Summary

In this engaging episode of the Teach Me Implants podcast, Dr. LeRoy Horton and hygienist Jasmine Cribbs dive deep into the often contentious relationship between dentists and hygienists. They explore the gaps in dental education, the disconnect in communication, and the challenges faced by both professions in providing optimal patient care. The conversation highlights the importance of prevention, the role of time in dental practices, and the push for hygienists to take on more responsibilities, including diagnosis. With candid insights and personal anecdotes, this episode sheds light on the complexities of dental practice and the need for collaboration between all members of the dental team.

Takeaways

Most dentists lack sufficient training in periodontal care.

Hygienists often feel undervalued in their roles.

Time constraints significantly impact patient care.

There is a disconnect between what hygienists and dentists perceive as important.

Hygienists want more autonomy in diagnosing periodontal issues.

Education in dental hygiene is not equivalent to dental school training.

The patient experience is often compromised due to systemic issues in dental practices.

Hygienists should take more authority in their practices.

Collaboration between dentists and hygienists is crucial for patient outcomes.

The future of dental hygiene may involve more independent practices.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

02:29 The Disconnect Between Dentists and Hygienists

04:28 The Importance of Prevention in Dentistry

06:56 Hygienists' Role and Responsibilities

09:36 The Debate on Diagnosing Periodontal Disease

12:09 Liability and Accountability in Dental Diagnosis

14:40 The Quality of Care in Dentistry

16:59 Final Thoughts and Reflections

24:40 The Role of Hygienists in Diagnosis

29:32 Expanding Roles: Hypocrisy or Necessity?

33:31 The Debate on OPAs and Hygienists

36:53 Education Disparities in Dental Training

41:38 The Disconnect in Dental Education and Practice