A dental hygienist is an important part of any dental office. They play a crucial role in keeping patients healthy and helping to maintain a high level of oral health. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the duties of a dental hygienist.
We will discuss what they do on a daily basis and how they help keep patients healthy. If you are interested in becoming a dental hygienist, or if you would like to learn more about their job duties, then this blog post is for you!
Remove Stains, Plaque, & Tartar From Teeth
One of the most important duties of a dental hygienist is to remove stains, plaque, and tartar from patients’ teeth. This is done using a variety of tools, including special toothbrushes, floss, and mouthwashes. Dental hygienists must be very careful when removing these things from teeth, as they can damage the tooth enamel if not done correctly.
Clean Teeth
Another important duty of a dental hygienist is to clean teeth. This involves using a special toothbrush and toothpaste to remove any remaining plaque and tartar from the teeth. It is also important to floss teeth regularly, as this helps to remove any food particles that may be stuck between the teeth.
Polish Teeth
After the teeth have been cleaned, a dental hygienist will then polish them. This is done using a special polishing machine and toothpaste. The purpose of polishing teeth is to remove any remaining stains or debris and to make them look their best.
Educate Patients on Oral Healthcare
In addition to cleaning and polishing teeth, dental hygienists also play an important role in educating patients on oral healthcare.
This includes teaching them how to brush and floss their teeth properly, as well as what foods to avoid in order to maintain a healthy mouth. Dental hygienists may also give lectures or presentations on oral healthcare topics.
Take X-Rays & Make Moldings
In some cases, a dental hygienist may also be responsible for taking x-rays and making moldings of patients’ teeth. This is usually done in order to create a new set of dentures or to make sure that there are no problems with the patient’s teeth.
Assess Patients’ Dental Health and Communicate Findings to Dentists
Another important duty of a dental hygienist is to assess patients’ dental health and communicate their findings to dentists. This includes looking for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health problems. Dental hygienists may also take teeth impressions in order to make dental appliances such as crowns or bridges.
Apply Fluorides & Sealants
Dental hygienists may also apply fluorides or sealants to patients’ teeth in order to help prevent tooth decay. This is usually done for children or adults who are at a high risk for cavities.As you can see, dental hygienists have a lot of responsibility when it comes to keeping patients healthy and their mouths clean.
Patients’ Data Is Used to Create a Patient Care and Treatment Plan Record
Dental hygienists also collect and input patients’ data which is used to create a patient care and treatment plan record. This becomes the dental health history of the patient which the dentist will use to make informed decisions about their oral health. The duties of a dental hygienist go beyond just cleaning teeth!
Final Thoughts
There you have it! These are just some of the many duties that a dental hygienist has on a daily basis. As you can see, they play a vital role in keeping patients healthy and their mouths clean. If you are interested in becoming a dental hygienist, then be sure to research the requirements in your state.
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