Hygienist

Hygienist is a professional who is trained in the science of hygiene. This includes professionals who provide preventive oral health, typically in the form of dental cleanings. The main work of a hygienist is to perform professional teeth cleaning and they are also licensed to administer local anesthesia. Nationwide in 2015, hygienists average salary was $71,520 annually. Hygienists work under a dentist's supervision to remove tartar, stains, and plaque from teeth.

Role of a Hygienist

A hygienist is a vital part of any dental team. They work in a variety of settings and are often the first line of defense in maintaining and promoting good oral health. Hygienists perform a number of duties such as:

• Cleaning and polishing teeth
• Taking dental radiographs
• Providing oral health education and counseling
• Applying preventive materials to the teeth (sealants and fluorides)
• Making impressions of patients' teeth for study casts

Education and Training

To become a hygienist, one must attend a dental hygiene program. This can be a two-year associate degree program or a four-year bachelor's degree program. After completing the program, the individual must pass a national board examination and a state or regional examination to become licensed.

Importance of Hygienists

Hygienists play a crucial role in dental health care and are the primary professionals for dental prophylaxis. Their services are very important in preventing oral disease and promoting oral health. They are often the first to spot signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis and can refer patients to dentists for further treatment.

See Also

• Dentist
• Oral Health
• Dental Prophylaxis
• Gingivitis

Hygienist Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia