Dental Hygienist
Therapy for your teeth – helping to give your mouth a clean bill of health
Dental therapists are registered dental professionals who carry out a range of dental treatments and procedures within a dental practice.
Although dental therapists do not carry out a patient’s initial diagnosis or take overall responsibility for planning a patient’s treatment, they play an important part in the patient’s dental health.
A sparkling smile is on many people’s wish list, but to achieve that the health of the teeth’s supporting gums is paramount and for the most common causes of gum disease, plaque – as many of the toothpaste adverts tell us – is a mortal enemy!
A visit to the therapist / hygienist addresses directly a number of day to day dental care issues – let’s look at some of the ways a dental therapist works:
- Provide dental hygiene care to a wide range of patients
- Plan the delivery of care for patients to improve and maintain their periodontal – gum and mouth – health
Obtain a detailed dental history from patients and evaluate their medical history- Complete periodontal examination, screen for and monitor periodontal disease
- Provide preventive oral care to patients and liaise with dentists over the treatment of caries, periodontal disease and tooth wear
- Thoroughly scale and polish the teeth using manual and powered instruments
- Give patients advice on how to stop smoking
- Place temporary dressings and recement crowns with temporary cement
- Take impressions