Important Notice: Our web hosting provider recently started charging us for additional visits, which was unexpected. In response, we're seeking donations. Depending on the situation, we may explore different monetization options for our Community and Expert Contributors. It's crucial to provide more returns for their expertise and offer more Expert Validated Answers or AI Validated Answers. Learn more about our hosting issue here.

What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?

0
Posted

What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?

0

Before you pursue the field it’s important for you to understand exactly what a dental hygienist does each and every day. Contrary to popular belief, a dental hygienist does much more than cleaning teeth. They perform a wide range of services including taking dental x-rays, collecting information about a patient’s medical health history, teaching patient’s about proper oral hygiene, and making molds. Also, in some states the responsibilities expand to include laboratory diagnostic testing and assisting with fillings. However, in addition to these duties is the one they’re most known for and that’s the cleaning of teeth. A dental hygienist examines teeth and gums and removes calculus, stain and plague from all surfaces by using a process known as “scaling.” Also, the hygienist will examine other parts of the upper body to identity any potential health problems such as cancer, etc. When they’re done with “scaling” and removing calculus, they apply materials such as fluoride to prevent fu

0

The tasks performed by a dental hygienist are varied. Here are a few of the things a dental hygienist does.

0

role than a Dental Assistant. Though Hygienists regularly interact with Dentists they aren’t usually associated with the operational end of dentistry. Dental Hygienists clean and survey teeth and gums.

0

The dental hygienist job description is indeed quite complex given that any dental hygienist’s duty falls into various spheres including pre-procedure care, in-office treatment of dental patients and post-procedure care. During a dental appointment, a hygienist typically removes soft and hard deposits from a patient’s teeth; examines the gums and teeth to discern the presence of disease or oral abnormality; and strips the teeth of calculus (tartar), stains and plaque. A dental hygienist often performs as well root planing (a type of periodontal therapy), takes x-rays and applies cavity-deterring agents (fluoride or sealants). In some regions of the US, in certain instances hygienists are permitted to administer anesthetics and perform other tasks generally attributed to a dentist, duties such as filling application, periodontal dressing, suture removal and metal restoration polishing.

0

The dental hygienist job description is rather complex given that a dental hygienist’s duty aligns with pre-procedure care, in-office treatment of patients and post-procedure care. During an appointment, a hygienist may remove soft and hard deposits from teeth, examine gums and teeth to note diseases or abnormalities and rid the teeth of calculus (or tartar), stains and plaque. A dental hygienist may also perform root planing as periodontal therapy, take x-rays and apply cavity-deterring agents such as fluoride and sealants. In some cases and in some states, hygienists are allowed to administer anesthetics and perform other duties typically assigned to a dentist such as filling application, periodontal dressing, suture removal and polishing metal restorations. While dental hygienists do not diagnose oral disease, one important dental hygienist duty is to prepare clinical and laboratory diagnostic tests for the dentist to later interpret. A dental hygienist has a pedagogic role as well-

Related Questions

Thanksgiving questions

*Sadly, we had to bring back ads too. Hopefully more targeted.