Ask The Dentist: What Is The Role Of A Dental Hygienist?
When you go to a dentists’ office, you may spend a good deal of time with someone who is a dental hygienist. A dental hygienist works with the dentist to ensure that the oral health of patients is maintained at the highest level possible. Effectively, the dental hygienist is a partner with the dentist in delivering the treatment that ensures this high level of patient oral health.
What Does A Dental Hygienest Do?
The hygienist is responsible for preparing the treatment room according to the dental practice’s prescribed protocols and procedures. This includes selecting the appropriate instruments for the patient’s procedure and ensuring that the instruments are sterilized.
An important role of the hygienist is to make the patient feel comfortable and as relaxed as possible. The hygienist may be the first person the patient will see in the procedure room, so it is essential that this encounter be a positive one.
The dental hygienist has numerous responsibilities including the following:
- Taking and developing radiographs of the patient’s teeth.
- Teeth cleaning by removing plaque from the surfaces of the teeth and below the gum margins.
- Cleaning and polishing oral appliances.
- Checking the patient’s gums for gum disease.
- Charting any exposure of the teeth roots.
- Conduct an oral cancer screening.
- Review the patient’s oral health history and current status.
- Documenting on the patient’s chart all of the work performed during a visit.
- Documenting any concerns with the patient’s mouth.
- Practice infection control protocols and procedures.
- Take the necessary steps to protect the patient by using a mouth guard and latex gloves.
They Give You Great Dental Tips!
Counseling the patient about good oral hygiene practices is a very important function of the dental hygienist. This function includes teaching the proper techniques for brushing and flossing. The use of dental picks is also discussed. The proper nutrition for the promotion of good dental health is also a vital function.
Patients can rely on the dental hygienist to collaborate with them on the ways to improve their dental health and the health of their mouth. In many ways, the dental hygienist you see is a vital part of keeping your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. The dental hygienists at Beckham Square Family Dental are knowledgeable, professional and kind. And because they are a partner in ensuring healthy, beautiful smiles, this is wonderful news for our Cincinnati area patients.
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