There are several careers that fall under dentistry. One of these careers is that of a dental hygienist. A dental hygienist is a health practitioner that supports the dentist in a dental practice.
One of the roles he plays is a preventive role in that he teaches patients good oral hygiene.
By teaching people how to keep their teeth and gums clean and therefore disease free, patients avoid more serious dental procedures and treatments.
The teaching may include showing patients how to brush teeth or floss, the types of toothbrush to use and even explain the importance of diet to oral health.
Dental Hygienist Job Responsibilities
Besides teaching patients proper dental hygiene, a dental hygienist’s duties and responsibilities include:
1. Teeth cleaning to get rid of soft and hard deposits on the teeth. These deposits could be stains, plaque, calculus or tartar.
2. Taking dental pictures with an x-ray machine. The hygienist may also process and interpret the x-rays.
3. Preparing and administering clinical and laboratory tests for the dentist to evaluate in order to make a diagnosis. The dental hygienist will sometimes step in and make the diagnosis.
4. Applying cavity preventative treatments such as fluorides, varnishes and pit and fissure sealants.
5. Assessment of a patient’s oral health. This is done by examining teeth and gums, looking to find any disease or abnormalities. The evaluation may include taking vital signs, saliva testing and oral cancer screening.
6. Carry out root planning and scaling for non-surgical periodontal disease treatment.
7. Teeth polishing.
Hygienists carry out other duties but this will depend on the State they are licensed to practice in. The duties that vary from State to State are:
1. Administering anesthetic injections.
2. Removing surgical sutures.
3. Placing post-surgical dressings and removing them.
4. Placing temporary fillings.
A dental hygienist will work hand in hand with a dentist in determining treatment for patients.
Dental Hygienist Schools
A career as a dental hygienist is something to look into. Besides it being a worthwhile career, a dental hygienist salary is above average. There are many dental hygienist programs offered at community colleges, dental schools and universities.
To become licensed as a dental hygienist one needs to attend a program which is accredited by the Commission On Dental Accreditation. There are over 300 accredited dental hygienist programs in the United States.
Dental Hygienist Degrees
To practice, you’re required at least an associate degree or a certificate in dental hygiene. It is also possible to get a bachelor’s or master’s degree in dental hygiene.
It is important to note that a dental hygienist salary does not necessarily depend on education level. It is possible for an associate degree holder and a bachelor’s degree holder to earn the same salary.
