A Day In the Life of a Dental Hygienist

When you think of people who help you take care of your smile, you probably think of your dentist. However, they’re not the only ones who care for your oral health during your dental appointments—your dental hygienist does too! The dental hygienist is the person you meet with before and after you see your dentist. While you may associate them only with cleanings and looking for cavities, dental hygienists do a whole lot more! Read on to learn more about what a day in the life of one of these talented professionals looks like.

Preparing for the Day

A dental hygienist’s work starts long before the first patient of the day arrives. They make sure the examination rooms are cleaned, sanitized, and stocked with all the tools that will be needed throughout the day. They’ll review the charts of the patients who will be coming in and ensure that everything is ready for them.

Welcoming Patients

As patients begin to arrive for their appointments, the dental hygienists welcome them and help them feel more at ease. Perhaps they’ll strike up a conversation about family, work, or other topics to help relax the patient and encourage them to feel less anxious. Then, they’ll review the patient’s records with them and make any necessary updates, such as current health conditions or medications, and ask them if they have any current dental concerns.

Initial Examinations & Patient Education

Before the dentist comes in, a dental hygienist will take X-rays (if needed) and perform a thorough inspection of the teeth, gums, oral structures, and outside of the mouth. They record their findings and report them to the dentist, then assist them during their own evaluation.

After the dentist has left, the dental hygienist will scale and polish the patient’s teeth (sometimes this is done before the dentist’s evaluation). They’ll answer any questions the patient may have and review with them the proper techniques for brushing and flossing. The dental hygienist will also make sure the patient fully understands any upcoming treatments they need and ensures that they schedule them.

Perform a Range of Treatments

Aside from cleaning the patient’s teeth and assisting the dentist during their evaluation, a dental hygienist will help with a wide range of treatments. All throughout the day, they’ll apply fluoride varnish and dental sealants, educate patients, help plan cosmetic dental treatments, and even assist in longer, more complex procedures such as periodontal disease treatment and root canal therapy.

From helping the dentist perform their treatments to connecting with patients about their oral health, dental hygienists handle a lot of responsibilities. Next time you visit yours, make sure to give them a smile!

About the Practice

The compassionate and experienced team of Peery and Woolwine Family Dentistry has been serving the smiles of Lynchburg and the surrounding communities since 1980. They value the fun, relaxed, and family-focused atmosphere of their office and always go above and beyond to make each appointment as pleasant and enjoyable as possible. If you’re looking for a dental practice that feels more like visiting a family friend than a cold clinical office, Peery & Woolwine Family Dentistry is the place to be! To learn more, they can be contacted via their website or at (434) 847-5331.