Springtime means spring cleaning, but do you include cleaning your teeth as part of your annual efforts, and overall dental health? Dental hygienists have been doing spring cleaning on our teeth for over a hundred years. This week in April is set aside to honor these health workers who keep us all healthy and smiling brightly.
The National Library of Medicine (NLM) holds materials in a range of formats that provide a taste of the history of dental hygienists. I discovered pictures, films, and books providing wonderful insight into policy and practices that have shaped the way we experience a trip to the dentist today.
In the mid-20th century, specialization in this important preventative care practice was growing. Dental hygienists do many of the tasks of dentistry, particularly in prevention. A photograph from 1939 from the National League for Nursing archives in the NLM collection shows a dental hygienist inspecting children’s teeth in a grade school classroom in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Educating children in proper dental hygiene is an important role of the dental hygienist, starting good habits early and keeping our teeth healthy for our lifetimes.
Digging deeper into NLM’s collection, I found a 1944 United States Navy training film on dentistry. The instructional film explains the role of a “dental technician” in supporting a dental officer to treat patients. The film details oral hygiene instruction and room and instrument preparation. While some of the technology and techniques are outdated today, the 18- minute black and white film provides a detailed snapshot of some of the technical skills required to support the treatment of dental patients.
By the 1940s certification for dental hygienists was beginning to be required across the country. Each state passed certification laws shortly after one another and by 1952 all 50 states required licensed dental hygienists. This requirement entailed a high school diploma and a 2-year certification program.
Indiana Dental Hygienist Law is a short 11-page pamphlet that details the beginning of certification of dental hygienists. This book was published in 1946 by the Indiana State Board of Dental Examiners. Previously in the state of Indiana, certification had not been required to be a practicing dental hygienist. The Indiana state board defined dental hygienists as:
“…one who is especially educated and trained in the science and art of maintaining the dental health of the individual or community through prophylactic or preventive measures applied to the teeth and adjacent structures.”
In Indiana in 1946, certification had to be acquired by the Board. Applicants were required to submit their diploma from an institution for educating dental hygienists along with a $10 fee. The certification was good for one year. Renewing a certification required an annual $2 fee. The book goes on to provide what a dental hygienist does and where they may practice. All instances of practice must be completed under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Violations of any of the provisions of the Act are punishable by a fine of $50 or imprisonment in the county jail for 20 days or in some cases by both the fine and imprisonment. A second conviction would result in the revocation of the certificate to practice dental hygiene.
I would be remiss if I did not share one example of the many dental cartoons available in the NLM Digital Collections. In this 1940’s postcard an assistant, possibly a dental hygienist, can be seen holding a large wooden mallet foreshadowing the use of it on the patient. Due to a “gas” shortage other measures are being taken to ‘knock the patient out.’ The astonishment of the patient is humorous alongside the calming dentist and smiling hygienist waiting to perform her duties.
Today dental hygienists are educated, licensed, and well-paid essential members of the dentistry team and provide excellent care to the patients. We should all appreciate the work they do throughout the year and particularly during this and every other National Dental Hygienists Week!
To learn more about the history of dental hygienists beyond the 1940s, search the NLM Digital Collections. The insight into other time periods of dentistry is also fascinating. You will not be disappointed!
Lindsay Franz is a librarian in the User Services and Collection Division at the National Library of Medicine.