Hygienist

A dental hygienist is a licensed oral health professional who works primarily to prevent and treat oral diseases and to promote good oral hygiene. Working under the supervision of a dentist, hygienists perform preventive care such as cleaning teeth, removing calculus and plaque, applying fluoride and sealants, and taking dental radiographs in many jurisdictions. They also assess patients' periodontal health, record medical histories, and educate patients about effective oral hygiene, nutrition, and tobacco cessation.

Education and licensure: Most jurisdictions require completion of an accredited dental hygiene program, usually an associate degree, with some offering bachelor's or master's degrees. Graduates must pass national and state or provincial licensure exams and maintain continuing education. In some regions, hygienists may obtain certification to administer local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, or to perform scaling and root planing beyond basic prophylaxis.

Work settings: They are employed in private dental practices, community health centers, hospitals, schools, and nursing facilities. The work is hands-on clinical care, with patient education and preventive therapies; schedules may include evenings or weekends in some settings.

History and regulation: The role originated in the early 20th century, with early positions attributed to Dr. Alfred C. Fones and his student Irene Newman in the United States. Today, professional bodies regulate practice and standards, guiding licensure, ethical guidelines, and continuing education.

Relation to other dental team members: Hygienists focus on prevention and patient education, while dentists diagnose and treat disease and perform more complex procedures.