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Typical Work Activities in Dental Hygiene

Dental hygienists work in clinics, dental offices, hospitals and nursing homes, usually under a dentist's supervision. Before becoming licensed, dental hygienists must complete a program accredited by the American Dental Association and pass a national examination. While specific activities vary from state to state, dental hygienists generally help patients maintain good oral health by preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases within their scope of practice.

  1. Preventive Oral Health Care

    • According to the American Dental Hygienists' Association, dental hygienists provide preventive oral health care. They prevent gum diseases from forming by removing bacteria-filled plaque from patients' teeth. Dental hygienists prevent cavities with applications of fluoride gel. In some cases, they coat young patients' teeth with a harmless plastic film. The sealant fills in cracks and pits, creating a smooth surface for a toothbrush to glide easily. In addition, dental hygienists counsel patients on proper nutrition by explaining what to eat to maintain a healthy body and which foods to avoid, such as sugary sweets and acidic fruits. Dental hygienists teach patients to develop good flossing and brushing habits. Dental hygienists will counsel patients who smoke cigarettes on the real dangers of oral cancer and recommend a smoking cessation program.

    Diagnosing Oral Health Diseases

    • While dental hygienists examine a patient's mouth, they look for evidence of gum disease that can causes tooth loss. Some diseases first appear in the mouth, so they also look for early warning symptoms of diseases that affect other parts of the body. In its online publication "Oral Health and Life Threatening Diseases: See Your Registered Dental Hygienist for Life-Saving Advice," the California Dental Hygienists' Association stresses the importance of dental hygienists to recognize oral symptoms of eating disorders, HIV, diabetes and heart disease. The California Dental Hygienists' Association also deems dental hygienists early interventionists in addiction to drugs such as methamphetamine, the use of which a dental hygienist can recognize from a simple oral exam. The patient may appear malnourished; he might grind his teeth or have deteriorated teeth.

    Treating Oral Health Diseases

    • The Bureau of Labor Statistics website sets forth the activities of dental hygienists in treating gum disease with both nonsurgical and surgical procedures. Dental hygienists treat periodontal disease with nonsurgical root planing, an intensive cleaning of the roots of a tooth and tissue pocket. In severe cases, when treatment of gum disease requires surgery, dental hygienists assist dentists by administering anesthesia, placing dressings in the patient's mouth and removing stitches.

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