Dental hygienists are responsible for providing preventative care for dental patients. They differ from dental assistants in the type of care they are authorized to provide. Whereas dental assistants fill a primarily in administrative role with some patient interaction, hygienists work closely alongside the dentist during intensive procedures and in some cases are allowed to perform more routine procedures, such as a teeth cleaning, without the assistance of the dentist. Job outlook is generally quite good for dental hygienists, although most only work part time. The profession does have both education and licensing requirements, which vary from State to State. However, the flexibility and high average salary for dental hygienists make the career path attractive for many individuals.
Job Responsibilities
Dental hygienists fill an important role in the dentist’s office. Although they do work alongside the dentist, dental hygienists usually perform routine dental procedures and diagnostic tests without doctor supervision.They are responsible for performing procedures such as removing deposits, plaque, and stains from teeth as well as examining gums for signs of disease. In addition, a hygienist will apply fluoride or sealant solutions to freshly cleaned teeth and possibly take x-rays for the dentist. Hygienists are also responsible for teaching patients about proper dental health and oral hygiene. They may be required to show patients how to both brush and floss their teeth properly after completing procedures.
State law dictates what other tasks a dental hygienist may perform. In certain States, hygienists may be allowed to administer anesthetics, create temporary fillings, and remove sutures, among other duties. In some cases, hygienists might prepare clinical and laboratory tests for the dentist to use for diagnosis.
Article Source: http://www.jobdescriptions.net/health/dental-hygienist/
