Hygienist. You’ve heard the term used in the office before but what exactly does that mean? A person that cleans your teeth, yes, but there’s so much more to it. Dental Hygeinists are the reason your appointment goes so smoothly. They make sure your mouth is clean and ready to be examined by the dentist. Without them, your mouth wouldn’t feel as fresh and clean when you leave your appointment.
Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis or periodontis, and provide other preventive dental care. They educate patients on ways to improve and maintain good oral health such as brushing twice a day and flossing after every meal.
Dental hygienists work with dentists to reach best results with patients. Potential tasks they do include:
- Patient screening procedures; such as assessment of oral health conditions, review of the health history, oral cancer screening, and dental charting
- Taking and developing dental x-rays
- Removing calculus and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from all surfaces of the teeth
- Applying preventive materials to the teeth (e.g., sealants and fluorides)
- Teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health;
- Counseling patients about good nutrition and its impact on oral health
- Making impressions of patients’ teeth for study casts
- Performing documentation for patients
Your dental hygienist does a lot for your mouth, so make sure to thank them at your next visit.
English
French
Spanish