Dental Hygiene

Dental hygienists are a vital part of the team that meets the oral and overall health needs of patients. While dental hygienists are best known for cleaning teeth, they do much more. They provide treatment for early and moderate gum disease. They take, process, and interpret x-rays (radiographs); apply sealants and fluorides to teeth; and document patient care. They also play an important role as prevention specialists. They teach patients appropriate oral hygiene techniques, such as tooth brushing and flossing, and counsel patients regarding nutrition and tobacco and their impact on oral health.

Hygienists are also trained to recognize the warning signs of potentially life-threatening diseases whose early symptoms first appear in the mouth. These include oral cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, HIV, diabetes, and eating disorders. While they don't diagnose, they can guide patients on questions to ask their dentists.

Overall, dental hygienists are primarily responsible for life-long monitoring and protection of patients' oral health.

A registered dental hygienist (RDH) is a licensed dental professional who specializes in preventive oral health, typically focusing on techniques in oral hygiene. Local dental regulations determine the scope of practice of dental hygienists. In most jurisdictions, hygienists work for a dentist, and some are licensed to administer local anesthesia. Common procedures performed by hygienists include cleanings known as prophylaxis, scaling and root planing for patients with periodontal disease, taking of prescribed radiographs, dental sealants, administration of fluoride, and providing instructions for proper oral hygiene and care.

The dental hygiene process of care has five steps:

• Assessing the patient: This includes, but is not limited to, a full review of the patient's medical history, necessary x-rays to be taken, a clinical exam, and a periodontal assessment by probing and exploring areas of the patients mouth. During this stage a thorough documentation must be implemented.
• Dental hygiene diagnosis: Assessing of data pertaining to a client's condition/state in terms that will help identify problems so as to lead to a professional treatment plan/ therapies. The final diagnosis of disease and/or treatments solely lies with jurisdiction and/or approval granted by the doctor.
• Planning: creating a sequential treatment plan for the patient. The treatment plan will vary based on the patient's immediate needs.
• Implementation: Carrying out the plan in a timely and effective manner.
• Evaluation: Determining the effectiveness of the treatment plan that was administered. If ineffective a complete evaluation on how to approach the patient's needs differently

Over a period of months or years, a dental hygienist may evaluate the client's conditions several times, altering the diagnosis and plan as the client's condition changes..