When you visit the dentist, you often see other professionals in the office. Usually, the dentist will have a hygienist and a dental assistant as part of the team. While their roles aren’t the same as the dentist’s job, these individuals do play an important part in your dental care. Understanding what the hygienist and dental assistant do can make you feel more comfortable at your dental appointments.
The Dental Assistant
To become a dental assistant, an individual usually completes course work through a community college or technical school. This training will provide hands-on experience before the dental assistant works in an actual dental practice. A dental assistant can serve many functions, including assisting the dentist during treatment, taking impressions, sterilizing instruments, and making temporary crowns for patients. Dental assistants also welcome patients and help them feel comfortable in the dental office.
The Dental Hygienist
At a minimum, a dental hygienist must earn an associate’s degree, though many hygienists choose to obtain four-year degrees. Additionally, hygienists must be licensed in the states where they practice. The dental hygienist is generally responsible for taking patient x-rays, performing an initial periodontal assessment, and cleaning your teeth. During your appointment, the hygienist will also offer tips on home hygiene to help you maximize your oral car routine. A dental hygienist may also perform deep cleanings for gum disease, apply fluoride, remove sutures, and administer local anesthetic.
An estimated 50 million Americans have lost all their teeth, and 69 percent of...
Are you tired of your dark, dingy smile? Have you decided it’s time to...
Having an accident that involves your teeth can be one of the scariest types...
General dentistry offers exactly what the name implies: dental care related to the general...
When you visit the dentist, you often see other professionals in the office. Usually,...
It may be obvious when you’re in a situation that requires immediate treatment by...
Your family dentist knows that your child’s pacifier serves an important purpose. It soothes...
Most of the time, the idea of dentures brings to mind elderly people who...
© 2024 – Smile Care Valencia | All Rights Reserved.