Search

Why See a Dental Hygienist?

aubrierdh
May 25, 2015
2 min read

When visiting your physician’s office there are several different healthcare practitioners that you may encounter. There is the doctor, the nurse, the medical assistant and then the office staff. There may be more or less personnel depending on the size and type of office, but in general this is the hierarchy. At your dentist’s office you will come across a very similar model. There is the dentist, the dental hygienist, dental assistant and office personnel.

It is common knowledge that the role of a dental hygienist in a dental office is to provide oral prophylaxisis (teeth cleaning) to patients. However, many patients are NOT receiving their services from a licensed or registered dental hygienist. As a patient and consumer, it is important to understand why it is in your best interest to receive your dental cleanings from a dental hygienist.

History of the Dental Hygienist

In 1913, Dr. Fones established the first dental hygiene education program in Connecticut. Throughout the 1900’s, various dental legislature, such as the Dental Practice Act are put in place to prevent dental hygienists from preforming work they were not trained to do. By 1952, all states license dental hygienists and the education of dental hygienists is regulated and accredited.

Dental Hygiene Education

Most dental hygiene programs provide two year, or associate degrees. However, there are a few programs which provided bachelors and even master’s degrees in dental hygiene. Regardless of the degree level, the core education is similar. Dental hygiene education is composed of clinical education (supervised patient treatment), liberal arts, basic sciences and clinical sciences. In addition to competing educational requirements, dental hygienists must take and pass both a written and clinical board exam to become licensed.

So Why a Dental Hygienist?

Most dentists today employ and utilize dental hygienist as they see the value their services and skills bring to their patients and practice. However, there are still some dentists who choose to provide cleanings to their patients themselves. While it is legal for a dentist to provide cleanings, they do not have much training and practice in the utilization of dental hygiene instruments. While in dental school, dental hygiene practices are taught, but is not a main focus. A dental hygienist, however, spends at least two years learning only how to take care of your oral hygiene. Some patients have made mention that a dental assistant preformed their cleaning. This is questionable. While a dental assistant in most states is allowed to polish your teeth, they are not actually able to clean them.

In the end, a dental hygienist is the one professional in the dental office whom has spent their entire education focusing on honing their skills to help you maintain optimal oral health.