Have you ever wondered who the person is that cleans your teeth so thoroughly every time you go to the dentist for a checkup? They are your dental hygienist, and they are a very important part of our oral healthcare team.
Apart from being wonderful, positive people, dental hygienists must pass college coursework, plus undergo a rigorous examination and test administered by the state in order to perform the work that they do. Our hygienists are registered and certified to help examine and diagnose dental issues, educate and inform our patients about oral hygiene, and give professional teeth cleaning using specialized instruments.
Some of the responsibilities that our hygienists do are…
-Discuss with patients their daily oral hygiene routine.
-Relay all educational information to patients to improve their dental knowledge.
-Scaling and polishing teeth and root surfaces to eradicate plaque and tartar.
-Taking x-rays and interpreting the findings.
-Fluoride treatment applications.
-Administering medication and/or sedation for control of discomfort.
-Performing root planing for non-periodontal therapy.
-Applying teeth whitening materials.
-The management and use of chemotherapeutic agents.
-Nutritional needs assessment.
-Assistance in orthodontic procedures.
If you would like to speak to one of our dental hygienists about their job, call our helpful team at DeFelice Dental LLC. Phone: 504-833-4300. Make an appointment or come by our office in Metairie, Louisiana.