Good dental hygiene is an essential part of maintaining good oral health. While many people think of dentists as the primary providers of oral healthcare, dental hygienists also play a critical role in preventing and treating oral diseases. But who are these champions of excellent dental care? Read on to learn more about the dental hygienist profession, including their training and education, what their typical day looks like, what their role in a successful dental practice is, and why it's so important for patients to see them regularly.
What is a Dental Hygienist?
A dental hygienist is a licensed oral health professional who works in a dental office alongside dentists and other dental staff. They specialize in preventing and treating oral diseases and work with patients to promote good oral hygiene practices. A dental hygienist's primary role is to clean teeth, but they may also perform a variety of other tasks, including patient education, taking x-rays, and charting oral health conditions.
To become a dental hygienist, one must complete an accredited dental hygiene program, which typically takes two to three years. In addition, dental hygienists must pass a national board exam and obtain a state license to practice.
A Typical Day in the Life of a Dental Hygienist
The day-to-day responsibilities of a dental hygienist can vary depending on the size of the practice they work in and the number of patients they see. However, some of the typical duties that a dental hygienist may perform on a daily basis are:
Cleaning teeth: This is the primary role of a dental hygienist. They use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, perform root planing and scaling procedures to treat gum disease, and polish teeth to remove surface stains.
Taking x-rays: Dental hygienists are often responsible for taking x-rays of patients' teeth to help dentists identify potential issues.
Patient education: A dental hygienist will work with patients to develop good oral hygiene habits, such as proper brushing and flossing techniques, and provide education on the importance of regular dental check-ups.
Charting oral health conditions: Dental hygienists keep detailed records of their patients' oral health conditions, including any signs of decay, gum disease, or other dental issues.
Assisting the dentist: A dental hygienist may assist the dentist in performing certain procedures, such as filling cavities or placing sealants.
Administering local anesthesia: In some states, dental hygienists are authorized to administer local anesthesia to patients.
Applying fluoride treatments: Dental hygienists may also apply fluoride treatments to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities.
Good Dental Hygienists are key to a Good Dental Experience
Dental hygienists are an integral part of any good dental practice. Alongside dentists, they ensure that patients receive the highest level of care possible by:
Preventing dental disease: Dental hygienists are trained to identify early signs of dental disease, such as cavities and gum disease. By catching these issues early, they can prevent them from developing into more serious problems.
Promoting good oral hygiene habits: Dental hygienists work with patients to develop good oral hygiene habits, such as proper brushing and flossing techniques. This helps patients maintain good oral health in between dental appointments.
Providing patient education: A dental hygienist can provide patients with valuable education on the importance of regular dental check-ups and the benefits of maintaining good oral health.
Increasing patient comfort: Dental hygienists are trained to provide patients with a comfortable and stress-free experience. They can help to alleviate any fears or anxiety that patients may have about dental procedures.
Improving overall patient health: Good oral health is closely linked to overall health. Many dental issues can cause issues throughout your body, not just your mouth.
Dental hygienists are an integral part of every dental practice. Finding a hygienist that you are comfortable with can ensure a positive patient visit, and our hygienist, Leah always goes the extra mile! If you are looking for a new dentist, give us a call or request an appointment.
