The Dental Hygienists removes soft and hard deposits from teeth, teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene, and provide other preventive dental care.
Primary Objectives:
- The Dental Hygienists is capable of doing patient care by removing soft and hard deposits from teeth.
- The Dental Hygienists examine patient’s teeth and gums, recording the presence of disease or abnormalities.
- The Dental Hygienists uses an assortment of tools in order to accomplish their tasks taking care of patients.
- The Dental Hygienists must become licensed in the State in which they wish to practice. They must have a degree in an accredited dental hygiene school and take an examination for their licensure.
In order for a patient to learn how to maintain good oral health a Dental Hygienist must teach them the right things to do. It is very important that they work with their patients to prevent tooth decay or other problems with the teeth. The Dental Hygienists use an assortment of different tools to complete their tasks. The Dental Hygienists uses hand rotary instruments and ultrasonic devices are used to clean and polish teeth, including removing calculus, stains, and plaque. The Dental Hygienists use x-ray machines to take dental pictures and sometimes develop the film. The Dental Hygienists uses models of teeth to explain oral hygiene, perform root planning as a periodontal therapy, or apply cavity-preventative agents such as fluorides and pit and fissure sealants. In some States, hygienists are allowed to administer anesthetics, while in others they administer local anesthetics using syringes. In some States, Dental Hygienists are allowed to administer anesthetics, while in others they administer local anesthetics using syringes. In some States also allow Dental Hygienists to place and care filling materials, temporary fillings, and periodontal dressings; remove sutures; and smooth and polish metal restorations.
Dental Hygienists also help patients develop and maintain good oral health. The Dental Hygienists often explains the importance of diet and how it affects your health. Sometimes the patient needs to know how to select a good tooth brush and be taught how to brush their teeth properly. The brushing and flossing of your teeth is very important. The Dental Hygienists sometimes make a diagnosis and other times may prepare clinical and laboratory diagnostic tests for the dentist to interpret. It is not uncommon for the Dental Hygienists to work chair side with the Dentist assisting with treatment for the patient. Patient care is the most important concern for the Dental Hygienists. The Dental Hygienists must be able to work well with others because they work very closely with Dentists and Dental Assistants. The Dental Hygienists must be able to cope with toddlers and young children as well as adults and seniors. The Dental Hygienists often must take tests, diagnosis and even plan the patients care program. Even though the Dental Assistant or Dentist works with the Dental Hygienists they must still be very congenial and likeable to many different people. The Dental Hygienists needs good manual dexterity because they use dental instruments within a patient’s mouth, with little room for error. The Dental Hygienists can work with a very flexible schedule which is the distinctive feature of the job. The Dental Hygienists works in a clean and well-lighted office while taking care of their patients. The Dental Hygienists must adhere to important health safeguards including adherence to proper radiological procedures and the use of appropriate protective devices when administering anesthetic gas. The Dental Hygienists must also wear safety glasses, surgical masks, and gloves to protect themselves and patients from infectious diseases.
The Dental Hygienist often has many of the same duties that a Dentist might do but they must confirm with a Dentist before they proceed with certain procedures. The Dental Hygienist may instruct a Dental Assistant on procedures as they are working on patients but they must make sure that the Dentist has approved the diagnosis and the type of treatment suggested. It is common for many Dentist Hygienists to proceed with certain basic procedures without consulting the Dentist. It is normally just the major procedures that the Dental Hygienist is familiar with and trained to do. The Dentist is the one who must recognize serious illnesses that can be prevented or taken care of so that the patient will become better.