One of the people you will likely spend the most time with at the dentist's office is the dental hygienist. Dental hygienists work in tandem with the dentist to meet a patient's oral health needs. Their duties vary but often include patient screening and education, taking X-rays, removing plaque from teeth, and doing a thorough cleaning and polishing. They will also conduct a complete examination of your teeth and alert the dentist to any areas of concern.
Dental hygienists act as a bridge between the dentist and the patient at Oak Tree Dental in Poway and the surrounding area. Call us at (858) 748-2101 to schedule an appointment or to learn more.
Dental hygienist training and qualifications
To become a dental hygienist, a person will need to attend an accredited dental hygiene program. These programs are typically about three years long until the graduates receive an Associate's degree. Bachelor's and master's degree programs are also available to dental hygienists. Students take classes ranging from medical ethics to pathology as well as spend time in the patient care setting.
Every state requires dental hygienists to have a license. This often requires a degree from an accredited dental hygiene program and passing grades on written and clinical exams. To maintain that license, dental hygienists must take continuing education classes.
“To become a dental hygienist, a person will need to attend an accredited dental hygiene program.”
How dental hygienists help with patient screening
During routine exams and cleanings, dental hygienists may also assist the dentist with patient screenings for some conditions. They may assess the patient's oral health and use the periodontal chart to evaluate the patient's potential for gum disease. They may also inquire about any other health issues or chronic conditions for the patient.
Some dental hygienists may also perform cancer screenings during the examination, such as oral cancer. These dental professionals also examine the head, jaw, and neck to spot potential problems. Dental hygienists also may take X-rays of the teeth and mouth to determine if there are cavities or other oral issues.
“Some dental hygienists may also perform cancer screenings during the examination, such as oral cancer.”
Recommendations and documentation
Another aspect of a dental hygienist's job is to counsel patients and provide advice for optimal oral health. They may educate patients about the importance of proper brushing and flossing and provide suggestions for oral hygiene techniques. Dental hygienists also may offer recommendations for different types of toothbrushes and flossing products.
Proper oral care at the dentist also requires documentation of treatment and the condition of the patient's mouth and teeth. The dental hygienist works with Oak Tree Dental to document the condition of the gums, teeth, and screening results. Effective record-keeping helps providers monitor possible problem areas.
“Effective record-keeping helps providers monitor possible problem areas.”
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One part of a dental hygienist's job that is equally important to screening, counseling, and cleaning is the documentation of patient care and treatment. They are instrumental in creating and maintaining a patient's dental record and will document everything that is discussed and performed during their visit. A dental record includes personal information, along with medical and dental histories.
Dental records help the office deliver quality patient care and follow-up. They are also considered legally binding medical documents. Today, most dental records are kept electronically and can be sent to future health practitioners or specialists.
“One part of a dental hygienist’s job that is equally important to screening, counseling, and cleaning is the documentation of patient care and treatment.”
Questions answered on this page
Q. How does a dental hygienist help with patient screening?
Q. What is included in the documentation of a dental hygienist's job?
Q. What training does a dental hygienist have?
Q. Does a dental hygienist do patient documentation?
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Frequently asked questions about a dental hygienist
Dental hygienists and dentists have very different roles within a dental practice. A dental hygienist will conduct oral screenings, update your patient information, take x-rays, do a thorough cleaning, and look for potential problems. The dentist will come in following the cleaning to do an exam and will also handle more complicated procedures.
Dental hygienists have graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program and have taken and passed state exams to receive their license. During their studies, dental hygienists take classes in head and neck anatomy, pathology, nutrition, and medical ethics. Most programs take about three years to complete.
Dental hygienists have several different roles in an office. They can assist the dentist during procedures, update the patient's chart, show patients how to care for their teeth, perform oral health screenings, and remove plaque from the teeth. They can also apply fluoride and sealants to teeth as well as take impressions.
It can be easy to confuse dental assistants and dental hygienists as they perform many of the same duties. Dental assistants can take x-rays, prepare instruments and equipment, take impressions of the teeth, and assist the dentist during procedures. However, unlike dental hygienists, they do not collect patient health history, remove plaque from the teeth, apply sealants or fluoride, or do any patient documentation.
Dental hygienists must complete at least an Associate's degree in dental hygiene. They must then pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) in order to achieve licensure. This exam is the only one required by all 50 states.
Dental terminology
A dental assistant works alongside dentists and dental hygienists and assists with patient care. They also work in the lab supporting the dental technicians there.
A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
A dental hygienist is licenced to clean teeth and provide dental care services as well as take X-rays under the supervision of a dentist.
A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
Dentistry is the profession that deals with preventing and treating any diseases and aberrations of the teeth, gums, and oral cavity.
A person’s health history is an account of any allergies or illnesses they may have or have had, along with any previous surgeries or other pertinent information.
Call us to schedule your next appointment with a dental hygienist
If you want to improve your dental health, call us at 858-748-2101 for an appointment with a dental hygienist. Get started on a treatment plan that focuses on strong teeth and preventative strategies. Our team in Poway is ready to help you achieve optimal oral health.
Individual results vary. How long a treatment lasts, and how it looks and feels, depends on each patient.