Dental hygienist are licensed professionals who must complete a rigorous dental hygiene program. They are trained to remove hard deposits of plaque and tartar, as well as provide fluoride treatments and pit and fissure sealants.

Dental hygienists also perform routine oral health screenings, such as for gum disease and oral cancer. They also review patients’ medical histories. They must have patience and empathy, as visiting the dentist can be an anxiety-provoking experience.

Dental Hygiene

Hygienists are preventive dental health professionals who have graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program in an institution of higher education and are licensed to provide educational, clinical, research and therapeutic services supporting total health through optimum oral health. Licensing requirements vary by state.

In addition to cleaning teeth, hygienists perform routine screenings for dental diseases such as gum disease and tooth decay. They can also identify potential issues like signs of oral cancer. By catching these problems early, they can help patients take steps to avoid more serious problems down the road.

Dental hygienists also gather information from patients to create a medical history, including any medications they are taking. This helps dentists make more informed treatment decisions for each patient. They will then prepare patients for the dentist by explaining their findings and outlining a dental treatment plan. This may include providing information about flossing, brushing, fluoride treatments and sealants. Hygienists also answer any questions and concerns a patient may have about their dental health.

Oral Cancer Screening

Many patients have fears about getting oral cancer, and regular screenings can put them at ease. A hygienist can use their fingers to feel for any lumps or bumps on the neck, jaw or face and check the inside of your mouth, including the roof of your throat, tonsils, floor of your mouth, lymph nodes and tongue. They may also use a dye or rinse to help identify any abnormal tissues that are hard to see with the naked eye.

The ADA recommends that any suspicious lesions or tissue should always be evaluated by a medical or dental professional for potential malignancy. Several adjuncts such as VELscope and ViziLite Plus can be used to aid in the identification of lesions but should never be considered a replacement for a standard visual or tactile examination. Medical insurers may require a current procedural terminology (CPT) code, D0431, for this type of screening.

X-Rays

The X-rays your dental hygienist takes help identify things like cavities, gum inflammation and oral cancer. Hygienists also review your dental and health history to help you maintain a healthy mouth.

During your dental hygiene training, you’ll take classes that cover everything from anatomy to periodontics (the study of gum disease). Many community colleges offer associate programs that take two years to complete and cost around $24,030. Bachelor’s and master’s degrees are available as well.

After graduating from a dental hygiene program, you’ll be required to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. This 350-question exam covers subjects such as professional ethics, anatomy and patient assessment. Some colleges offer test preparation courses. Once you’re licensed, you’ll need to renew your license every 1-3 years. In some states, you may be required to take continuing education classes as well.

Cleanings

A dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, as well as any stains. This is called a prophylaxis cleaning. These appointments can help reduce your risk of gum disease, tooth decay and oral cancer.

Hygienists also floss between your teeth. This might seem pointless if you already floss at home, but a dental hygienist can get to those spots that your toothbrush can’t reach and remove the bacteria that cause bad breath.

As a result, you can enjoy fresher breath and a healthier mouth. A dental hygienist will also talk to you about your diet and smoking habits and recommend preventative steps you can take to slow down tooth decay.