The Dental Hygiene Profession
Ben M
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Most people have a negative view of the oral health care profession simply because they have no desire to work in a person's mouth. However, dental hygienists perform a wide range of services an 
d ultimately play a large role in the care of society's oral health. My wife is a dental hygienist and she takes pride in working with people to improve their overall state of health. This article discusses the daily duties and responsibilities involved with the dental hygiene profession.
What does a dental hygienist do?
Before you pursue the field it's important for you to understand exactly what a dental hygienist does each and every day. Contrary to popular belief, a dental hygienist does much more than cleaning teeth. They perform a wide range of services including taking dental x-rays, collecting information about a patient's medical health history, teaching patient's about proper oral hygiene, and making molds. Also, in some states the responsibilities expand to include laboratory diagnostic testing and assisting with fillings. However, in addition to these duties is the one they're most known for and that's the cleaning of teeth. A dental hygienist examines teeth and gums and removes calculus, stain and plague from all surfaces by using a process known as "scaling." Also, the hygienist will examine other parts of the upper body to identity any potential health problems such as cancer, etc. When they're done with "scaling" and removing calculus, they apply materials such as fluoride to prevent future buildup.
What is the work environment like?
Dental offices across the world range in size and style tremendously. With that said, the majority of hygienists work in a private dental office. Often times, hygienists are given their own room to screen and work on patients. The hygienist works closely with the on-site dentist and can offer limited dental assisting experience if it is needed. A dental hygienist works at their own pace on a one to one basis with the patient.
What does it take to become a dental hygienist?
What does a dental hygienist do?
Before you pursue the field it's important for you to understand exactly what a dental hygienist does each and every day. Contrary to popular belief, a dental hygienist does much more than cleaning teeth. They perform a wide range of services including taking dental x-rays, collecting information about a patient's medical health history, teaching patient's about proper oral hygiene, and making molds. Also, in some states the responsibilities expand to include laboratory diagnostic testing and assisting with fillings. However, in addition to these duties is the one they're most known for and that's the cleaning of teeth. A dental hygienist examines teeth and gums and removes calculus, stain and plague from all surfaces by using a process known as "scaling." Also, the hygienist will examine other parts of the upper body to identity any potential health problems such as cancer, etc. When they're done with "scaling" and removing calculus, they apply materials such as fluoride to prevent future buildup.
What is the work environment like?
Dental offices across the world range in size and style tremendously. With that said, the majority of hygienists work in a private dental office. Often times, hygienists are given their own room to screen and work on patients. The hygienist works closely with the on-site dentist and can offer limited dental assisting experience if it is needed. A dental hygienist works at their own pace on a one to one basis with the patient.
What does it take to become a dental hygienist?
- A hygienist has many other responsibilities besides cleaning teeth.
- A hygienist must be able to pay great attention to detail.
- Salaries range tremendously depending on experience and location.