When you head to the dental office for your routine checkups, you have your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist. However, you should know that this isn’t their only responsibility in the practice. They have numerous other jobs to do throughout each and every day, including patient care, aftercare, and other work behind the scenes. Your dental hygienist always works closely with your dentist to give all patients the best care possible. Continue reading to learn about some of the many obligations that your dental hygienist has throughout their day.
Patient Education
When you head in for a dental cleaning, this is a great time for you to learn more about your smile and what you can do to take care of it. There is an educational aspect to your appointment that many patients don’t take advantage of. It is up to your hygienist to answer any questions you have about oral hygiene so you can make positive changes in your own routine. Sometimes, patients come in with serious dental problems, like severe periodontal disease or a mouthful of cavities. A hygienist helps to educate them on what they can do to get their smile back on track.
Consoling Patients
Dental anxiety is a problem that affects many people. Some even struggle from dental phobia which can make it very difficult to seek dental care, even just for cleanings and checkups. A dental hygienist helps to make all patients feel as relaxed as possible to make the appointment go smoothly.
Patient Screening
Before your dentist comes to your treatment room, your hygienist will do an exam to take a look at the overall condition of your mouth. They keep an eye out for early signs of gum disease, tooth decay, and other abnormalities to report to your dentist.
Patient Treatment
Dentists aren’t the only ones who treat patients. Lots of tasks, like cleanings and checkups, are left to hygienists. They remove plaque, tartar, give fluoride treatments, polish teeth, and much more.
Impressions and X-Rays
If a patients is getting dental implants, an oral appliance, or a dental restoration, a hygienist is typically the one who takes impressions of the teeth to make it all possible. They also take routine X-rays so issues can be detected more easily.
During your next dental visit, you shouldn’t forget about all the hard work that your dental hygienist puts in. The dental office certainly wouldn’t be the same without them!
About the Author
At Painted Skies Dental Center, you have two skilled dentists providing high quality dental care to their patients in Las Cruces. Dr. Ramon M. Ortiz has spent much of his time furthering his education and enjoys volunteering as a mentor at the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ. Dr. Natalie J. Ortiz earned her DDS from Creighton University School of Dentistry and has attended a variety of prestigious continuing education courses. They have an awesome team of dental hygienists who make it all possible! For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (575) 521-8720.