Who Is The Dental Hygienist?
This information is provided by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA). The registered dental hygienist (RDH) is the member of the oral healthcare team who provides treatment to prevent oral diseases such as dental caries (cavities) and periodontal (gum) diseases. The dental hygienist also instructs patients on methods to improve and maintain optimal oral health. What Do The Dental Hygienists Do? Since each state has its own specific regulations, the range of services performed by dental hygienists will vary from one state to another. Patient care services performed by dental hygienists may include: • Monitoring procedures such as preliminary review of the patient’s health history, dental charting, oral analysis, and taking and recording blood pressure. • Exposing, processing, and interpreting dental X rays. • Removing plaque and calculus (tartar) — soft and hard deposits — from above and below the gumline. • Applying cavity-preventive agents such as fluorides and sealant
