X-ray technique

Dear RDH:

I would like to add to Dianne Glasscoe’s answer (in the Dec. 2004 issue’s Staff Rx column) regarding making X-rays more acceptable.

To aid placement for the patient with a strong gag reflex, I always move the X-ray machine head to generally where it needs to be before placing the film. Then I suggest the patient wiggle his or her toes, or even his or her feet off the chair while I insert the X-ray film. For most of those who have trouble controlling their gag reflex, this can give hygienists a quick time to expose the film.

This may avoid relying on chemicals (anesthetic, mouthwash, salt, etc.) and allows the patient to do the corrective action. I don’t know why it works, but it does!

Amy Brown, RDH, BS
Leawood, Kansas

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Tammy Honold has appeared on an RDH cover before. In September 2002, she was one of eight recipients of the Sunstar Butler/RDH Award of Distinction who graced the cover.

Since then, she has quietly returned to Ignacio, Colo., to resume work at the Southern Ute Academy. It’s a private tribal school where she works with children aged six months through sixth grade. As part of her job with Indian Health Services, she administers a fluoride varnish program, educational programs, and sealants in February.

Speaking of February, we tip our hat to National Children’s Dental Health Month, as well as Native American children who diligently maintain good oral care.

Honold updated us on what she has been up to since 2002.

“Work has been great!” she said. “I wrote a grant last year for incentives to get my prenatal patients to come in for free dental care, and it is still tough to get them in. And I received the grant. It has been fun, and it is working ... I still can’t believe I get paid to do what I do.

She is also completing her work on her bachelor’s degree, managing a mobile nursing home business with another dental hygienist, and being a single Mom.