Dental Hygiene

Dental hygienists remove soft and hard deposits from teeth, teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene, and provide other preventive dental care. Hygienists examine patients' teeth and gums, recording the presence of diseases or abnormalities. They remove calculus, stains, and plaque from teeth; take and develop dental x rays; and apply cavity-preventive agents such as fluorides and pit and fissure sealants. In some States, hygienists administer anesthetics; place and carve filling materials, temporary fillings, and periodontal dressings; remove sutures; perform root-planing as a periodontal therapy; and smooth and polish metal restorations. Although hygienists may not diagnose diseases, they can prepare clinical and laboratory diagnostic tests for the dentist to interpret. Hygienists sometimes work chair side with the dentist during treatment.

Helpful Links

American Academy of Dental Hygiene
Links to Dental Hygiene Schools
ADHA - Dental Hygiene Licensure Facts
ADHA - Dental Hygiene Student Exam Tips  
Idaho State University Department of Dental Hygiene
ADHA - Master's Level Dental Hygiene Programs