There are three major roles in the Dental Office today, the dentist, the dental hygienist, and the dental assistant. Each role is equally important to helping the patient receive good oral care. .
The dental hygienist has become one of the 30 fastest growing occupations, and with the growing population and increase in the elderly, the need for dental hygienists has become much greater. In a typical dentists office the dental hygienist would have many responsibilities, such as teaching clients how important it is to maintain good oral hygiene and instructing them on the principles of preventive oral care. They would also help demonstrate to the patient how to brush and floss their teeth correctly, how to select the correct type of toothbrush for their teeth and analyze patients" diets and counsel them on how to eat right to maintain good dental and gum health. And although dental hygienists duties may vary from state to state due to their laws, they typically include examining the teeth and gums for any disease or abnormalities, taking medical and dental histories, and charting the condition of the client's teeth. Hygienists also clean, polish, inspect for cavities and loose fillings, look for cracks in teeth and remove plaque and calculus from teeth. They also remove hard and soft deposits from teeth and apply sealants to teeth. They administer anesthetics, take and develop X-rays, mix dental cements, and prepare clinical and laboratory diagnostic test for the dentist to interpret. Other duties of the dental hygienist include making impressions of teeth to use as models for explaining oral hygiene and taking the patients blood pressure with a sphygmomanometer. There are so many responsibilities that the dental hygienist must take and that is why they play such a vital role in the dental setting.
The working conditions of the dental hygienist are very comfortable. Hygienists work in very well lighted offices that are very clean and safe.