Dental
hygienists provide dental hygiene services as
they work with dentists in the delivery of dental
care to patients. Hygienists are licensed to use
their knowledge and clinical skills to provide
dental care to patients and their interpersonal
skills to motivate and instruct patients on methods
to prevent oral disease and maintain oral health.
Dental
hygienists remove soft and hard deposits from
teeth, teach patients how to practice good oral
hygiene, and provide other preventive dental care.
hygienists examine patient's teeth and gums, recording
the presence of disease or abnormalities. They
remove calculus, stains and plaque from teeth;
expose and process radiographs; and apply cavity
preventive agents such as fluorides and pit and
fissure sealants.
Dental
hygienists not only work s clinicians, they may
also work as educators, researchers, administrators,
dental product sales and consultants.
Employment
of dental hygienists is expected to grow much
faster than the average for all occupations through
2010, in response to increasing demand for dental
care. A career in dental hygiene can offer a variety
of professional work settings, flexible schedules,
an attractive salary and the rewards of helping
people improve their oral health.
