Dental Hygienist
A dental hygienist is a dental health care professional who focuses on preventive dental health; dentist hygienist services include prophylaxis treatments or professional teeth cleaning, taking prescribed radiographs or x rays, fluoride administration, root planing and scaling for patients who have gum diseases, administration of dental sealants and providing patients with clear instructions for proper oral health care and hygiene.
This is dentistry will provide you with the information you need about dental hygienist services, so you will know what to expect even before you go for dental hygienist services. If you are looking for a dentist hygienist, you can start your search by browsing through the comprehensive This is Dentistry dentist directory, which will give you access to the contact information of a qualified dental hygienist in your local area.
Dental Hygienist Qualifications
A dental hygienist must have the following qualifications and characteristics to be able to be efficient in dental hygienist services:
- A degree from an accredited dental hygiene services school, or an associate degree.
- A license to practice dental hygiene services in the specific area where he (the dental hygienist) wishes to work.
- The ability to work well as a part of a bigger team, which will include a dentist or a dental surgeon, or an orthodontist.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills, as a dentist hygienist needs to be in constant and clear communication with the members of the dental team, and with the patients as well.
- An innate interest in working for the dental hygienist services field.
- The ability to perform highly accurate and precise work, as a dental hygienist may be tasked to perform delicate dental procedures for preventive dental health purposes.
Procedures Done by a Dental Hygienist
- Application of cavity preventing agents like fluoride treatments, fissure and pit sealants, etc.
- Processing and exposing of dental x rays
- Removal or plaque, calculus or stains from the patient’s teeth
- Make impressions of patients’ oral cavity, teeth and mouth area in preparation for the construction of mouth guards or study casts
- Application and removal of periodontal packs
- Removal of orthodontic appliances
- Giving instructions to patients on what to do after specific dental treatments/procedures
- Providing education and counseling to both children and adults on proper dental health practices and nutrition
