What is a Dental Hygienist?
A Dental Hygienist is a licensed dental auxiliary who specialises in providing oral hygiene services.
Dental Hygienists use preventive, educational and clinical methods for the control of oral diseases to aid in achieving and maintaining oral health.
Our hygienists work closely with our dentists to provide the best possible preventive care for your teeth and gums.
Dental hygienists perform the following tasks:
- Remove deposits and stains from teeth by scaling and root planning;
- Examining patients' teeth and gums and record the presence of disease
- Educate and counsel children and adults on dental health, plaque control, oral hygiene and nutrition;
- Assist in the prevention and control of dental caries (decay) and gum disease;
- Apply fissure sealants and administer local anaesthetic
- Select and use appropriate fluoride treatments and polish tooth restorations;
- Expose and process dental radiographs;
- Make impressions of patients' mouths for the construction of study casts and mouthguards;
- Select and size orthodontic bands (braces), and remove orthodontic appliances;
- Apply and remove periodontal packs; and
- Instruct patients on how to look after teeth and mouth after operations.
Our Hygiene and Therapy team: here
How do I become a Dental Hygienist?
Dental Hygienists complete a three-year degree course.
The University of Melbourne offers the Bachelor of Oral Health which provides a dual qualification in dental therapy and oral hygiene.
Career in oral therapy : Batchelor Of Oral Health
