What Does My Hygienist Do?
When you think about going to the dentist, it's hard to not picture your dental hygienist as part of the experience too. After all, they’re always present as the doctors trusty sidekick ensuring everything runs smoothly. While the dentist is essential to every visit, the office could not function without the dental hygienist – they truly are the soul of the practice. Your dental hygienist ensures everything run smoothly with compassion, while keeping the day-to-day office bustle calm and collected.
Hygienists are very present during your dental visit, and this is because they work hand in hand with the dentist to provide the best possible care. Aside from cleaning your teeth, dental hygienists set a goal to build a relationship with you, encouraging you to achieve proper oral hygiene. Their goal is to set you up for success by providing the tips and techniques to maintain and improve your oral health– which has a direct impact on your overall health!
Roles Of A Dental Hygienist
After welcoming you to your appointment and ensuring you’re comfortable, the hygienist's first role is to remove any bacteria from your mouth with a thorough cleaning. During this time, they will be keeping a close eye out for any areas of concern. By noting any abnormalities, they can then alert the dentist of teeth that may need a closer look. Ultimately, they have your back just as much as the dentist, and their number one priority is creating the best possible environment for your smile to thrive.
As a snapshot, dental hygienists are fully equipped to…
Evaluate your overall oral health
Removing tartar, plaque, and stains from your teeth
Perform dental screenings
Apply fluoride treatment
Apply sealants to protect each tooth
Update patient records
Educate patients on proper oral hygiene
Administer local anesthetics and nitrous oxide sedation
It certainly seems like dental hygienists can do it all – and while they are certainly an asset to the practice, they do not have the ability to diagnose or treat specific problems associated with your teeth. When it comes to fillings, extractions or other procedures, that is where your dentist takes the lead. While it requires a dental degree to perform procedures, hygienists play a crucial role as an additional set of hands. Between the dentist and dental hygienist, they are a dynamic duo that create the synergy of a well-run dental practice.
At Smile St. Pete Dentistry, compassionate care is at the forefront of Dr. Lowry’s practice. Because she prioritizes patient care, it is important that she surrounds her office with passionate and thoughtful team members. The dental hygienists at Smile St. Pete Dentistry leave no stone unturned when ensuring each and every patient has a remarkable experience!
