Challenges Dental Hygienists Face During Health Crises

Health crises—whether pandemics, natural disasters, or public health emergencies—present significant challenges for Dental Hygienists. As frontline providers of oral care, they must navigate heightened safety risks, shifting protocols, and disruptions to daily practice. These situations demand adaptability, resilience, and a renewed commitment to both patient and personal well-being. Understanding the challenges faced during such times is key to building a more prepared and supportive dental care environment.

1. Exposure Risk and Safety Concerns

Dental Hygienists work in close proximity to patients' mouths and often perform aerosol-generating procedures. During health crises, this increases the risk of exposure to infectious agents.

• Elevated concern over airborne or droplet transmission
• Increased reliance on PPE such as N95 masks, face shields, and gowns
• Need for rigorous adherence to evolving infection control protocols

Balancing the delivery of quality care with safety becomes a daily priority and source of stress.

2. Operational Disruptions

Health crises often force temporary closures, limited scheduling, or reduced patient flow. This directly affects workload, income, and patient access to care.

• Postponed or canceled appointments
• Reduced work hours or furloughs
• Patient reluctance to return for routine hygiene visits
• Practice restructuring to limit exposure (e.g., fewer chairs in use)

These changes create uncertainty and require hygienists to remain flexible and proactive in adjusting their roles.

3. Emotional and Mental Health Strain

Dental Hygienists face emotional strain from the combined pressure of clinical duties and personal safety concerns. Many must care for anxious patients while managing their own stress.

• Fear of contracting or spreading illness
• Concern for family and vulnerable loved ones
• Isolation from colleagues or support systems
• Emotional fatigue from increased vigilance and patient anxiety

Mental health support and team communication become essential to maintaining resilience.

4. Constantly Evolving Guidelines

Health authorities may release new safety protocols or regulations with little notice. Dental Hygienists must stay informed and compliant while adapting their workflow accordingly.

• Frequent updates to sterilization and PPE usage procedures
• New screening and triage responsibilities
• Changes in documentation and reporting requirements

This dynamic environment can lead to confusion and burnout without strong leadership and clear communication.

5. Financial Uncertainty

In many practices, Dental Hygienists work part-time or are paid hourly. Health crises can severely disrupt income stability.

• Loss of income during practice shutdowns
• Unpaid leave due to illness or quarantine
• Challenges accessing financial relief or unemployment benefits

This financial strain adds to the emotional burden and may impact career decisions.

6. Patient Communication Challenges

Hygienists are often the ones explaining new protocols and reassuring patients during uncertain times.

• Addressing patient fears about in-office visits
• Communicating changes in procedure length or safety measures
• Encouraging compliance with oral hygiene despite missed visits

Clear, empathetic communication becomes more critical than ever to maintain patient trust and continuity of care.

7. Adapting to New Technologies

Health crises often accelerate the adoption of technologies like teledentistry and digital charting. Dental Hygienists must adapt quickly to maintain patient contact and document care remotely when necessary.

• Learning new platforms for virtual consultations or education
• Supporting remote triage or care coordination
• Using electronic health records to document evolving protocols

Technological fluency helps hygienists continue supporting care delivery during disruptions.

Dental Hygienists are vital members of the healthcare team, and during health crises, their roles are more challenging—and more important—than ever. By acknowledging these challenges and building supportive solutions, the dental community can strengthen its response to future emergencies and protect the well-being of both providers and patients.