Your dental hygienist doesn’t just help you care for your smile when you’re sitting in the dental chair. She is frequently the unsung hero of your dental office, helping where needed and keeping patients feeling comfortable no matter what treatment they’re receiving. In honor of Dental Hygienist Week this April 12-18, here’s a closer look at what your dental hygienist does, and why she’s such an important part of your dental team!
What Do Dental Hygienists Do?
Who your dentist chooses to be his hygienist is an important decision. After all, he or she is likely the team member you’ll spend the most time with at your appointment. These highly educated, compassionate practitioners play a crucial role in your oral health care, and in helping dental appointments run smoothly. Here’s a closer look at some of their responsibilities:
X-Rays
Often, your dentist will need to take X-rays of your smile to check for abnormalities. In many cases, your dental hygienist will be responsible for capturing these images. Taking X-rays is much more involved than simply pressing a button. Your hygienist must follow safety protocols to ensure that both she and the patient are protected from radiation. She must also know the correct angles to position you for accurate images. Once the X-rays are taken, she may even help review them and inform your dentist if she notices any problems to save him time when he examines them.
Oral Health Screenings
Your dental hygienist helps protect your smile by providing you with valuable oral health checks like oral cancer screenings. She also can spot issues like gingivitis and gum disease that you may not have noticed yourself.
Preventive Care
The main role of a dental hygienist is assisting with preventive care and oral health education. When your hygienist greets you and examines your mouth, she is trained to determine which type of cleaning you need, and can even perform many of them, including scaling and root planing.
Localized Anesthesia
If your treatment requires your mouth to be numbed before beginning, your dental hygienist can provide this. Rest assured that in order to do this, they must first complete an accredited, specialized training, and can only inject patients under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.
Remember, your dental hygienist plays an important role in your oral health care and your dental treatment. So, this Dental Hygienist Week, share your appreciation for the woman or man who helps make your dental appointment more comfortable, efficient, and effective, and thank your dental hygienist for caring for your smile!
About Dr. Ornelas
Dr. Joe Ornelas earned his undergraduate degree at Purdue University and his dental doctorate at Indiana University School of Dentistry. He is a current, active member of the American Dental Association, Indiana Dental Association, and the Northwest Indiana Dental Society, just to name a few. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment for oral health treatment at Ornelas Family Dental of Crown Point, visit our website or call us today at 219-663-2892.