What Do Dental Hygienists Do?

Have you ever gone to a dental clinic near you and wondered who all the staff were? You recognize the dentist, but who are all the other members of the dentist’s team? One of the core members of every dental clinic’s staff team is the dental hygienist. But just what do dental hygienists do and how important are they?

In Alberta, dental hygienists typically complete a three-year diploma or bachelor’s degree program that includes training in preventative dentistry and oral and clinical science. Students interested in becoming dental hygienists in Alberta may take the Bachelor of Science Dental Health Program in the University of Alberta’s School of Dentistry. The University of Alberta’s dentistry school is one of approximately 11 programs that train and educate dental hygienists in Canada. 

Like dentistry, the professional practice of dental hygiene in St. Albert is a regulated profession controlled by the College of Registered Dental Hygienists of Alberta. Through the College, patients can verify that individuals are registered to work as a dental hygiene in Alberta.   

What are dental hygienists responsible for?

Will it surprise you that dental hygienists spend a lot of time helping patients with dental hygiene in St. Albert? Probably not. “Dental hygiene” is a big topic that includes everything about keeping teeth clean, of course, but a lot more besides. Here are the some of the a dental hygienist’s responsibilities:

• Reviewing your dental history and dental charts 
• Performing screening for oral cancer, gum disease and other oral health conditions
• Investigating symptoms of oral conditions such as gum disease by, for example, measuring the depth of gum pockets
• Taking and interpreting dental x-rays
• Removing plaque and tartar from your teeth 
• Applying fluoride to strengthen the enamel of your teeth
• Applying dental sealants to protect your teeth from tooth decay
• Administering local anesthetic (freezing) and nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
• Teaching patients the best practices relating to keeping your teeth and gums health, including coaching on tooth brushing and flossing techniques
• Helping families to develop good oral hygiene habits and routines at home
• Educating patients about and helping to administer smoking cessation programs
• Teaching patients the best practices relating to good nutrition habits to support good oral health
• Preparing diagnostic tests to be evaluated by your dentist in St. Albert

A dental hygienist is not a dentist, but a team member who supports your health and the dentist’s work by performing fundamental hygiene-related tasks to: free the dentist to perform complex tasks; and alert the dentist to hygiene-related oral care issues that should be investigated and, if appropriate, treated. Think of your dental clinic’s dental hygienist as your first line of defence against oral health issues. Dental hygienists aren’t a substitute for professional dentists, but will provide you with specialized treatment and services to support your oral health in unique ways while, at the same time, gathering the information your dentist needs to treat dental issues that may have been identified. 

The dental hygienist that you’re most familiar with is likely the one that focuses on dental hygiene near you at your dentist’s office, but hygienists are employed in many different settings — including at specific dental hygiene clinics, community health clinics, long-term care homes and hospitals. 

If you’re curious about the role of any of the professionals who work at your dentist’s office, ask one of them to explain their role. Your dentist and their staff have a wide variety of resources to offer. They’ll communicate their roles and services proactively, but that’s no reason to bite your tongue if you’re curious about how any of them can contribute to your health.