How To Study For National Boards

I get asked all the time how to study for the National Board Exam. I like things in black and white myself and wondered if there was a secret recipe to passing that exam when I took it. So here is what I figured out, and what I tell those who are looking for guidance.

I recommend studying the way that you usually study to get and “A” on an exam. For advanced planners, like myself, I recommend studying in advance. For those that are crammers, I recommend... cramming.
 

Studying In Advance

For a regular exam, I had to read the chapters each 2-3 times, then review with my study group/myself the review questions 2-3 weeks in advance. I would make a study schedule to pace myself.

For the National Board, I did the same. I was scheduled to take the exam at the end of March so I made myself a study schedule that started in January. Each week I scheduled myself a topic to review and that process took about 2 months time. For the last month, I practiced test questions from the back of each chapter in the study book I used and any other practice questions that I could get a hold of. I, personally, have a little test anxiety and really had to learn to read through questions thoroughly. I would also look at the answers and find out what would have made those the correct answers.

The last week before the exam I didn’t do any studying. I figured that if I didn’t know it then, I wasn’t going to.

Cramming

Now if you are a crammer, I recommend cramming. Check into a hotel or lock yourself in your room the weekend before. Get lots of healthy food and study until you drop. If you like to study as a group, invite some friends. You may also want to consider using a board review course as your “cram” session.

Hybrid Version

If you like portions of the above options, consider mixing them to meet your needs. Whatever you choose, make a plan and stick to it. 

What Sources To Use

I would recommend looking at all of the options and seeing what is the best for you and limiting it to 1-3 of those. Otherwise, it gets overwhelming. Consider that you will want them to be thorough and you want it to have practice questions with explanations as well.  

Study as you go

Last is to do well in your current classes. Consider that with each class you take, you are studying for the board. Those who usually fail are those who didn’t do well in their classes in the first place or those who chose just to “wing” the exam and don't study anything. If you can get at least “B’s” in your classes and study some, you have very high chances of success. Best of luck- now go study!

Be sure to check out our YouTube Board review playlists on our channel for more practice.

Let us know in the comments what you used to study from for your National Board Exam. 

Tips For Placing Simulated Calculus on a Dental Hygiene Model

This is a much watch video for any dental hygiene educator who is trying to navigate the world of manikin exams for your dental hygiene students.

Melia shares some tips on placing mock calculus on a dental model in our latest video. Taking boards on a simulated model is becoming more common and will probably be sticking around for years to come, so navigating how create high quality simulations for your dental hygiene and dental students is vital. These models are not only great for students, but in calibrating instructors and even calibrating hygienists in your office.

What have you experienced placing this simulated calculus on a dental manikin or typodont? Any lessons you’d share?

Things to Work on During your Christmas Break

Congratulations on finishing up this fall semester of dental hygiene school! Honestly, no one has ever gone through a semester like this, and hopefully no one else will have to! You may be already away from campus and finishing up your lecture classes online. But, what about clinic? At our school, we’ll be away from the clinic for almost 2 months! It feels like a long time to be away from your instruments and your patients. However, there are a few things you can do while at home being away from patients to keep up on your clinic skills. Here are a few ideas:

1. Of course, watch our Hygiene Edge videos on all the basics regularly. We have them all- patient operator positioning, specific hand instruments that you may use, wrist motion, modified pen grasp, etc. Watching and reviewing videos can help jog your memory on how to perform all the skills you were practicing so hard to feel comfortable with.

2. Keep your hands and fingers healthy and strong. Being away from work on patients for so long means the muscles in your hands will go away. Keep up their strength by working them out! Yes, that sounds so weird to work out your hand muscles, but you totally can by playing with play dough and clay, grabbing stress balls, and pinching different objects. Your hands will thank you come January and you’re back seeing patients.

3. Grab your typodont and practice your adaption. However, before you do, make sure your typodont is sent up like a human would be. Instead of holding the typodont in front of your face with your non dominant hand, lay it down like you would a patient. Some typodonts have a hole in the back for you to put a dowel or a holder through and attach it to a table or your couch arm. Then, when you practice, make sure you’re in the correct clock position before jumping in. Even though your set up looks completely different than it would in a dental chair, you’ll still want to follow all the basics of where you sit, where your patients head it, where you non dominant hand goes, and where your dominant hand goes so you’re practicing and remembering all the correct techniques.

