What Is a Dental Hygienist and How Much Salary Does One Get?

They are the healthcare workers who examine and clean the teeth and also educate the patients about oral care prevention. They are responsible for preparing clinical and laboratory diagnostic tests that are interpreted by dentists, but they do not diagnose or treat oral problems.

A dentist can provide three main types of services: prevention, education, and treatment. When visiting a dentist, the patient is advised to go to a dental hygienist who can examine the gums and teeth for possible oral problems. Educating patients about maintaining good oral hygiene is a service provided by a good dental hygienist, how to floss and how to choose the right toothbrush are examples of this. Learn more here about this or dental marketing.

A care plan could also be created for patients to take home. The dentist can also do things like remove hard and soft stains, tartar and plaque from the teeth if needed. Oral care professionals are also permitted to administer anesthetics, prepare and apply materials for filling and removing sutures. Dental hygienists work hand in hand with dentists and nursing staff to provide patients with the best possible oral care.

The dental hygienist's nursing process:

• Patient Assessment - This includes, but is not limited to, a complete review of the patient's medical history, necessary x-rays, clinical examination, and periodontal assessment by probing and exploring areas of the patient's mouth. Thorough documentation must be carried out in this phase.

• Dental Hygiene Diagnosis - Evaluation of data relating to a client's condition/conditions in relation to the issues helping to identify problems to lead to a professional treatment plan/therapies. The final diagnosis of any disease and/or treatment is solely within the jurisdiction and/or consent of the physician.

• Planning – creating a sequential treatment plan for the patient. The treatment plan will vary based on the immediate needs of the patient.

• Implementation – Timely and effective implementation of the plan.

• Evaluation - Determination of the effectiveness of the administered treatment regimen. If ineffective, a full assessment of how to address the patient's needs differently.

Education, Training and Certification

To become this type of profession, one must complete at least a two-year associate's degree for the dental hygienist program. A 4-year bachelor's degree can also be completed for students who wish to expand their knowledge clinically and for faster professional advancement. A master's degree is also available for those students who wish to explore more. Prerequisites for admission to a dental hygienist program are usually high school diploma and college entrance exam results. The prerequisite is that the applicant is at least 18 years old. A certain number of hours in a dental office must be completed by students throughout their dental hygiene program and this is usually done under the guidance of a dentist or licensed dental hygienist.