Dental Hygienists
Just as important as dentists (such as dentists in Palm Beach) are dental hygienists. They work alongside the dentist in order to help patient’s maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Although important dental jobs, like tooth extraction, are carried out by trained dentists, dental hygienists play a vital role in ensuring that patient’s teeth are kept clean. Working with the dentist they will advise their patient’s on the best way to brush their teeth. They may also provide information about dietary habits to help keep teeth free from plaque.
One of the jobs carried out by hygienists is scaling and polishing teeth. This method is used to help remove any plaque that’s beginning to show and it also removes any build up of calcium. Usually this method of treatment is not painful but – as with dentists – the hygienist can administer anaesthetic to help ease any discomfort.
In some instances dental hygienists are also qualified to take x-rays, which they can only do once they have acquired the correct training and certificate.
In general hygienists (like dentists) will need to be educated to standard anyway. They do this by enrolling in any number of dental courses specific to dental hygiene; such as the Undergraduate Dental Hygiene course available at the University of Birmingham.
An average course usually lasts about two years and may require entry level grades (such as GCSE results and/or A Level results).
Although most hygienists work within the dental practice itself, not all practices have them available; though some may hire part-time professionals to do the job.
It is perhaps important to mention that dental hygienists are not a replacement for self-care. The patient will still be encouraged to brush their teeth properly at home so that they ensure their teeth are being kept clean and healthy.