4. Keep working on your indirect vision. You can totally practice with your mouth mirror and instrument on your typodont, which would be very helpful. You can also practice by coloring a picture by only looking in a mirror, or doing mazes in a mirror. Doing any small, fine motor task while looking in your bathroom mirror will help train your brain to do a task you’re normally used to doing backwards, which is exactly what happens when you use a dental mirror intraorally. You can download our free coloring page from our shop, or go all out by downloading some Christmas pages and go for it!

5. Keep looking for patients! We know that finding patients is the trickiest part of dental hygiene school. Even though you may be having a low key break and not interacting with as many people as normally, still be keeping your eyes and ears open for potential patients. Having a Zoom family Christmas party? Bring it up that you’ll be looking for patients starting in a few weeks. Have some spare time online? Set up a few Facebook ads looking for patients or post on your neighborhood or city groups about discounted appointments come January. Right now it the perfect time to start filling your schedule for January.

Keep up the great work throughout your break! Definitely enjoy yourself, stay safe and healthy, and keep practicing your clinic skills at home to be ahead of the game come next semester. What are you doing during this break to keep yourself healthy and ready for the next semester?

Looking for more?

Tips for Finding Patients in Dental Hygiene School

2018 Student Essay Contest

It's time again for our Annual Student Essay Contest!

This year, we've decided to look into ADHA and being part of your student chapter. We'd love to know how being part of it as helped you learn and grow as a person and as a dental hygienist. Any fun activities you've done? Any great events or volunteer opportunities that your classmates have been involved in? What have you learned from being part of the events and a dental hygiene community? We want to know!

Winner will be chosen and given $100, a prize package from our shop, and be published on Hygiene Edge. Email your submissions by August 1 to hygieneedge@gmail.com.

We're so excited to hear what you've been up to with the ADHA and SADHA!

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Fine print: You must be a current dental hygiene student OR have graduated dental hygiene school in the last 6 months. Entries are due August 1, 2018 and should be emailed to hygieneedge@gmail.com. All writing must be original work. Entry must been less than 1000 words long. Photos can be included, but must be copyright free. 

Advice for the Recent Dental Hygiene Graduate

Being a recent dental hygiene graduate is full of emotion. For one, relief that you made it through a really tough program! Sadness that you won't see your new best friends that you've been hanging out with every day for the last two years, and nervousness as you set out to find your perfect job. We've been compiling advice from hygienists all over the US and Canada for you recent grads! Things they wish they would've known when they graduated, how to keep hygiene instresting, and how to be dental hygiene for the long haul.

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"Try and get as much experience temping in multiple offices as possible. You're able to find out what you like and most of the time, temping can lead to a permanent job."  Courtney Calder

"Be confident, especially in your knowledge and skills. However, you must still be teachable and know that you are still going to learn something new every day." Mandy Faucette, graduated in 2012

"The advice I would get be after 30+years is to get to know your patients. Build a relationship. You'll help them want to improve their oral health and do what you ask when they know you care. It's simple. But very powerful."  Karen Alston

"I would say my best advice is to value your education and be willing to continue learning. I think we are very well educated and that sometimes we are discredited, by dentists, our patients who think we're the same as assistants, and even each other when people go to different schools. But we are very knowledgeable and have all the knowledge and skills that we need to provide excellent patient care. We need to be confident about that. But at the same time, we also need to be willing to learn from our peers and search out the latest information that is continually being released so we can make sure we are providing the best patient care."  Chanci Oyler, graduated in 2008

"You have a professional degree, but your learning doesn't stop now. Take the time to develop yourself personally, gain emotional intelligence, and have courage. Your courage will help you as you evolve professionally but it will also help you uphold your integrity and your dental hygiene oath. Remember the galaxy is your limit!" Jazmin Haley

"When you first graduate, trying to find the perfect job can be tough. Take your time and do a lot of temping to see what you like in an office, what you don't, and to be exposed to many different software systems, instruments, and office dynamics. Don't stress, which I know is hard, if the perfect 5 day/week office doesn't fall into your lap right away. Just like it dental hygiene school, it all works out! Congratulations on joining an amazing profession!" Melia Lewis, graduated in 2009

