One big misconception that many people seem to think is that hygienists only clean teeth, however, there are many different things that they are responsible for on a daily basis including both patient care and after-care treatment. There’s a lot more to your dental hygienist’s job than just polishing your teeth. In fact, dental hygienists cover all sorts of different areas and always work closely with your dentist to treat patients. Here are just some of the many responsibilities that a hygienist has on any given day at the dental practice.
Patient Education
Even though you generally go to the dentist in order to have your teeth cleaned and checked out, there’s an educational aspect to your visit as well. Many people don’t know what’s best for their oral health so it’s up to your hygienist to give them the best advice on how to make positive changes in the future. Sometimes, patients come in with more serious issues like missing teeth, severe periodontal disease, or an abundance of cavities. A hygienist can help them get back on track towards a healthy smile.
Patient Counseling
Many patients suffer from some level of dental anxiety and some are even dealing with dental phobia. For some, it keeps them from coming into the office for regular cleanings and other treatments. It is your hygienist’s job to talk to patients and do whatever they can in order to make them feel as calm and comfortable as possible.
Patient Screenings
Before the dentist even comes into the treatment room, the dental hygienist does an exam to take a look at the overall health of the patient’s teeth and other parts of the mouth. They check for early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other abnormalities that could indicate that something isn’t right.
Impressions and X-Rays
When a patient needs dental implants or another oral appliance, the hygienist is generally the one who takes impressions of individual teeth to make this possible. They also take routine x-rays of patients in order to detect any issues that cannot be seek otherwise.
Patient Treatment
Your dentist isn’t the only one who treats patients. Hygienists also are responsible for plenty of tasks, especially for regular checkups and cleanings. They do things like remove plaque and tartar, give fluoride treatments, polish teeth, and a lot more.
Next time you go to the dental office, don’t forget about the role that your hygienist plays in keeping your smile healthy. You can thank them for your beautiful, clean teeth at the end of your visit.
About the Author
Dr. Christine DiBlasi Laster earned her dental degree from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Dentistry where she graduated with Honors and received the Diagnosis and Treatment Planning Award. She is a member of numerous professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the American Association of Women Dentists. For more information or to schedule an appointment at her practice in Raleigh, visit her website or call (919) 787-0355.
