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Licensed oral health professionals who focus on preventing and treating oral diseases-both to protect teeth and gums, and also to protect patients’ total health are called dental hygienists. Before they are licensed to practice, they must graduate with accredited dental hygiene education programs in colleges and universities, and must take a written national board examination and a clinical examination.They may also work as educators, researchers, and administrators if not to treating patients directly.
There are specific regulations and range of services performed in each state. Dental hygienists may perform oral health care assessments that include the review of patients’ health history, dental charting, oral cancer screening, and evaluation of gum disease / health. To expose, process, and interpret dental radiographs (x-rays). They remove plaque and calculus (“tartar”) from above and below the gumline using dental instruments. Apply cavity-preventive agents such as fluorides and sealants to the teeth. Administer local anesthetic and / or nitrous oxide analgesia. To properly educate patients on oral hygiene techniques to maintain healthy teeth and gums. To counsel patients about plaque control and developing individualized at-home oral hygiene programs. They administer smoking cessation programs and counsel patients on the importance of good nutrition for maintaining optimal oral health.
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Teeth which have been damaged by tooth decay can be returned to their useful self with sealants which can also prevent further decay, the hitch, early detection. Our teeth are the hardest bones in the human body but like all the other parts of the body care should be exercised for like machinery that works but isn’t maintained it can fail. Teeth are designed to last a lifetime but dietary changes and unhealthy eating habits have changed their longevity causing teeth loss and other maxillary problems that can affect your health and your confidence. The sealant works like an invisible plastic coating which is applied to the chewing surface of the tooth preventing the enamel itself from getting worn down. The teeth are first cleaned and then the sealant is applied and depending on the type used (some require lasers for curing and others don’t) they are a fast and easy treatment for your teeth that can extend their life enough top last your lifetime.
The task of a dental technician is to construct dental appliances. He is also in-charge of repairing bridges crowns and other materials needed by the dentist and patient. They have to be knowledgeable and fully understand the physiology, pathology and anatomy of oral related problems and the solutions to these.
It is a major requirement to dental technicians that they do fully understand the components of the materials that are being used in dental technology including the mechanical, physical and chemical properties. This is needed for the safety of the patient. A dental technician must excel by obtaining a degree in technical skill and manual dexterity of dental technology.
If a doctor who is conducting a number of operations have a registered nurse beside them, our dear dentists also do have dental nurses with them. Dental nurses are the supporting members of a dental team. They serve as the assistant of the dentist when conducting major or minor dental operations.
The duties of a dental nurse include chair-side assistance, infection control, patient care, preparation and maintenance of the surgery.
If you are a student considering a career in dental nursing, you must be able to communicate well and work on your organization skills. You must be alert with work especially in providing support to the dentist and patient and in assisting during oral treatments.
What is the role of the Dental Hygienist? They are the ones who are in-charge in doing pre-diagnostic tests for individual patients as well as groups (e.g. students, employees). A registered dentist is always beside them to supervise.
It is the duty of the dental hygienist to work on the precautionary and therapeutic procedures to prevent or control the factors that can cause dental diseases. It is also his/her duty to plan, implement and evaluate the oral health of the patient.
To become a dental hygienist, one must present a certified diploma in dental hygiene. This is required especially to students to prove that they are competent enough for the job.
