They’re compassionate, friendly and they clean your teeth, but a dental hygienist does much more than this! Their role in the dental office is much more important than many realize. Read on to find out what a dental hygienist does to help protect smiles.
Setting Up for Patient Visits
A dental hygienist is essential to ensuring appointments go as smoothly as possible. At the start of the day, they set up the examination rooms, review charts and make sure that everything is ready to welcome patients. Knowing a patient’s medical history, any special needs they may have and their dental health goals before they get into the dental chair helps them ensure they receive a personalized dental care experience.
Dental Screening
Before the dentist enters the room for an appointment, the hygienist will examine the overall condition of a patient’s mouth. If there are any specific issues that have brought them into the office, like a fractured tooth or irritated gums, the screening may be a bit more extensive. If a patient hasn’t visited the dentist in a while, the hygienist will take a new set of X-rays and dental impressions. Once this is complete, they inform the dentist of what they’ve found so certain concerns can be addressed.
Key Dental Treatments
In addition to removing dental stains, plaque and calculus from patients’ teeth, Hygienists also provide more extensive treatments. One treatment they perform is the application of sealants that protect the teeth of patients who are still learning proper dental care. They also perform gum disease treatments like scaling (the removal of plaque and calculus from below the gumline) and root planing, which is the smoothing of the roots of teeth to help gums reattach to them.
Dental Education
Most cavities are caused by poor dental care, but other issues like dry mouth and medical problems can also contribute to oral health issues. Hygienists are the key to helping patients learn the best oral care for their dental needs. They also teach proper brushing and flossing techniques if patients have braces, dental bridges and any other specific care they may need.
Patient Care
If it’s been years since a patient has visited the dentist, they may have worries or concerns about what the dentist might think of their dental health. The hygienist is there to help quell their fears and remind them that the dentist is not there to judge them. The goal for the entire dental office is to help them improve their oral health.
Dental hygienists do much more than polish and clean teeth all day. They are one of the most important aspects of any dental office. The interpersonal skills, attention to detail and manual dexterity help provide patients with a dental experience that will keep their smiles healthy and beautiful.
About the Author
Dr. Marc Thomas has built a practice that is known to exceed expectations and offer personalized, top-quality dental care. He earned his D.D.S. degree from the University of the Pacific in 1993 and served in the US Army Dental Corps caring for our troops. Dr. Thomas continues to expand his dentistry knowledge with continuing education courses that include implant restoration and aesthetic rehabilitation. If you are ready to get your dental health back on track, contact the office at (775) 626-3535 or visit the website today to schedule an appointment.