"One of the most important things is to keep learning and working on developing your skills, especially in dental hygiene diagnosis and treatment planning, also clinical skills take a while before they develop fully.
Also, if you have a diploma or associates degree, get a bachelor's degree ASAP. It won't affect your income in clinical practice, but you will have more career options later on, in case you want a change from clinical practice Also, even if money is tight, get disability insurance. I worked with someone who was in a car collision soon after graduation, she could not work for six months.."   Linda Douglas

"GET A MENTOR YESTERDAY and Networking really does matter." Elicia Lucpoli

"Pay attention to the ergonomics/kinesiology experts.  Too many careers ruined by bad backs and other chronic workplace injuries in this job.  Avoid working in offices with 12 o'clock delivery." Scott Ross

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Thank you to everyone who offered advice to our recent grads!

What advice would you give yourself as a recent gradute? 

Common Errors on the PSA Injection

Taking local anesthesia boards soon? Having trouble getting your patients numb? This video can help with both!

Student Article Contest 2016

Hygiene Edge, with Lilac Paper, presents the 2nd annual student article contest! This year's topic is: Study tips you've been using while in dental hygiene school. Submissions are due by August 1, 2016 to hygieneedge@gmail.com. Winner will have their article published on Hygiene Edge along with recieving a Lilac Paper Dental Student Planner, and $50 cash. 

Ways To Stay Positive In Dental Hygiene School

Hygiene Edge is excited to announce the winner of our 1st Student Essay Contest- Taylor Robell! Taylor is currently a second year dental hygiene student at Fortis College in Phoenix, Arizona. We've included her essay "Ways to Say Positive in Dental Hygiene School" below for both students and current hygienists to learn from.

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I look back on my first week of dental hygiene school with a sort of fond envy. I was so full of excitement and energy, two things which are hard to come across as a second year dental hygiene student. I will admit that the stress and demand of school has taken a toll on my sanity and my social life, but I’ve found little ways to cope and keep my chin up:

1.       Do something simple and fun. Doing small things that interest you has been proven to help boost positivity and productivity. It’s science! I like to do small crafts and DIY projects that I can use around the house. Online shops like Darby Smart have tons of simple and easy project ideas. If you’re on a budget, Do it on a Dime is a great YouTube channel for projects using items found at the dollar store.

2.       Start a motivational Pinterest board. It might sound cheesy, but never underestimate the power of Pinterest. There are tons of motivational quotes and stories on Pinterest that you can reference. There are also plenty of dental hygiene memes which are good for a laugh when you need it most!

3.       Set short-term goals. We all know that graduating and passing boards is the end goal, but long-term goals don’t do much for present day positivity. It doesn’t have to be anything major to have a big impact. My current goal is to walk 10,000 steps a day. Setting measurable and attainable goals can be huge for your happiness.

4.       Start a thought journal. One of the things I struggled with the most initially was bringing my stress home and letting it rub off on my family. Instead of venting about how miserable I was at school that day, I write it down and let it exist only on the pages of my journal. It’s made me a happier person and helped my relationships as well.

5.       Try a new recipe. Think back to anatomy and physiology and release those endorphins by eating something delicious! The All Recipes app is a great tool for discovering new recipes. The “Dinner Spinner” feature allows you to select recipes that take a certain amount of time. It’s perfect for busy college students who don’t have hours to spend making food!

6.       Build a support system. The one redeeming factor about dental hygiene school is that you’re not alone. Simply surrounding yourself with like-minded people can be a gratifying tool for coping with stress. If you haven’t already, get together with classmates outside of school. Try new things and enjoy the moment you’re in.

7.       Do something nice for someone else. One thing that never fails to recharge my passion for life is helping others. But you don’t have to donate hours of your time at the local food bank to accomplish this. Simply buy a stranger’s coffee or help an elderly woman with her groceries and I promise you’ll feel the difference almost instantly.

8.       Remember that it’s okay to ask for help. It is so important to constantly evaluate your well-being and mental health. Dental hygiene school can be a major life-changing event, so know the symptoms of anxiety and depression. If you feel that way, you’re not alone. Roughly 30% of college students report feeling so depressed that it’s difficult to function. Know the signs and know when to get help.

