technical terms. There is much jargon used in the

field such as different names of tools, software and treatments.

It’s hard to explain treatments and health tips when speaking to a patient using jargon.

Some different types of verbal communication styles that are an important part of the career

involve speaking with various diverse groups. You must be creative when interacting with

patients. Communication with patients and staff members is also very important. By talking to

patients, not only do you get to improve their oral health but you also get to help them improve

their lives. Some of the qualities a hygienist possesses while communicating with others is being

positive, outgoing, honest, respectful and professional.

Employees have a certain amount of control over their work. Control is mainly over how

hard the hygienist works and how serious and professional they take the job. Rules and

regulations are strict. Hygienists must keep patient records and information confidential, patient

rapport and deal with those in a professional way who do not want to improve their oral health.

Individual initiative comes in hand while cleaning and treating patients. A hygienist must be

PURSUING A CAREER IN DENTISTRY 8

hard worker, fast, good problem solver and team player. A hygienist must also meet the needs of

a patient.

After asking questions about the skills, culture and education, I moved on to talking about

the workspace and work attire required in this field. In comparison to the dental hygienist’s

workspace, I decided to compare and contrast the description to our dental office. All dental

offices have very similar features so it was relatively simple to point out some of the differences

in our office.

The design of the physical work space & work attire varies in different dental offices.

For this instance, a dental office has the latest technology and tools. For younger age patients, a

DVD player and television are available to watch movies while being worked on. Soft radio

music usually plays in the background of the office to keep the atmosphere light and stress free.

The lobby has toys and magazines. Each room is very neat and tidy, but space for individual

capacity is limited. Required work attire includes scrubs, a lab coat or smock, safety goggles,

surgical masks, hair pulled up and latex/latex-free gloves.

Internet Research

Based off my internet research, I found so many different ways to prepare for becoming a

dental hygienist. The websites I had used gave me information about the career itself. bsl.gov

shared the median salary pay and working conditions that a dental hygienist works in. Median

annual wage dental hygienists earn is $70,210 yearly. Dental hygienists earn $33.75 by the hour

and work part to full time. Most dental hygienists work for more than one dentist because of the

scheduling.

PURSUING A CAREER IN DENTISTRY 9

ada.org and adha.org had information based more on preparations and requirements to

becoming a hygienist. Dental hygiene programs require students to take classes under liberal

arts, clinical sciences and basic sciences. After the dental hygiene program is complete,

hygienists must take a comprehensive written exam as well as a licensure examination.

I also researched some colleges in Utah and looked into which schools had a dental

hygiene program available. UVU, University of Utah, Weber State, SLCC and Dixie State all

have a dental hygiene program with the same requirements that must be fulfilled. There are

some private schools I found but the price ranges were much higher than the Colleges like

Roseman University, Fortis and Stevens-Henager.

Opinions

Opinions were based on others who are employed in the dental field. The dental

assistants who I work with in the same company shared a few points about being a dental

hygienist. Dental hygienists work part or full time in a dental office which reveals the flexibility

of a schedule. The rate of pay is very high and stable for having an associate’s degree. Hygiene

school is an additional two-four years longer depending on the major.

I also asked my co-workers some questions about the type of writing that would be

required in the career. Dental hygienists, dental assistants and dentists all have one common

writing job and that is to write on the patient’s charts and writing prescriptions. When it comes

to writing on patient charts, the employee must know what procedure was done and the date of

the service. The other part of required writing is writing up prescriptions for patients who are in

need of antibiotics or anything for discomfort. Employees must be extremely cautious when

writing out prescriptions because of the strength, amount and what kind of medicine is needed.

PURSUING A CAREER IN DENTISTRY 10

Discussion

After getting the results of the interview, internet research and opinions of my co-

workers, I found that the dental hygienist falls under an Academic Culture and minimal writing

skills are required in this field. All the findings helped me gain a better perspective of the career.

These answers are very helpful in creating the next steps to reaching this future career as a dental

hygienist.

This research report has me thinking about the next few things I need to do to prepare in

the future. To prepare for dental hygiene school, after this semester, I plan to transfer to a

university and enroll in the prerequisite classes that are required. Prerequisite classes that are

required are general chemistry, pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry,

microbiology, pathology, sociology and psychology. Dental science courses include dental

anatomy, head and neck anatomy, oral embryology, oral pathology, radiology, periodontology,

pain control and dental materials. All of these classes will help me prepare to enter dental

hygiene school and fulfil my credits to earn my associate’s degree.

