Dental hygienist
Dental Hygienist
A Dental Hygienist (pronunciation: /ˈden.tl haɪˈdʒiː.nɪst/) is a licensed dental professional who specializes in preventive oral health, typically focusing on techniques in oral hygiene.
Etymology
The term "Dental Hygienist" is derived from the Greek words "odont", meaning tooth, and "hygieine techne", meaning the art of health.
Role and Responsibilities
Dental hygienists are responsible for providing professional dental cleaning, which includes removing plaque and tartar from patients' teeth. They also educate patients on proper oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health, such as tooth brushing, flossing, and nutritional guidance.
Dental hygienists also perform examinations to detect signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis and provide preventive dental care and report their findings to dentists. They may also take and develop dental radiographs (x-rays).
Education and Licensing
To become a dental hygienist, one must attend a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). After completing the program, candidates must pass both a written national board examination and a clinical examination to obtain licensure.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dental hygienist
- Wikipedia's article - Dental hygienist
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