It’s no secret that dental hygiene school is a constant battle. But with the right tools and an army of support, you won’t have to fight alone!

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Thank you to all the students who entered! We loved each essay and how personal and pertinent the topic is to current dental hygiene students. 

10 Things I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Took Boards

I know a lot of you students are preparing to take National written and clinical boards in the next few weeks. Bah! So close! Let’s pause right here just for a moment of congratulations; you have made it this far! Can you see the light at the end of the tunnel? From my own experience, and the experience of my colleagues, here are 10 things that will help you navigate boards with greater ease and finally get you to the end of that tunnel: 


#1 Cut Out Distractions 
Does this story next sound familiar?  You have planned two hours for some study time and then your phone dings…20 minutes later you crack open your book ready to start. Your phone then flashes; a new Instagram post…15 minutes gone.  Beep beep......a post reminds you to check that video on Facebook…another 45 minutes, poof, gone. You have 40 minutes left of study time and you decide to get serious so you Snapchat a pic of you studying hard with your book. You snap another pic of you chewing your pencil and the next thing you know study time is UP. Does this all sound familiar? When I was studying for boards I had a classmate change my Facebook password so I couldn't log in for 2 months. It saved me time, sanity and helped me focus. To this day my password is still boards suck with my classmate's birthday digits at the end. I smile every time I have to type it in. 

#2 Take Care of Yourself 
Sleep. Eat good things. Sleep. Drink water and did I mention sleep? 


#3 Prepare What You Can Ahead of Time and Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff. 
Write up everything you can beforehand. Make sure all of your ID’s are exactly the same (if your ID has your middle initial in it ALL of your ID's must use your middle initial.) 

#4 Have a Plan
 As far as clinical boards is concerned, remember you have cleaned this type of calculus before. Create a sequence that works for you. My preferred sequence was: Ultrasonic with the triple bend, handscale with area specifics, explore, use your files to crunch any tough spots, return to ultrasonic with the slimline or thinsert, explore, probe and record recession, finish with handscaling any remaining calc. and submit your patient with confidence. I told my patient to think clean thoughts as she passed the point of no return entering the examiners operatories. 

#5 Failure Isn’t the End
 I failed the written anesthesia test the first time I took it. I had driven with some classmates from Utah to California to take the test at USC. We stayed in this hilariously rundown hotel and the campus smelled funny. Back then, we took the test in a classroom, on a piece of paper, with a pencil, a PENCIL. After the test I waited outside of the classroom for results. While we waited we stupidly tried to compare what we answered with each other until the proctor came out and handed each of us an envelope which had a pass or fail slip inside. I opened my envelope and saw those dreaded words. FAIL. I cried…a lot. I learned where I needed to study more,  compassion for others who failed, to curb my comparing, and that failing can be a positive thing. I am a better clinician, colleague, teacher, and friend because of that fail. You can take the test again, really you can. In the meantime… 


#6 Plan for Success 
Obviously you aren't planning to fail. My failure taught me how to plan, progress, and PASS! Visualize it. Talk nice to yourself. I even drew myself as a stick figure, surrounded myself with words of affirmation, and drew a cap and gown on my stick figure body holding a diploma in one hand and a syringe in another! Keep yourself in a growth mindset not a set mindset. Passing boards isn't the end of your professional education. 


# 7 Don’t Compare 
Oh I could write a dissertation about this but, I’ll spare you. Worry about yourself and what you know. Comparison kills. It kills motivation, friendships, kindness and karma. Speaking of karma… 


#8 Karma is a Real Thing 
Karma is a real thing especially when prepping for tests. If you hear about a great boards review class, tell your friends. If you find a book that has been super helpful, tell your friends. If you find an extra boards patient, share with your friends. I have seen it over and over again, those who help each other win with each other. 


#9 Case Studies 
An alarming majority of people I talked with told me they wish they had studied more case studies. The application of 100’s of hours of school in real life scenarios; case studies. The stuff you will see in practice, case studies. The stuff you will be tested on, case studies. Study up, this is soon to be your life! 


#10 You Aren't Just Studying for Boards 
 Newsflash, being a dental hygienist is going to be your PROFESSION! The things you will be tested on actually help you in your soon to be job. You will need to retain a lot of this information for real life. 


You've got this. See you on the other side Colleagues!