If you have ever been to the dentist’s office, you have likely been seen by a dental hygienist. A dental hygienist is a licensed oral health provider who works alongside dentists to perform professional dental cleanings, review patients’ medical and oral health history, conduct comprehensive oral exams, and provide education on preventive dental care. Certified dental hygienists are a critical part of every child’s oral health care team.
What Does the Dental Hygienist Do?
Even though they are in an essential supporting role, hygienists are actually responsible for many of the primary tasks performed in the dental office, including:
- Screening and review of health history: At every routine dental visit, the child usually meets with the hygienist first, and the appointment begins with a review of the child’s medical and dental history. This helps the dental care team understand prior dental treatments, recent changes in health, any medications, and allergies. This screening is also designed to help identify oral health risks and guide a personalized treatment plan that is perfect for each child.
- Diagnostics: The hygienist may also take dental X-rays of the teeth, jawbone, and surrounding structures. These X-rays help the dental care team identify cavities, potential gum disease, oral infections, bone loss, and, in some cases, abnormal growths. X-rays are usually taken annually to identify problems before they become more serious.
- Cleaning and preventive care: Following a comprehensive review of health history and the dental screening, the hygienist will perform the professional dental cleaning, using handheld instruments to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth. Once the teeth are cleaned and flossed, the hygienist will polish the teeth and may apply protective treatments such as fluoride or dental sealants if recommended by the dentist.
- Oral hygiene education: After the thorough cleaning, the hygienist will close the appointment by reviewing proper oral hygiene for the child to practice at home, including the importance of daily brushing and flossing. They will check in on aspects of the home routine the child may struggle with and offer tips to help improve daily oral care habits.
Skillset of a Dental Hygienist
Professional dental hygienists receive specialized training that prepares them to play a complementary yet equally important role in patient care. Hygienists often spend more time with children than the dentist does and must be able to communicate effectively with each child and the broader dental care team. They are skilled at clearly explaining procedures and oral hygiene practices and providing a calm, reassuring experience for each patient. Dental hygienists must also be adaptable, ready to handle unexpected challenges that may arise during a routine appointment, all while keeping each child comfortable and at ease. Overall, the hygienist is critical in creating a comfortable and positive patient experience.
If you recently scheduled a visit with your child’s dentist, you should expect them to spend much of their appointment with a dental hygienist. Many dental offices rely heavily on hygienists to ensure patients receive the best possible care, including thorough exams, efficient and comfortable professional cleanings, and practical oral health education.
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