Dental hygienist

What do dental hygyienists do?

Dental hygienists are healthcare professionals that provide preventive dental care, including oral hygiene, cleaning of teeth, removal of tartar and assist dentists with procedures.

What is the history of dental hygiene?

• In 1905, Dr. Alfred Fones trained Mrs. Irene Newman for dental prophylaxis.
• She worked with Dr. Fones and became the first dental hygienist. Dr. Fones is called “Father of Dental Hygiene”.
• As per Indian Dentist Act of 1948, a dental hygienist means a person not being a dentist or medical practitioner, who scales, cleans or polishes teeth or gives instructions in dental hygiene. They have a training for 2 years.

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What education do dental hygienists get?

Dental hygienists typically need an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. Programs usually take 3 years to complete.

Do dental hygienists need to be licensed?

In the United States and many other countries, dental hygienists need to be licensed although requirements vary by state and or country.

What are the job prospects for dental hygienists?

In the United States, employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

What are the typical job duties of dental hygienists?

While it varies based on the position, most dental hygienists typically do the following:

• Remove tartar, stains, and plaque from teeth
• Apply sealants and fluorides to help protect teeth
• Take and develop dental x rays
• Assess patients’ oral health and report findings to dentists
• Document patient care and treatment plans
• Educate patients about oral hygiene techniques, such as how to brush and floss correctly
• Dental hygienists use many types of tools—including hand, power, and ultrasonic tools—in their work.
• Hygienists remove stains with an air-polishing device, which sprays a combination of air, water, and baking soda.
• They polish teeth with a power tool that works like an automatic toothbrush.

Do dental hygienists work with X-rays or lasers?

Hygienists also use x-ray machines to take pictures to check for tooth or jaw problems.

• In some cases, they use lasers.

Do dental hygienists do patient education?

• Dental hygienists talk to patients about ways to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
• They may explain the relationship between diet and oral health.
• They may also advise patients on how to select toothbrushes and other oral care devices.

How to become a dental hygienist?

• Dental hygienists typically need an associate’s degree in dental hygiene; they may also get a bachelor’s degree.
• Master’s degree programs in dental hygiene are available but are relatively uncommon.
• A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree usually is required for research, teaching, or clinical practice in public or school health programs.

Where do you find dental hygienist programs?

• Dental hygiene programs are often found in community colleges, technical schools, and universities.
• The Commission on Dental Accreditation, part of the American Dental Association, accredits more than 300 dental hygiene programs.
• Programs typically take 3 years to complete and offer laboratory, clinical, and classroom instruction.
• Areas of study include anatomy, medical ethics, and periodontics, which is the study of gum disease.
• High school students interested in becoming dental hygienists should take courses in biology, chemistry, and math.
• Most dental hygiene programs also require applicants to complete prerequisites, which often include college-level courses.
• Specific requirements vary by school.

What qualities are important to become a dental hygienist?

• Critical thinking as they must be able to assess and evaluate patients and to develop oral hygiene care plans.
• Communication skills as they share information with dentists and patients about oral health status, oral hygiene care plans, and, if necessary, lifestyle counseling.
• Detail oriented as they must follow specific rules and protocols to help dentists diagnose and treat a patient.
• Depending on the state in which they work and/or the treatment provided, dental hygienists may work without the direct supervision of a dentist.
• Dexterity is important as they must be good at working with their hands.
• They generally work in tight spaces on a small part of the body, which requires fine motor skills using precise tools and instruments.
• Interpersonal skills as they work closely with dentists.
• They also must be considerate in working with patients, especially with those who are sensitive to pain or who have fears about undergoing dental treatment.

Which countries employ dental hygienists?

• The hygienists can work in the public or private setting and in some countries independently.
• Countries where hygienists work include USA, UK, Canada, India, Nigeria, China, Japan, Korea and

Poland

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