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FeedSmile Power
Three unsung heroes of dental hygiene.
Photos by Jared Castaldi Published May 20, 2010 at 02:11 PM
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Similar to dentists, dental hygienists can make or break a patient visit. But, unlike their medical school counterparts, they tend to get lost in the bustle of dental offices and miss out on their due credit. That said, we sought out—and found without issue—three hygienists who personify the hygiene industry at its best.
“My job in particular is to make a patient feel at ease,” says Mary Anne Mangigian of Main Line Dental Group in Wayne. “The best thing I can do is listen to a patient. We’re lucky to have a full hour to do that.”
Mangigian has been a dental hygienist for 30 years, having worked with Dr. R. Craig Williams for the past 23. “I’m surrounded by the most intelligent staff and patients,” she says. “[But] to get a patient to do what you want them to do every day is sometimes challenging.”
The compliant clients make such challenges that much more rewarding. “There is a perfect patient; he does exist,” says Wendy Mercaldo of Dr. Joseph R. Greenberg’s cosmetic dentistry practice in Villanova. “He brushes, flosses, shows up on time every four months. He’s about 55 years old—it takes a while to catch on. The worst patients are the college students.”
Narberth’s Brandi Simon knows as well as anybody about dental care for the youth. She’s worked with everyone from infants through college students for two of her eight years as a hygienist at Dr. Benjamin McKee’s pediatric practice in Devon. “I’ve had quite a few who are very close [to the perfect patient],” she says. “Here in our office, the kids who have fabulous diets still get cavities. Rather than restricting a diet, I say take everything in moderation. Sure, you can eat candy—but once a week or on special occasions.”
Beyond brushing, flossing and enjoying a moderate serving of sweet treats, the hygienists also suggest—and only use—a Sonicare electric toothbrush, which runs for two minutes. “That’s my No. 1 thing I always push,” says Mercaldo, who has 16 years of experience in dental hygiene.
What else do the preachers practice? Mercaldo’s routine includes 30 seconds of flossing, followed by brushing—both twice a day. Mangigian goes through a similar process, with an extra brushing after lunch and home bleaching every six months. For Simon, it’s three brushings per day and one flossing session after brushing at night. All rinse with Listerine.
“The mouth can tell the health of the rest of the body,” says Mangigian. “There’s lots of links to periodontal disease and the rest of your body.”
Mercaldo can keep a close eye on her patients’ oral health rather easily—and literally—with magnification that enlarges teeth about two-and-a-half times. It pays off during the oral cancer exams she administers with every patient visit.
The Rosemont resident got her dental hygiene training through Harcum College’s two-year program, accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation. At the time, the clinicals were held at the University of Pennsylvania.
