What is a “Dental Hygienist”?

A dental hygienist is a licensed oral health care professional who focuses on preventing and treating oral diseases.

They are typically responsible for cleaning teeth, taking X-rays, and providing instruction on proper oral hygiene. Dental hygienists work under the supervision of a dentist and often collaborate with the dental team to provide comprehensive care to patients.

In addition to cleaning teeth and taking X-rays, dental hygienists may also perform a variety of other tasks, such as examining patients for signs of oral diseases, removing plaque and tartar from teeth, applying fluoride and other treatments to help prevent tooth decay, and providing instruction on proper brushing and flossing techniques. They may also help with administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records.

Dental hygienists play an important role in the field of oral health care. They are responsible for providing preventative care to patients and helping to maintain good oral health. This involves cleaning teeth and removing plaque and tartar, as well as applying fluoride and other treatments to help prevent tooth decay. They may also take X-rays and examine patients for signs of oral diseases.

In addition to these clinical tasks, dental hygienists may also help with administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records. They may also provide instruction on proper oral hygiene techniques, such as brushing and flossing, and make recommendations for treatment if necessary.

Dental hygienists typically work under the supervision of a dentist and may collaborate with the dental team to provide comprehensive care to patients. They are licensed oral health care professionals who must complete a dental hygiene program and pass a licensing exam in order to practice.

Update 12/24