Pre-Dental Hygiene

What do dental hygienists do?

Registered Dental Hygienists (R.D.H.) are licensed, primary care oral health professionals who administer a range of oral health and preventative services. They provide education, clinical and therapeutic services supporting total health through the promotion of oral health. Dental Hygienists work with the dental team in the prevention and control of dental disease. The range of services dental hygienists can legally provide vary from state to state. Some functions of a dental hygienist might include:

• Review patient's oral and overall health history.
• Examine the teeth and oral structures, including a soft tissue exam.
• Assess patient and screen for oral disease, cancer, blood pressure and pulse.  
• Capture dental impressions, expose and process dental x-rays.
• Formulate evidence-based, patient-centered treatment care plans.
• Remove oral plaque, tartar and stains. Apply preventative sealants and fluorides.
• Council patients in oral hygiene strategies and nutrition's oral health impact.
• Evaluate patient outcomes, educational strategies and clinical procedures.