Individuals who remove soft and hard deposits from teeth, teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene and provide other preventive dental care. Hygienists examine patients' teeth and gums and record the presence of diseases or abnormalities. They remove calculus, stains and plaque from teeth; perform root planing as a periodontal therapy; take and develop dental x-rays; and apply cavity-preventive agents such as fluorides and pit and fissure sealants. Although hygienists may not diagnose diseases, they can prepare clinical and laboratory diagnostic tests for the dentist to interpret.
No programs.