Facts About Dental Hygiene

1.  A dental hygienist is a preventive oral health professional licensed in dental hygiene who provides educational, clinical, and therapeutic services supporting total health through the promotion of optimal oral health.

2.  The education of the dental hygienist emphasizes the basic sciences which include microbiology, chemistry, pathology, anatomy, and physiology. Other components of the curriculum develop the clinical skills of the dental hygienist which ultimately prepares the hygienist to provide preventive dental health services to the public. A dental hygienist is eligible for licensure after graduation from an educational program accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation and upon successful completion of both a written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a clinical examination. The licensed dental hygienist practice in accordance with the requirements of individual state dental practice acts. The purpose of licensure is to protect the public. In many states, a dental hygienist must take continuing education courses to renew his/her license.

3.  A Dental Hygienist may work in such practice settings as: Private dental offices and dental clinics. Federal, state and local health departments or associated institutions. Hospitals and nursing homes. School districts or department of education. Educational programs for dental, dental hygiene and dental assisting students. Private business/industry. Correctional facilities. Private and public centers for pediatric, geriatric and other individuals/groups with special needs. Health Maintenance Organizations.

4.  A dental hygienist is that member of the dental team who is responsible for providing treatment that helps to prevent oral disease such as dental caries (cavities) and periodontal disease (gum disease) and for educating the patient to maintain optimal oral health. This professional is especially knowledgeable about the preventive aspects of dental disease.

5.  Although legal dental hygiene functions vary from state to state, some of the functions routinely performed by a dental hygienist include, but are not limited to: monitoring of patient's health history, including blood pressure. thorough examination of the teeth and oral structures, including a soft tissue exam; removal of calculus, stain, and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from above and below the gum line; application of caries-preventive agents, such as fluorides and fissure-sealants; plaque control instruction and development of individualized oral hygiene programs for home care; dietary analysis and counseling; exposure, processing and interpretations of dental x-rays; placement of temporary fillings and periodontal dressings, removal of sutures, and polishing and recontouring amalgam fillings; educating the individual patient, the general public and special population groups (e.g., minority groups, geriatric, mentally/physically handicapped persons) about the importance of good oral hygiene habits; oral cancer and blood pressure screenings; designing and implementing community dental health programs. In some states, with additional education a hygienist may provide other services such as administering local anesthetics and nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia, placing and carving of filling materials, and also additional periodontal procedures.