What you told us: What's the one thing that makes your day as a dental hygienist better?

We asked a simple question on the Modern Hygienist Facebook page: “What is one thing that makes your day as a hygienist better?” We got plenty of answers. It’s typical of the great conversations we often have on our MH Facebook page. If you haven’t “liked us” yet, be sure you do by clicking here.

Below are what some of your colleagues told us were the things that made their day better.

When the last patient of the day cancels 

When the dentist is doing dentistry and not micro-managing!

Being requested. 

When a patient comes back and they have been flossing!

Sharp instruments!

When a patient appreciates everything you do for them and you get a hug. Those are the best.

Scheduling that makes sense

5:00

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Grateful, rather than complaining, patients.

A patient that says "Thank you. That feels soooo much better!"

Nice friendly patients

Appreciative patients

Good team communication

Patients who are as invested in their oral health as I am!

Doctors running on time for exams! 

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Working with awesome assistants and being a team player.

Making a new nervous, anxious patient feel at ease and comfortable

Getting all exams early and never waiting...so I'm on time for everyone. Woooo hooo!

Patients who know they are partners with you for their overall health!

Teamwork!

Staying on time

Building long-lasting relationships with my patients.

Patients accept treatment. Makes me feel that they're listening and are invested in their oral health.

Just a "thank you", "you're great," or a hug goes such a long way. (Words of Affirmation & Physical Touch are my love languages. They make me feel like I've connected with my patient and what I'm doing is worthwhile).

Not flooded RDH job market would be nice.

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Full schedule

Comfortable and happy patients! 

When difficult patients admit that they are difficult. I hate being blamed when it's not my fault.

Making a patient feel confident about their smile! 

Good patient conversation

Patients that come in, equipment that works, sharp instruments, teamwork in the office! Yeah I know, more than one thing, but...

Going home lol!!

When a patient that hasn't had dental care ever and are truly amazed how nice their teeth look and feel and they return for their follow up recall!

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My connections with my patients. Having their trust and helping them.

When patients tell me I am like one of their family (32 years).

Patients that are living in the "safety zone" which means they return to see while they are still healthy!

Helping others

Patients!

Seeing amazing results because the patient actually listened and followed thru with recommendations! 

When a patient says, "I've been flossing every day since our last visit. You were right. It doesn't make me bleed."

When I stay on time ALL day!

Calming a nervous patient's anxiety and accomplishing a precise and thorough new patient comprehensive exam. I love when a new patient says, “Wow I've never had such a thorough exam!”

Patients with healthy gums!

When you can see improvement in a patient’s oral health and they are excited to have made a difference.

When one if my patients who always has poor oral health, bleeding, and inflammation comes in and has marked improvement and are healthier because they listened to me! Makes my day.

Clean teeth!

Is there anything you'd like to add? Feel free to leave a comment in the section below.