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While introverts and extroverts can be effective in any role, you may be drawn to some positions over others if you have an introverted personality. Many introverts may find that they excel in jobs that need specific skills. 

Today we will be discussing if dental hygiene is a good job for introverts. 

Also, if you identify as an introvert, we will also go over five techniques and strategies for succeeding as a dental hygienist. 

Before we get started . . . 

What is an Introvert? 

Many dental field professionals, including hygienists, may identify as introverts -An introvert is a person who exhibits traits of the introverted personality type, which means they prefer to focus on their inner thoughts and ideas rather than what is going on around them. 

Instead of relying on emotions and instincts, thinkers prefer facts and stay objective and calculated.

Introverts and Dental Hygiene: Is Dental Hygienists a Good Job for Introverts?

Tooth scaling or cleaning is only one aspect of dental hygiene. There are many duties of a dental hygienist. 

 It's a profession that emphasizes prevention, education, and building relationships. Meeting new patients and spending one-on-one time with multiple people multiple times a day come with the job. 

Interacting with patients is important for hygienists. 

Contrary to popular belief, being introverted does not imply that you are not a people person. 

So, although introversion can differ from person to person- YES, dental hygiene can be a good fit for introverts. 

Did you know that there are different types of introverts? Let's take a look. . . . 

4 Types of Introverts 

There are four types of introverts: 

1. Social introverts
2. Thinking introverts 
3. Anxious introverts 
4. Inhibited introverts 

These four types of introverts were identified and presented at the Conference for Society for Personality and Social Psychology in 2011 by three people: 

1. Julie Norem
2. Jonathan M Cheek
3. Jennifer Grimes

Each of these four introvert types has its strengths and attributes that allow them to move in the world with unique personalities that can be a positive addition to any dental office team. 

Next, what techniques can a shy dental hygienist do to establish a rapport with patients?

5 Techniques and Strategies for Succeeding as a Dental Hygienist Identify as an introvert. 

1. Avoid Imitating: Don't imitate extroverts in their small talk. You'll only make yourself look weird.

2. Relax: You don't have to make small talk or push yourself to interact, but you can get in the habit of doing so. It is your workplace. Consider it a place where you belong, and you will.

3. Listen: Listen intently instead of making casual conversation. Pose a question and let the patient provide an answer. You ask your patients questions anyhow, medical or not. Be pleasantly curious-- which people love.

4. Establish: Establish a friendly bond with your patients using your observation abilities. They'll appreciate it if you recall and ask about their lives, which can help you establish rapport.

5. Recharge: It can be draining for a shy person at times, so allow yourself some quiet time to unwind and recharge at the end of the day.

The Bottom Line 

Learn to gradually move out of your comfort zone, no matter how little the first step and the boundaries will eventually expand. Create an outlet. People are increasingly using social media to share and search for information. Dental professionals are needed to represent a company's brand and products. This is a fantastic method to broaden your comfort zone.

Ultimately, being an introverted dental hygienist isn't a bad thing.

You don't have to worry about social skills because your success is based on the quality of your work.

Individuals like you. Patients appreciate how attentive you are rather than talking over them. They admire how you value personal space and time to ponder. You don't rush patients. You don't chatter. You pay attention and respond to questions.

Patients will like you as long as you make them feel welcome and heard. Longer conversations are not required.

 

Reference: 

Norem, J., Cheek, J. M., & Grimes, J. (n.d.). Four meanings of introversion: Social, thinking, anxious, and inhibited ... Retrieved June 8, 2022, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263279416_Four_Meanings_of_Introversion_Social_Thinking_Anxious_and_Inhibited_Introversion

 

 

 

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