Occupation dental hygienist

Dental hygienists clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease. May educate patients on oral hygiene, take and develop X-rays, or apply fluoride or sealants.

Tasks

• Perform dental assessment of patients, e.g. By examining gums for sores and signs of disease
• Expose and develop dental x-rays
• Clean teeth and gums, e.g. By removing deposits or stains and polishing teeth
• Perform preventative dental procedures, such as fluoride treatments and applying sealants to fissures
• Educate and advise patients on dental health, plaque control, oral hygiene and nutrition
• Apply local anaesthetic for dental procedures
• Make impressions of patients' mouths for the construction of study casts and mouth guards
• Assist dentists with procedures and treatments, e.g. by polishing tooth restorations
• Assist in the prevention and control of dental caries and gum disease
• Apply and remove periodontal packs and assist in periodontal disease control
• Report on patients' condition

Back to the list of occupations.