Respecting Dental Hygienists: How to Address Them Properly

Addressing your dental hygienist appropriately is important for fostering a positive and productive relationship during dental visits. Whether you are in a formal or casual setting, understanding the proper way to address your dental hygienist can make a significant impact on your overall experience.

The Proper Ways to Address a Dental Hygienist

When it comes to addressing your dental hygienist, there are several polite and respectful methods to choose from:

By their title: Use titles such as Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Ms., followed by their last name. This is particularly useful when you are not familiar with the dental hygienist and prefer a more formal approach. By their first name: If you have a friendly relationship and they have introduced themselves by their first name, it is appropriate to use the first name. This is common in situations where you are familiar with the dental hygienist. By the staff at the front desk: Often, the staff at the front desk call the dental hygienists by their first names. This is likely what patients are accustomed to hearing.

Practical Examples

As a dentist myself, I prefer to address hygienists by their first names, especially if we have a friendly relationship and have known each other for a while. If a hygienist is new to the staff, I might use Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Ms., followed by their last name, depending on their marital status and preference.

For instance:

Formal Approach: If Barbara is a new hygienist and I do not know her personally, I would address her as 'Miss Doe' or 'Mrs. Doe' depending on her marital status. Casual Approach: If I have known Lisa for a while and we are on good terms, I would address her as 'Lisa'.

Additionally, it is always beneficial to follow the lead of the dental hygienist when it comes to how they introduce themselves. If they introduce themselves with a first name, it is best to continue using that name.

Customized Approaches in Different Offices

Each dental office may have its own unique customs and preferences. Some offices may refer to hygienists by their first names, while others may prefer a more formal approach. Understanding the office culture can help you address the dental hygienist appropriately.

For example, in one dental practice, the front desk members may call a hygienist by their first name, and this is what the patients become accustomed to hearing. If there are multiple hygienists, each patient might see the same one to form a bond. In another office, however, the staff might call the dental hygienist 'Miss Doe' or 'Mrs. Doe' for formality.

Dental Office Etiquette and Practices

Understanding the culture of the dental office can also help you in addressing the dental hygienist. In some dental offices, the relationship between the dentist and the dental hygienist can be more formal, while in others, a more casual approach is taken. The same applies to other healthcare practitioners within the office.

For instance:

Formal Approach: If the dentist and the dental hygienist have the same last name and both hold the title of DMD, it might be best to address them as 'Dr. Smith' or 'Dr. Gordon' to maintain a level of respect and formality. Casual Approach: If you have a personal relationship with a dental hygienist, you might address them by their first name, such as 'Lisa'.

It's important to remember that each patient might have their own preferences, and it's crucial to adapt to these preferences to make the patient comfortable.

Best Practices for Patients

To ensure a positive and comfortable experience, patients should follow these best practices:

Adapt to the Office Culture: Observe how the dental office typically addresses their dental hygienists and follow suit. Ask for Preferences: If you are unsure about how to address a new dental hygienist, you can politely ask for their preference. Respect Boundaries: If a dental hygienist prefers a more formal approach, it is important to respect that preference.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your dental visits are not only comfortable but also respectful and professional.