What does a dental hygienist do?

Answer 1

A dental hygienist is a licensed oral health prevention specialist. They go to school anywhere from 3-5 years and must earn a minimum of an associate's degree, but many earn their bachelor's or master's degree in dental hygiene.

A typical day for a dental hygienist would involve seeing about 8-10 patients. Several of those patients will be coming in for their regular 4 or 6 month cleaning and check-up and the dental hygienist (or RDH) will review their medical history, take necessary x-rays, screen for oral cancer, screen for periodontal disease, screen for decay and dental diseases and then scale and polish the teeth. They will provide you with customized oral health care instructions (such as: "you need to floss more"), often times they will do a professional fluoride treatment and then they will inform the dentist of their findings while the dentist examines your teeth.

The RDH also treats early to moderate cases of periodontal disease (gum disease) with non-surgical periodontal therapy (scaling and root planing). In many states the RDH is trained and licensed to give local anesthesia (injections) to make this procedure much more comfortable for the patient. Often times, the RDH is the unofficial "periodontal disease" specialist in each general dental practice.

RDHs can also place sealants and in some states with additional education, they can place small fillings.

Most dental hygienists are employed by general dentists, cosmetic dentists, pediatric dentists, or periodontists (gum and bone specialists).

In some states, with additional education a RDH can own her own practice, or practice in limited access situations independently from the dentist.

Plus in some states, RDHs can now be a public health hygienist which involves performing general check-ups, cleanings, fluoride tx, and sealants to underprivileged children in schools and clinics without being in a dentist's practice or working with a dentist. Also nursing homes.

Answer 2

A registered dental hygienist (RDH) is a licensed dental professional who specializes in preventive oral health, typically focusing on techniques in oral hygiene. Local dental regulations determine the scope of practice of dental hygienists. In most jurisdictions, hygienists work for a dentist, and some are licensed to administer local anesthesia. Common procedures performed by hygienists include cleanings known as prophylaxis, scaling and root planning for patients with periodontal disease, taking of prescribed radiographs, dental sealants, administration of fluoride, and providing instructions for proper oral hygiene and care. Contents