Dental hygienists and dentists are professionals who work in dentistry, but they have different roles and responsibilities.
What is a dental hygienist?
A dental hygienist is a licensed oral health professional who works under the supervision of a dentist.
They are primarily responsible for cleaning teeth, examining patients for signs of oral disease, taking X-rays, and providing preventive care, such as fluoride treatments and dental sealants.
They may also educate patients on proper oral hygiene practices and provide recommendations for home care.
A dental hygienist is a licensed oral health professional who works as part of a dental team to help patients achieve and maintain good oral health.
They typically work in dental offices, clinics, or hospitals.
5 primary responsibilities of a dental hygienist
A) Patient Screening
Dental hygienists begin each patient visit by performing an initial screening. This involves taking a detailed medical and dental history to identify any health issues that could affect dental treatment.
They conduct oral health assessments, checking for signs of disease such as cavities, gingivitis, and oral cancer. They may measure gum pocket depths to evaluate gum health.
Screening also includes checking for signs of systemic conditions that can manifest in the mouth, such as diabetes or vitamin deficiencies.
B) Dental Cleanings
One of the main tasks of a dental hygienist is performing professional cleanings. This includes removing plaque, a soft, sticky bacterial film, and calculus (tartar), hardened plaque.
Hygienists use various hand tools, ultrasonic instruments, and polishing equipment to clean and polish teeth thoroughly. This process is crucial for preventing gum disease and maintaining oral health.
They also perform deep cleanings or scaling and root planing for patients with gum disease to clean below the gum line and smooth the roots of teeth.
C) Preventive Care
Dental hygienists apply preventive treatments, such as fluoride varnish or gels, which help to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities.
They apply dental sealants, a thin coating, to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars) to prevent decay.
Educating patients on how these preventive measures work and why they are essential is also a vital part of the hygienist’s role, helping patients understand the value of these treatments for long-term oral health.
D) Assisting Dentists
Dental hygienists assist dentists by taking radiographs (X-rays) to diagnose oral health problems. They also ensure the proper placement of X-ray films or digital sensors for accurate imaging.
They are often responsible for applying local anesthetics before scaling procedures or other dental treatments to ensure patient comfort.
Hygienists also prepare and arrange the necessary materials and instruments for specific procedures, creating an efficient and sterile environment for the dentist.
E) Patient Education
A major part of a dental hygienist’s role is to educate patients on maintaining good oral hygiene. This includes demonstrating the correct techniques for brushing and flossing and explaining how often these should be done.
They advise on dietary choices that can affect oral health, such as reducing sugar intake and increasing foods to promote healthy teeth and gums.
They also work with patients to develop personalized oral health care plans, addressing specific issues and helping patients establish effective home routines.
To become a dental hygienist, a person typically needs to complete an accredited dental hygiene program, which usually takes two years.
After completing the program, they must pass a licensure exam to practice as a dental hygienist.
What separates hygienists from dentists?
Conversely, dentists are licensed oral health professionals who have completed dental school and have advanced training in diagnosing and treating oral health issues.
They analyse and treat dental problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. They also provide restorative and cosmetic dental treatments, such as fillings, crowns, bridges, and dental implants.
In addition to providing direct patient care, dentists also oversee the work of dental hygienists and other dental professionals, such as dental assistants and lab technicians.
They are responsible for developing treatment plans, coordinating care with other healthcare providers, and ensuring their patients receive high-quality care.
Overall, dental hygienists and dentists play essential roles in maintaining and improving their patients’ oral health.
Dental hygienists focus on preventive care and cleaning, while dentists diagnose and treat oral health issues and provide more complex dental treatments.
