MANY are apprehensive about a trip to the dentist’s office but it’s an important service, which cannot be avoided.

There are many areas of specialisations in dentistry of which dental hygiene forms an invaluable part.
Anissa Atterbury has been working as a Dental Hygienist at the Cayman Dental Services in George Town, Grand Cayman, for the past four years.

Her skills range from cleaning teeth, taking impressions, bleachings, whitening teeth, patients’ education, oral care, and straightening teeth with braces.

She also does lab work, pouring and trimming impressions, taking impressions and other office duties.
“It’s a rewarding job when you see changes in people with their oral hygiene, it’s part of overall health.

“If people don’t look after their oral hygiene it’s a sign that they’re not looking after themselves really,” she said.

In relation to the dentist, she explained that they refer their patients to each other depending on the nature of work needed.

“It’s a two-way street -when patients come in to see me I pick up things and refer them to the dentists.
“When people come in to the dentist and they haven’t had their teeth cleaned or need work done they’re referred to me,” she said.

“I like the interaction with people and I like to help people out. I like to work with my hands.”

Mrs Atterbury studied to be a dental hygienist in Canada and has 12 years’ experience in the field, six of which were in Bermuda. 

Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) and Mathematics, communication skills and good interaction with people are critical requisites, she said.