WHAT IS A DENTAL HYGIENIST?
Dental Hygienists are specially trained members of the dental team who work together with your Dentist to provide fully integrated dental care. They play an important role in oral health, by providing individualised preventive treatment and demonstrating correct home care to patients to prevent dental disease and tooth wear.

WHAT IS THE HYGIENIST’S ROLE IN THE DENTAL PRACTICE?
Hygienists perform four main functions:

1. Dental hygiene education tailored to the patient’s needs. This one-on-one instruction includes care for your gums and teeth, and information on dietary habits and health conditions which may be adversely affecting your oral health.
2. Collaborate with your dentist to plan an oral health maintenance program, including assessment of your periodontal (gum) health, evaluation of radiographs and review of your medical history.
3. Removal of calculus deposits and stains from teeth.
4. Application of decay preventing agents and recommendation of products for home use.

WHY IS HOME DENTAL CARE SO IMPORTANT?
Dental disease can be prevented. Effective home plaque control techniques help to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Such problems are then less likely to progress into more serious dental ailments resulting in extensive and costly dental treatment.

PREVENTIVE DENTAL TREATMENT FOR ALL AGES
Dental disease occurs at any age, therefore treatment and advice from a Dental Hygienist will benefit all. Patients are taught how dental disease including tooth wear occurs, and how it can be prevented. For many children, the application of dental fissure sealants to the grooves of the back teeth will prevent decay for life. In the aging population changes to general health and medications can have a direct impact on the oral health of a person. It is important that everyone establishes correct home care techniques.

IS IT NORMAL TO EXPERIENCE DISCOMFORT?
Regular hygiene appointments are normally discomfort free. However, please let us know if you normally have any dental sensitivity and we can provide options to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.

WHY DO I HAVE TO SEE AN ORAL HEALTH THERAPIST OR HYGENIST?
Your Oral Health Therapist or Hygienist has been specially trained and is equipped with an extensive skillset to perform preventive treatment and maintenance of the mouth, teeth and gums. Your Dentist will refer you to an Oral Health Therapist or Hygienist for more specialised oral care, while they provide complex restorative or cosmetic care.