Erika McArthur

I am currently finishing my senior of the dental hygiene program at UMA-Bangor. I am planning on taking my boards starting in March, and the hope is I graduate with my license! In the dental hygiene program, I am expected to meet many requirements such as clinical hours, competencies that include- scaling, dental charting, local anesthesia, patient education, and impressions, etc. Other requirements are acquiring case types which means I see patients with all ranges of calculus difficulty, bone loss, and pocket depths. I also have to do rotations for radiography so that I am competent in taking bitewings, panoramics, and FMX. When I'm in clinic seeing patients, I'm expected to review their medical history, medications, do full periodontal charting, and assess their dietary history. I am also expected to gather any PCP consults or med consults that they may require due to their medical history. From there, I create their treatment plans that include x-rays they may need and of course their prophylaxis and a fluoride varnish post scale.

I've also been required to do rotations at Kennebec Valley Family Dentistry, which is a public health office, as well as at the Lewiston dental clinic. These rotations have given me immense experience with children in the dental setting.

My hope is to find a private dental office that offers a great work environment and room to grow as a dental hygienist. I'm hoping to be the kind of dental hygienist that is adaptable to a busy work environment and always be a team player in anyway that I can be.

I am also planning on moving to Southern Maine upon completion of this program.