What is the primary purpose of continuing education for dental hygienists?

The primary purpose of continuing education for dental hygienists focuses on enhancing professional knowledge and skills. This ongoing education enables dental hygienists to stay updated with the latest advancements in dental practices, technologies, and methodologies, which ultimately improves the quality of care provided to patients. By engaging in continuous learning, dental hygienists can refine their clinical skills, learn about new treatments and procedures, and understand evolving best practices in the field.

While fulfilling state licensing requirements is certainly an important aspect of continuing education, the primary intention goes beyond mere compliance; it aims to foster a deeper understanding and mastery of the profession. Networking with other professionals and increasing practice revenue are valuable outcomes, but they serve as secondary benefits rather than the main objective of continuing education. The overarching goal remains the enhancement of clinical competency and professional growth, ensuring that dental hygienists deliver the highest standard of care in their practice.