MEET YOUR HYGIENIST
MEET JENNIFER
I love being a hygenist, my job is much more to me than cleaning teeth. My job is about helping people, and listening to their needs. I treat every patient with the same care and compassion I would treat my family with. I look at each patient as an individual, and I strive to meet each person’s unique needs. It is so rewarding to work with patients and see them achieve oral health, comfort and confidence. I feel so lucky to have a career that I truly enjoy, and I look forward to many years with my patients!
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
My experience includes over 15 years in the dental field, with the bulk of my work as a hygienist in a Periodontics Specialty Office. I have worked as a Hygienist in General Dentistry, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, and Pediatrics. I completed the RDHAP program from Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry of University of the Pacific in San Francisco, with an advanced license as an RDHAP.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
American Dental Hygienists Association
California Dental Hygienists Association
OUTSIDE THE OFFICE
I was born in Spain, and raised in Northern California. I’m the proud mommy of my two beautiful little boys, Jackson and Beau.
I love spending time with my family, snowboarding, lake days, and traveling. My drive in life is fueled by the desire to be a good example to my children. Kindness, honesty and integrity are a few of my core values.
WHAT IS AN RDHAP?
A Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) is a specifically trained and licensed dental hygienist, who is able to provide dental hygiene services to individuals who have limited access to care. An RDHAP is able to provide services to private homes, nursing homes, residential care facilities, schools, and elsewhere by special arrangement. An RDHAP has specialized training and additional licensing that allows them to have their own independent business, and work in settings other than a dental office. RDHAP's offer an alternative to private practice, and people who might go untreated, can now receive care.
SERVICES
DENTAL HYGIENE ASESSMENT
All tissues inside and outside of the mouth, head and neck are evaluated, as well as existing dental work and oral condition of the tissues and gums. This assessment focuses on patient health behaviors, attitudes and oral health care needs. A dental hygiene care plan will be created.
*Screened patients with possible oral abnormalities will be referred to a dentist for a comprehensive examination.
ORAL HYGIENE INSTRUCTION (OHI)
Educational information and Instruction meant to teach and guide the patient to maintain healthy teeth and gums on their own at home. Your hygienist will instruct you on the proper methods of brushing, flossing, and other plaque removal techniques.
PREVENTATIVE CLEANING
Also referred to as "Dental Prophylaxis," is performed to eliminate plaque and tartar build-up above the gum line, which cannot be removed through regular brushing and flossing. This type of cleaning is simple and suitable for patients without significant subgingival deposits (tartar under the gumline) or periodontal pocketing. Typically, a patient who qualifies for a dental prophylaxis visits the dentist every six months, maintains good homecare, has healthy gingival tissues, and has no pockets exceeding 4mm.
PERIODONTAL SCREENING
An examination to check the gums, teeth, and bone for any signs of periodontal (gum and bone) disease. Pocket measurements are taken to check for bone loss, measurements are taken for recession and attachment loss of the gums, tooth mobility level, and overall tissue health is assessed. The outcome of the periodontal screening will allow the hygienist to determine how frequent the patient should have cleanings to help achieve and maintain optimal oral health.
ORAL CANCER SCREENING
An examination to look for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth.
FLUORIDE VARNISH
A topical treatment used to help prevent tooth decay. Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens teeth, making them more decay resistant. Topical fluorides encourage remineralization of enamel, and also inhibit bacterial metabolism, reducing the growth of plaque bacteria. Fluoride supports healthy tooth enamel and fights the bacteria that harm teeth and gums.
PERIODONTAL THERAPY
This procedure is intended for patients who have undergone periodontal treatment, whether surgical or nonsurgical. It involves removing the bacteria from crevicular and pocket areas below the gumline, and scaling and polishing of the teeth. Usually, an appointment interval of three months is recommended for this type of treatment.
SCALING AND ROOT PLANING
Also known as a “deep cleaning”, involves special techniques to get rid of plaque, tartar, and bacteria below the gum line down to your tooth roots. This prevents Periodontal (gum) disease from advancing and causing tooth loss. Periodontal disease is NOT a "curable" disease, but it is controllable in most patients.
DESENSITIZATION FOR DENTAL ANXIETY
Many patients suffer from dental anxiety due to various reasons, such as previous traumatic experiences, anxiety disorders, phobias, etc. Desensitization is an exposure therapy that can help patients face their fears in a safe setting, progressively and without intense mental and physical reactions. Desensitization appointments are designed for both children and adults. This is performed in a slow, step-by-step manner. The tell-show-do technique is used to introduce dental instruments to the patient gradually, with the hope that the patient will eventually become comfortable with the procedure. The patient is told about the instrument, shown how it works, given an opportunity to touch it, and gradually introduced to the procedure until the patient becomes comfortable enough to allow the hygienist to perform the necessary procedure. The process may take several appointments, but the ultimate goal is to help patients overcome their dental anxiety and achieve optimal oral health.
Collaboration with your Dentist
Capitol Dental Hygiene will communicate any oral abnormalities that need further examination to your dentist. If you don't have a dentist, we will refer you to one in your area.
Contact Information
Phone: (530)370-0698
Email: Jennifer@capitoldentalhygiene.com
LICENSED BY THE DENTAL HYGIENE BOARD OF CALIFORNIA
RDHAP #932
INSURED BY AMBA