How Do I Know if a Dental Hygienist is Qualified or Not?
Dental hygienists play an important role in helping patients achieve optimal oral health. Although they are not dentists, they are experts in a variety of duties that can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. In most cases, dental hygienists are responsible for the following:
- Removing soft and hard deposits from the teeth
- Educating patients on how to practice good oral hygiene
- Examining patients’ teeth and gums
- Recording any abnormalities or diseases
In order to complete their duties, dental hygienists use a variety of tools such as hand and rotary instruments, x-ray machines, and ultrasonic devices. They are a huge help for dentists and usually enjoy speaking to patients and working in a comfortable, well-lit dental office.
To work as a dental hygienist, an individual must complete a dental hygiene program, which is usually an associate’s degree. Some dental hygienists choose to take their education further and earn a bachelor’s or even master’s degree. Regardless of what type of degree they earn, dental hygienists must receive a license in the state in which they practice.
To receive this license, they must pass an exam administered by the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations. Here at Wells Family Dental Group, we are thankful for all of the highly trained and experienced dental hygienists in our office. Our Raleigh family dentists could not perform their jobs without the assistance of our hygienists.
Contact Wells Family Dental Group
For more information on dental hygienists and what makes them qualified, feel free to contact our office today at 919-266-5332.