Dentalhygienister

Dentalhygienister are oral health professionals who specialize in preventive dental care and patient education. They work as part of the dental team in clinics, community health centers, hospitals, and school programs, focusing on maintaining and improving patients’ oral health. Their goal is to prevent dental disease, particularly caries and periodontal disease, through routine care and personalized advice.

Education and licensing requirements for dentalhygienister vary by country and jurisdiction. Typically, candidates complete an accredited dental hygiene program, which may be an associate or bachelor’s degree, followed by a licensure or registration examination. Ongoing continuing education is often required to maintain licensure. The exact titles, scopes of practice, and certification processes differ across regions, so local regulations define what is permitted.

Common responsibilities include cleaning and scaling teeth (prophylaxis and calculus removal), polishing, and applying preventive treatments such as fluoride varnishes and dental sealants. They perform periodontal assessments, chart probing depths, and monitor oral health changes over time. Dentalhygienister also educate patients on effective brushing and flossing techniques, nutrition, and tobacco cessation, and may tailor preventive plans to individual risk factors. In some settings, they may take radiographs, perform certain diagnostic screenings, and assist in developing comprehensive care plans under the supervision of a dentist. Infection control and patient management are integral to daily practice.

Scope of practice and independence differ by jurisdiction. In many places, dentalhygienister work under dentist supervision; in others, they may have expanded functions or autonomous practice with additional training and licensing. The profession emphasizes preventive care and plays a key role in early detection and public health initiatives.