What Does A Dental Hygienist Do?
A Guide To A Career In Dental Hygiene
Dentistry, much like healthcare, is an industry of service. Dental hygienists, dentists, and dental assistants all work very closely together to ensure they are providing the best patient care. Being in a service profession, dental hygienists must be very sensitive to patient needs as many patients are in pain due to dental issues. Specific guidelines must be abided by during patient care, especially because some dental hygienists are permitted to treat patients without the direct supervision of a dentist. Future hygiene professionals learn these skills while attending one of the dental hygiene schools in California.
One of the most common tasks a dental hygienist performs is teeth cleaning. Teeth cleaning is the removal of plaque buildup on the surface of teeth that requires more than just brushing to properly clean. They are also responsible for much more. In fact, below are just a few dental hygienist’s responsibilities on a typical work day:
- Examination for diseases and other complications (i.e. gingivitis) through the use of x-rays and oral exam. (Occasionally, the dental hygienist may perform the x-ray themselves in order to check for underlying teeth and jaw issues)
- Apply sealing and/or fluoride to assist in cavity prevention
- Remove tar, plaque, and stains from teeth
- Patient education (i.e. brushing and flossing techniques)
- Clinical documentation (i.e. exam findings, patient questions)
How does teeth cleaning work?
Several tools are required in order to successfully perform a teeth cleaning and polishing. Both hand and electric tools, in addition to ultrasonic devices, are used to assist the dental hygienist in carrying out his job functions. Teeth are often polished with a machine-like toothbrush which uses water, baking soda, and air for a really deep clean.
What is the profession like?
Dental Hygienists are standing or bending for a majority of their day, so it is important to be in the appropriate physical condition. Work spaces are often a bit “comfortable” or “cramped” as others prefer to call it. However, even though it may be tight workspace, dentist offices are almost well lit and peaceful. One common challenge is repetitive movement with both the hands and back. Many schools equip each student with a special "dental hygiene kit" which includes instruments to minimize repetitive motion-related injuries.
Almost all dental hygienists work under some supervision of a dentist, so between the patient, the dentist, the dental assistant and the dental hygienist, the work spaces can be a bit cramped. A thorough working knowledge of medical equipment is also required for this career. Many instruments, such as x-ray machines and power tools, are very dangerous and need to be handled with caution.
Santa Cruz County
6500 Soquel Dr
Aptos, CA 95003
Public California Community College
Ventura County
4000 S Rose Ave
Oxnard, CA 93033
Public California Community College
Sacramento County
8909 Folsom Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95826
For-Profit Private College
Los Angeles County
1570 East Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91106
Public California Community College
Santa Clara County
5883 Rue Ferrari #125
San Jose, CA 95138
For-Profit Private College
Sacramento County
3835 Freeport Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95822
Public California Community College
Los Angeles County
11110 Alondra Blvd
Norwalk, CA 90650
Public California Community College
San Bernardino County
4580 Ontario Mills Pkwy
Ontario, CA 91764
For-Profit Junior College
Alameda County
25555 Hesperian Blvd
Hayward, CA 94545
Public California Community College
San Diego County
333 H Street #1065
Chula Vista, CA 91910
For-Profit Junior College
San Bernardino County
201 East Airport Dr
San Bernardino, CA 92408
For-Profit Private College
Tulare County
8344 West Mineral King Ave
Visalia, CA 93291
For-Profit Junior College
Orange County
12951 Euclid Street
Garden Grove, CA 92840
For-Profit Private College
Sonoma County
1501 Mendocino Ave
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Public California Community College
San Diego County
4393 Imperial Ave Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92113
For-Profit Private College
Shasta County
1400 Market Street
Redding, CA 96001
Public California Community College
Orange County
9200 Valley View Street
Cypress, CA 90630
Public California Community College
San Diego County
900 Otay Lakes Road
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Public California Community College
Contra Costa County
321 Golf Club Road
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Public California Community College
Kern County
29 Emmons Park Drive
Taft, CA 93268
Public California Community College
Santa Clara County
12345 El Monte Road
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
Public California Community College
Los Angeles County
925 West 34th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90089
Private Not-For-Profit University
Fresno County
1101 East University Ave
Fresno, CA 93741
Public California Community College
San Joaquin County
3601 Pacific Ave
Stockton, CA 95211
Private Not-For-Profit University
San Bernardino County
11092 Anderson Street
Loma Linda, CA 92350
Seventh-Day Adventist University
Orange County
1477 South Manchester Ave
Anaheim, CA 92802
For-Profit Private University
Riverside County
16130 Lasselle Street
Moreno Valley, CA 92551
Public California Community College
Los Angeles County
9000 Overland Ave
Culver City, CA 90230
Public California Community College