The Miswak Comeback
Dental hygienists are not just practitioners, they are experts and invaluable allies in the pursuit of optimal oral health. As trusted authorities on effective dental hygiene interventions, dental hygienists make critical clinical decisions that directly impact patient care. The responsibility of planning, implementing, and evaluating the oral-facial aspects of a comprehensive patient care plan is not taken lightly, and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) Standards for Clinical Hygiene Practice play a pivotal role (Table 1).1
Revisions to the standards were made in 2025, amplifying the importance of a comprehensive dental hygiene care plan while ensuring that every patient feels understood and valued. While traditional methods of preventive care, such as toothbrushing and flossing, remain fundamental to oral hygiene, integrating these age-old practices with innovative technologies and advanced self-care solutions is imperative.
When dental hygienists take the time to understand patients’ cultural beliefs, especially those related to oral health and personal hygiene practices, they positively influence patients’ perceptions of self-care and the value of continued oral hygiene visits. Dental hygienists worldwide are learning about the cultures and specific beliefs of individuals regarding oral hygiene practices, the value placed on preventive-reparative care, and patients’ tolerance levels associated with dental procedures, which can influence how patients respond to treatment.2 By recognizing these beliefs, dental hygienists can tailor their communication and comprehensive dental hygiene care plans in a way that respects patients’ perspectives, helping to alleviate anxiety and build trust.
* References and figures can be found in the original article via the link above.
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