by Eva Watson

It’s a frustrating time to be a Dental Hygienist nowadays, from an RDH point of view. The lack of job opportunities, discourse over the creation of the Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner, and the selling-of-dentistry creed that owners want hygienists to adopt has produced enormous conflicts between dentists and hygienists. And it seems to be getting worse.

The issue appears to be about two things: money and control. That’s my opinion. If others in each field happen to agree with these views, let’s explore further.

As dental health professionals, what can we do to ease the burden of these two issues? How can we find common ground and move beyond the derision and animosity? I respectfully suggest:

NERF Dart Tag NDTL Strikefire Value Pack/ Fight-To-The-Death Match!

Hygienists: Talk about fire power! Well, I mean, they’re darts, but, oh! What foamy NERF fire power!
Dentists: It’s a VALUE pack. You will benefit from this monetarily… if your hygienist doesn’t dart the crud out of you first. Whee!

Mandatory Overtime Marshmallow Blaster Operatory Raids

Soft, sweet, and fat-free, hygienists and dentists may find the shooting of squishy, cylindrically-shaped goodies a much needed physical and mental release from the constant day-to-day fight for control, respect, and reduced overhead. Thank you, thinkgeek.com. I’m forever in awe of your geekdom.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Lightsaber Duels (Wii) for Ultimate Dental Supremacy

Dentists: you automatically have to be the villain, but don’t worry. You can choose General Grievous, Count Dooku, or Anakin Skywalker. I would select General Grievous myself just because he was so very bad and evil.

Hygienists: I expect you to choose Yoda because he packed much wallop, was very wise, and had lots of experience behind him. The choice is yours, of course.
There are many ways in which to find balance between dentists and hygienists. I’m certain one day we will all work together in harmony.