WHAT DOES A DENTAL HYGIENIST DO?
You may have noticed that most dental offices have dental hygienists on staff. Have you always wondered what was the difference between a dental hygienist and a dentist? A dental hygienists is trained and licensed to work under the supervision of licensed dentists. Hygienists are not trained to diagnosis dental conditions or to perform more advanced dental procedures. However, they are trained to perform many of the basic dental procedures that occur during a routine dental visit. Hygienists are not dental assistants who work directly with dentists. In fact, hygienists often see patients on their own, but refer to license dentists for diagnostic decisions. Below is more information on the regular duties of a dental hygienist and the training they undergo to become licensed.
Regular Duties of a Dental Hygienist
During a routine dental visit you may notice you spend more time with a dental hygienist than a dentist. That is because the oral health history screening and professional cleaning procedures that occur during a routine dental check-up mobile al fall under the regular responsibilities of most trained dental hygienist. Further, hygienists are excellent at teaching and providing tips on improving brushing and flossing techniques. In some states, dental hygienists may be responsible for performing more dental tasks, but this depends on the rules and regulations of the state.
Education, Training, and Licensing Requirements
In the United States, it is required for all dental hygienist to obtain a license from the state where they will work. To be qualified for a license a hygienist must be trained and graduate from an accredited degree program, as well as pass both a national exam and a state or region-specific exam.
Many community colleges, vocational schools and universities have accredited dental hygienist programs. During their required coursework hygienist will take a range of classes including anatomy, physiology, chemistry, clinical sciences and pharmacology. Prior to attending a hygienist program, applicants must have a high school diploma and have taken previous courses in biology, chemistry, math and health. In the case of some bachelor's degree hygienist programs applicants must have two years of junior college in one of these areas before applying.
National and State Testing Requirements
In order to be fully licensed as a dental hygienist, after graduating from an accredited program, it is required for a graduate to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. The exam focuses on the scientific principles relating to dental hygiene and the science of the gums, tissues, and oral bacteria. Additionally, the test assesses patient symptoms and poses case studies to test knowledge of appropriate treatment and care.
In addition to the national exam, the candidate must also pass a regional dental hygiene exam. The regional exam is a technical test of clinical skill and is completed by performing dental practices on an actual patient. The practices performed during the exam include the procedures performed during a routine check-up, including a professional cleaning and oral screening exam.
The next time you visit your dentist, you should feel comfortable knowing that the dental hygienists on staff are well-educated, trained, and licensed to help treat your oral health needs. More on Dental Cleaning : What is dental scaling?