Suppose you need to book your dental appointment. But the date and the time don’t align with the dentist’s availability. So, the question would arise that should you wait longer just to get a dentist’s appointment? It is fine to wait, but a better approach would be to immediately see a dental hygienist to help you with your oral issue.
Now, you are probably learning the term dental hygienist for the first time (Maybe). A dental hygienist is a dental healthcare provider who is responsible for offering guidance and small dental treatments to dental patients. This is a completely different profession and has different day-to-day duties.
So, in case you can’t find a dentist on time and need immediate help and guidance on oral healthcare, try seeing a dental hygienist and then book your dentist appointment. If you need to know more about a dental hygienist, you will find all the information in detail here in this blog.
Who is a Dental Hygienist?
The dental hygienist is an oral healthcare provider who provides preventive dental care, instruction for improving oral hygiene, and provides small dental treatments related to oral hygiene to prevent major dental issues.
Dental hygienists are also known as oral hygienists. They offer simple dental care services, and they can also highlight oral issues and recommend seeing the dentist for proper dental treatments.
Dentist vs Dental Hygienist vs Dental Assistant
Now, just because a dental hygienist offers immediate dental solutions doesn’t mean that they can replace dentists. In dentistry, dentists are the real oral healthcare practitioners who will observe the dental issues and diseases and provide treatments and guidance for these problems. However, few oral care treatments for preventing big issues are provided and guided by the dental hygienist.
In contrast, a dental assistant is responsible for handling clinical and administrative duties at the dental clinic. They take dental patient x-rays, make the procedure room ready, handle dental instruments, and manage appointments, billings, and patient greetings at the clinic.
Conditions Treated by Dental Hygienists
Not all dental care needs big procedures by dentists. Some little issues on teeth and gums need cleaning and fillings, and the dental hygienist can easily perform these treatments. Except for proper dental procedures, an oral hygienist can help with the following oral conditions:
Plaque and Tartar on Teeth
A white, sticky, and colorless film of bacteria on teeth is called plaque. It occurs when bacteria mixes with sugar left by food and drinks and creates an acidic layer on teeth. It is essential to remove plaque as it can damage teeth.
Tartar is called the hardened form of plaque on teeth. When the plaque is not treated properly, it will turn into tartar, which is also known as calculus. Tartar forms when dead bacteria mixes with the saliva in the mouth. Calculus can further lead to tooth sensitivity, gum disease, gum recession, and cavities.
Preventing Cavities
Cavities are tiny holes and areas of tooth decay on the surface of the tooth. They are caused by excessive consumption of sugar, plaque buildup, and poor oral hygiene. To prevent this tooth cavity condition, you can consult an oral hygienist.
Treatments Performed by a Dental Hygienist
Normally, a dental hygienist performs teeth cleaning and preventive care treatments on dental patients. These treatments vary depending on the patient’s needs and include the following practices:
Dental Cleaning
Dental hygienists perform routine cleaning of teeth. The cleaning procedures include plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth. After cleaning, they will also polish teeth with paste and a rubber cup. These dental cleaning procedures are very helpful in avoiding cavities.
Fluoride Polishing
Fluoride is a natural mineral in our food that protects the enamel (outer layer of teeth). Enamel is a strong part of teeth, but plaque and tartar can damage it. Oral hygienists provide fluoride polishing of teeth, which can make teeth stronger and prevent early tooth decay.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are thin coats of film. They are applied on the deep surfaces near the gums where any gaps or pits are present. These dental sealants are done at the back of the teeth, which adds an extra layer of protection for the gaps between the teeth. It prevents food and plaque from collecting at the back of the teeth and reduces the chance of cavities.
Tooth Whitening
Some people have stains on their teeth, which are caused by a variety of reasons. To get a white and natural color of teeth back, some people get teeth whitening treatments. The dental hygienist uses bleaching agents in the solution and provides teeth whitening treatment.
Tooth Scaling and Root Planning
Tooth scaling is a procedure in which plaque is removed from the lower end of the teeth. This area is not properly cleaned with the help of a tooth brush. Therefore, a dental hygienist has to carefully remove the plaque.
Root planning is the treatment that oral hygienists perform when the plaque has reached bottom of the tooth, inside the gum. With the help of special instruments, the plaque is removed, and the dental hygienist smooths out the tooth root surfaces. It prevents further plaque from getting inside the gums.
Giving Anesthesia for Dental Procedures
In certain dental settings, you may find an oral hygienist working with a dentist. In those settings, some dental hygienists can give dental patients an anesthesia (numbing injection) to make their gums numb. This is usually done before a dental procedure, so patients don’t feel the pain of the treatment.
Oral Health Screenings
Dental hygienists perform proper oral health screening for patients. It includes checking teeth for any signs of cavities, gum inflammation, and early screening of oral cancer. These routine oral checks are important for taking care of oral health.
Taking Dental X-Rays
Dental hygienists also take oral X-rays of patients. They analyze the tooth roots and help dentists have a clear view of the patient’s oral problem.
Oral Hygiene Guidance
Other than treatments, it is a dental hygienist’s job to provide oral health information to patients. They can ask about the patient’s old oral conditions and teeth cleaning habits, and ensure that patients follow the right habits to clean their teeth. They can guide them to use the right toothbrush, toothpaste, and flossing techniques to prevent oral problems in the future.
Where do Dental Hygienists Work?
In hospitals and private clinics, oral hygienists work independently or alongside dentists. In some oral health care cases, both dentists and dental hygienists may assist with your treatment.
How to Become a Dental Hygienist?
To pursue a dental hygienist career, you need to get admission to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program in dental care. This almost takes 3-4 years to complete the degree. Afterwards, candidates have to pass the national exam and earn their license to become an oral hygienist. After taking certifications and a license, along with some dental internship experience, you can start looking for a dental hygienist job.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Dental Hygienist?
Dental hygienists are not dentists, so anyone pursuing this profession often has one question. How long will it take them to become an oral hygienist? Typically, it takes around two to four years in total to become a dental hygienist. This timeframe includes successfully passing both the associate degree and exam to get the liscence.
Average Salary of a Dental Hygienist
Annually, dental hygienists earn around $94,260. Furthermore, this job opportunity will likely increase in the future. As dentists have to spend more time to carry out dental surgeries, the oral hygienists help them and attend to small treatments for dental patients.
Dental hygienists can’t replace dentists, but they have an important role to play in oral healthcare procedures. Dental cleaning, like plaque and tartar, oral screening, and offering preventive care for teeth, these professionals are there to provide the best oral care to patients. Additionally, they are very essential in helping dentists carry out their dental surgeries.
Dental hygienists can benefit a lot by working with dentists. Similarly, if you need to explore oral hygienist job opportunities directly with dentists, take guidance from a healthcare staffing company like Intitutive Health Services. The staffing agency will help you choose the best dental hygienist role in your area.
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