Dental hygienist Duties: focus on preventative oral care, performing duties like cleaning teeth (removing plaque, tartar, stains), taking X-rays, applying fluoride/sealants, educating patients on oral hygiene, conducting oral health assessments, assisting dentists with procedures, and managing patient care plans to promote overall health.
Key Responsibilities
- Patient Assessment: Screening patients, taking vital signs, reviewing medical history, and documenting oral conditions.
- Preventative Care: Scaling and polishing teeth, gum stimulation, applying fluoride and sealants, and performing periodontal therapy (deep cleaning).
- Diagnostic Duties: Taking, developing, and interpreting dental X-rays.
- Patient Education: Teaching proper brushing, flossing, nutrition's impact on oral health, and disease prevention strategies.
- Treatment Support: Administering topical anesthetics, assisting with restorative/orthodontic procedures, and preparing equipment.
- Documentation: Charting findings and creating treatment plans for the dentist.
