Day: September 25, 2024

What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?

If you have a dental health problem such as gum disease, tooth decay or bad breath, a hygienist can help. Hygienists are trained to remove the hard deposits of plaque and tartar (or calculus) that build up on teeth, as well as teaching patients how to clean their teeth properly at home.

Dental hygienists also take dental x-rays to get a better look at the interior of a patient’s mouth and catch problems in their early stages before they become more serious. They can also apply cavity preventing agents such as fluoride treatments or pit and fissure sealants.

Hygienist: Why Regular Cleanings are Essential for Oral Health

Hygienists are also experts at educating their patients about oral hygiene and healthy diets, so they can prevent common dental ailments such as gum disease and tooth decay from getting out of hand. They will show you how to brush and floss your teeth correctly and can even suggest which types of toothpaste or floss are best for you.

Hygienists can be found working in a wide range of settings including private dental practices, community health settings, nursing homes, hospitals, prisons, schools, faculty practice clinics and state and federal government facilities. Many hygienists combine their clinical work with other careers in education, research, sales and marketing, public health and administration. They can work full or part time and some choose to do both. This allows them to enjoy a good work/life balance while maintaining the satisfaction of their career. You may also be surprised to find out that some hygienists work in industry or government and don’t practise dentistry at all!

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