Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists are critical in the field of dentistry. The hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from a patient’s teeth during routine cleanings. This helps lower the risk of patients having gum disease and cavities. In addition, the hygienist performs preventive treatments, including fluoride and sealants. The dental hygienist performs many vital roles and works alongside the dentist to help patients achieve and maintain good oral health.
By definition, a dental hygienist is an oral healthcare provider. The offers various services such as teeth cleanings, preventive dental care, and education on good oral hygiene practices. The dental hygienist will work closely with the dentist to ensure patients have healthy teeth and gums.
Job Responsibility
Patients are often curious what a dental hygienist does on a day-to-day basis. They are trained to perform a wide range of treatments, which are summarized below:
Dental Cleaning
A key job of a dental hygienist is to perform routine dental cleanings. During a cleaning, they use special instruments for the removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth. In addition, they will use a special paste and a rubber cap to polish the teeth. Routine dental cleanings aid in the prevention of gum disease, cavities, and other common issues.
Scaling and Root Planing
Deep cleaning, scaling, and root planing are used for patients with gum disease. During the procedure, plaque and tartar are removed from beneath the gum surface. Following the deep teeth cleaning, the root surfaces are smoothed out to prevent the accumulation of additional plaque and tartar.
Dental X-rays
Another responsibility of the hygienist is to obtain dental X-rays. This helps provide the dentist with a clear view of the tooth’s roots. In addition, the imaging provides visibility to the health of the supporting bone, sinuses, nerves, and surrounding areas.
Local Anesthesia
Depending on their training, a dental hygienist may be able to administer local anesthesia to numb a treatment area before the dentist performs the work. In some cases, the dentist will complete this task.
Screenings
Routine oral health screenings are also performed by dental hygienists. These exams are used to check for things such as a cavity, inflammation of the gums, and other oral health issues. If anything is detected during the screening, the hygienist will communicate it to the dentist, who will discuss treatment options.
Dental Sealants
Sealants are a common preventive treatment where a protective coating is applied to the teeth in the back of the mouth. These back teeth commonly have deep grooves and pits, which are difficult to clean and susceptible to cavities. The sealants act as a shield to these high-risk areas.
Fluoride
The application of topical fluoride strengthens the tooth’s enamel and helps lower the risk of cavities.
Education
While routine dental cleanings and exams are an important part of good oral health, education on proper technique is also important. This helps ensure patients are properly brushing and flossing their teeth at home. Hygienists play an important role in educating and training patients on how to maintain good oral health.
Qualifications
A dental hygienist can pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Their training will involve general education credits, specific dental hygiene courses, and hands-on clinical work where they receive real-world training.
Call the office today if you are in need of a professional cleaning and oral examination. Our dental team looks forward to meeting you and helping you maintain good oral health.