When you hear the term ‘dental hygienist’ you probably think of the assistant who sits beside the dentist’s reclining chair during your check-up or treatment, and records the details of what’s being carried out by your dentist. This much is true, but the role goes far beyond that, and a dental hygienist, sometimes referred to as an oral health practitioner, is a vital part of the efficient operation of any dental surgery – and they can also be a vital part of anyone’s dental health.
As with most health matters, successful dentistry is often carried out on the notion that prevention is better than cure, and this is where a dental hygienist is extremely valuable to both the patient and the dental practice in general. They can advise on the best ways of keeping your teeth in perfect health by following good dental hygiene habits, and can work with both adults and children to educate about healthy diets and cleaning routines to help avoid expensive and uncomfortable dental problems in the future. A dental hygienist is especially helpful in advising on recovery after a dental surgery procedure, and on teaching how to ensure that future problems are avoided through effective tooth brushing and flossing.
How do you become a qualified Dental Hygienist?
To begin a career as a dental hygienist you will need to complete a course approved by the General Dental Council (GDC). These include:
- A foundation degree in oral health science
- A degree in dental therapy, dental hygiene or oral health science
- A diploma of higher education in dental hygiene, or dental hygiene and dental therapy
Dental hygienists tend to enjoy meeting and communicating with people of a variety of ages and from a variety of backgrounds as they will need to be to listen and respond to both the dentist and their patients.
What treatments are Dental Hygienists qualified to carry out?
Dental hygiene assistants don’t just work in an advisory role – they are qualified to carry out less complicated dental procedures including:
- Polishing teeth
- Removing stains and tartar
- Applying treatments to help prevent tooth decay
- Assessing the overall state of a patient’s dental health to give the dentist a head start in any necessary treatment
- Taking dental moulds for reconstructive or replacement work
- Carrying out the preliminary assessment for mouthguards and braces
Despite this range of responsibilities, a dental hygienist can only work under the supervision of a fully qualified dental surgeon, and during any actual dentistry they are limited to an observation, recording, and assistance role. Nonetheless, an appointment with a dental hygienist will be quicker and cheaper than a full dental check-up, and it’s a good idea to book a visit to the hygienist between check-ups to spot problems before they get out of hand.
Dental hygiene appointments can help you overcome your fear
A visit to a dental hygienist is also an excellent way for people who have a fear of dentists to overcome their phobia. A hygienist appointment will include most of the features of a normal check-up – the dentist’s chair, the light, the mouthwash and so on – without any of the fear of the pain possibly caused drilling and other surgical procedures. After a few routine hygienist visits have been achieved without drama, most anxious dental patients find that a full dental check-up is much less intimidating.
Few people actually enjoy a visit to a dentist, but by paying attention to the valuable insights a dental hygienist has to offer, you can keep your teeth in healthier condition and avoid the cost and anxiety of the major surgery that can be needed if you neglect your teeth for too long. For more tips on how to help your dental phobia you can read this post.
Number 18 Dental’s dental hygiene team
At Number 18 Dental, we are pleased to have a team of highly qualified dental professionals including Iben Rohde, dental hygienist and Andrea Powell, dental hygienist and dental therapist. Both provide dental advice and treatments in a relaxed but professional way.
