What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?
A dental hygienist is a dental specialist who helps maintain overall dental health by examining patients for signs of oral disease and providing preventative care. When you go to the dentist, you will interact with a handful of different individuals in the office, but will likely spend the most time with the dental hygienist. At a routine dental visit, the hygienist will take and develop X-rays, clean and polish teeth, apply sealants and fluoride, demonstrate how to brush and floss correctly, and explain the status of your teeth and mouth in detail to the dentist.
While most dental hygienists work in a dental office, there are other employment opportunities at hospitals, health clinics, community centers, or even in a school setting. It typically takes between two and four years to become a dental hygienist, depending on the level of education you want. To work as a dental hygienist, you need to have a license within the state where you will work, but licensing requirements can vary by state. Unlike dentists, you do not need to go to dental school to become a hygienist. A dental hygienist program is generally less specialized and advanced and takes less time to complete than dental school. A hygienist typically needs a Dental Hygiene Associate degree, which combines classroom instruction with hands-on training in dental offices. The national average salary for a dental hygienist is $98,000.00 per year. This is generally influenced by the certification or degree that the hygienist has, as well as their experience level and geographic location.
General Responsibilities
A dental hygienist performs the majority of the treatments and tasks at a routine dental visit. Their roles can vary, but their general duties often include:
- Performing oral health assessments to locate any potential issues, such as gum disease or cavities, and then updating the dentist on what they find.
- Cleaning teeth using a variety of instruments, including hand, power, and ultrasonic tools, to remove plaque, tartar, and stains.
- Applying preventative materials such as fluoride and sealants.
- Operating X-ray equipment to take pictures of the patient’s mouth and teeth and ensure the images are accurate for the dentist to use when diagnosing patients.
- Teaching patients how to take care of their teeth and gums by brushing and flossing and providing personalized care recommendations to maintain or improve their overall oral health.
- Documenting patient care and treatment plans and updating their records.
There are a range of skills hygienists need to be successful. These include attention to detail, manual dexterity, interpersonal and communication skills, critical thinking, patience, and physical stamina.
Dental hygienists are essential to patient treatment and education, and they play a key role in a dental office. Consistent oral care at home is essential, but there are always going to be areas where your toothbrush and floss cannot reach. It is recommended to schedule a cleaning with a dental hygienist at least twice a year so they can help you maintain your oral health.
Related Article: How Long Does a Dental Cleaning Take?