On top of all the classes that are required to take, I should improve my communication

skills. A way to improve communication skills is to talk to more of the patients at my work.

Often times, I tend to be introverted and I need to possess a trait of being a people-person.

Engaging in social interaction with many different people of diverse groups will help me become

comfortable talking to others. Taking speech and communication classes will also benefit this

problem.

PURSUING A CAREER IN DENTISTRY 11

I found that there was not much writing involved in this career. The only writing that is

involved is writing on patient’s charts and writing out prescriptions. Most of the writing in this

field is done by the receptionist. To practice these writing skills, I need to know what to write on

a patient’s chart if they call in to make an appointment, what service the patient received after

paying a visit and how to schedule them in the appointment book. It is also very important to

know how to write up prescriptions for patients. I need to know the strength, the dosage and

what kind of drug is needed. This type of writing needs to be taken in careful consideration

because writing up the wrong prescription can lead to serious conditions like the patient having a

reaction to the wrong drug, losing the job or the patient suing the employer because of a minor

mistake in writing the wrong prescription.

PURSUING A CAREER IN DENTISTRY 12

Conclusion and Recommendation

After analyzing and developing an insight on a career in dental hygiene, I found the

organizational culture and writing skills that are required in this career. The organizational

culture belongs to an Academy Culture. The types of writing included in this field require

writing on patient charts and prescriptions. My recommendations include some basic steps that

may be helpful if an individual wants to study dentistry. Taking after some of the information I

found on the websites, I am using the recommendations that were listed.

Job shadowing multiple hygienists will put an individual into the perspective of what it is

like to work as a hygienist on a daily basis. Individuals will learn about the physical space, see

the type of communication used, learn procedures and experience the atmosphere hygienists

work in. Plus, getting to personally know different dental hygienists may someday be a good

reference when applying for dental school or creating a resume.

Earning an undergraduate degree is required before advancing onto dental hygiene

school. If an individual would like to teach or be a part of research, many hygienists go on to

earn bachelors and master’s degrees. It would also be wise to complete the prerequisites before

applying to the dental hygiene program.

PURSUING A CAREER IN DENTISTRY 13

References

Dental Hygienist Education and Training Requirements. (n.d.). Retrieved February 14, 2015,

from http://www.ada.org/en/education-careers/careers-in-dentistry/dental-team-

careers/dental-hygienist/education-training-requirements-dental-hygienist

Education & Careers. (n.d.). Retrieved February 14, 2015, from http://www.adha.org/dental-

hygiene-programs

Summary. (n.d.). Retrieved February 14, 2015, from http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-

hygienists.htm

tashabeni13@gmail.com

801-651-2226

NATASHA DEBENEDICTIS

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

AND LEADERSHIP

•Varsity captain in Women’s Soccer and Women’s Basketball through the athletic

program at Taylorsville High.

•Achieved numerous awards and recognitions including National Honor Society,

1st Team Academic All Region and honorable mention.

•Took concurrent enrollment classes, honors classes and AP classes in high school,

all of which were hard to balance while being an athlete.

•I am also part of the exchange program International Youth Exchange and travel

to Germany.

Earned the Honors at Entrance scholarship from SLCC for Fall 2014 and Spring

2015 Semesters.

SKILLS & ABILITIES Work well with others.

Quick learner.

Work well with others.

Quick learner.

Strong leadership and communication skill.

Ability to take a develop x-rays and digital x-rays using Pearson software, Sirona, Schick and

X-Ray Vision.

Apply fluorides to help protect teeth.

Teeth prophylaxis.

PROFESSIONAL

EXPERIENCE

DENTAL ASSISTANT, GREGORY P. MARTIN DMD

May 31st 2014-Present

My responsibilities as a dental assistant range from patient care and taking x rays to recordkeeping,

scheduling appointments, handing the dentist instruments during procedures, proper sterilization and

Keep patients’ mouths dry by using suction hoses and other equipment.

I did not have a have formal education in dental assisting at a dental school, so I learned my duties

through on-the-job training.

EDUCATION TAYLORSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE JUNE 2014

Accumulative high school GPA 3.85.

SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE AUGUST 2014-PRESENT

Accumulative GPA 3.5.