What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?
Dental Hygienists are a core part of the practice at Brightwork Family Dentistry. As we celebrate Dental Hygienist Week this month, we wanted to take some time to teach you more about what a dental hygienist does. Read more below to learn about these amazing individuals and how they contribute to our practice and your good oral hygiene.
What is a Dental Hygienist?
Dental Hygienists are first-line providers in dental practices. They do everything from teeth cleaning to providing patients with oral hygiene instructions and preventative dental care. They work hard with our patients to help keep their teeth and gums healthy. Dental hygienists can answer questions about your oral health and will work with your dentist to build a treatment plan suited to your needs.
“As an oral healthcare provider, we are the first line of defense when it comes to your oral health. The oral cavity is the gateway to your entire body, so having good oral habits will contribute to better overall health,” says Monica, a Dental Hygienist on our team.
What Do Dental Hygienists Do?
Chances are, every time you visit Brightwork, you’ll interact with a dental hygienist. They support our dentists with a wide range of services, including:
Dental cleanings
Tooth scaling
X-rays
Local anesthesia
Oral health screenings
Dental history review
Dental Sealants
Fluoride treatments
While this is an extensive list, it’s not all our hygienist team does. Their skillset is tailored to helping you have a healthy smile and good oral hygiene. Schedule your next appointment with Brightwork to see just what our Richmond, VA dental hygienists do for you.
How To Become a Dental Hygienist
Dental Hygienists go through intensive schooling to learn how to properly care for patients. At the end of their training, they will hold either an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree. During their training, they also complete hands-on clinical work and then must obtain a license. On average, dental hygienists spend between two and four years in school.
Looking for a Career in Dental Hygiene?
As our practice continues to expand, we’re always excited to meet new qualified dental hygienists. If you’d like to explore a Richmond, VA dental hygienist career at Brightwork Family Dentistry, contact us here.