A dental hygienist's assistance may take many forms in both a clinical setting and in the community. Dental hygienists help in the dental hygiene clinic by:
- Assessing your health history
- Examining your head and neck
- Checking your mouth, gums and teeth
- Screening for oral cancer
- Developing a care plan with you that includes both prevention and treatment therapies to achieve and maintain your best oral health
- Referring you to other health-care providers as required
- Teaching you about proper mouth care
Dental hygienists help in the community by
- Teaching students and/or counseling families about oral health care
- Reviewing dental related literature and conducting research
- Teaching long-term care staff about mouth care for their patients
- Manufacturing mouthguards and working with coaches, school staff and others to prevent sports and playground injuries
- Screening seniors for signs of oral cancer
- Acting as health-care advocates on issues such as tobacco control and other dental related topics
Your dental hygienist is your partner in mouth care AND overall health!