A dental hygienist is a licensed oral health professional who prevents and treats periodontal disease by cleaning teeth, taking X-rays, and assessing patient oral health. They educate patients on hygiene techniques, apply sealants/fluorides, and work alongside dentists to ensure optimal dental care.
Key Responsibilities & Duties
• Preventive Care: Perform scaling, root planing, and polishing to remove plaque and tartar.
• Assessment & Screening: Conduct initial, comprehensive oral screenings, check for gum disease, and identify oral cancer, reporting findings to the dentist.
• Imaging: Take, develop, and interpret dental X-rays.
• Patient Education: Teach proper brushing and flossing techniques, and provide nutritional counseling for oral health.
• Treatment Application: Apply cavity-preventive agents such as fluoride treatments and sealants.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate patient records and update medical/dental histories.
• Sterilization: Sterilize instruments and prepare treatment rooms.
