A Day in the Life of a Dental Hygienist

A drawing of a smiling tooth with big black eyes and rosy cheeks against a tan background

Have you ever wondered what being a dental hygienist would be like? Here’s a sneak peek into their daily life at work!

  • Prepare for Patients

The day of a dental hygienist begins by preparing for their appointments. Dental hygienists will examine each patient’s chart to see why they’re coming in, what preventive treatment they need, what their dental and medical history says, and what their last appointment was for. By checking over each patient’s chart, a dental hygienist can ensure they are providing the best care possible for each patient.

Next, the dental hygienist will meet with the rest of the team to discuss the day’s appointments. The entire office works together to support each other and to guarantee their patients receive personalized, high-quality care.

  • Clean & Sterilize the Treatment Rooms

Before the first patient of the day comes in, the dental hygienists will set up the treatment rooms by making sure that all of the surfaces and instruments are clean and ready to be used. They’ll check to make sure that all supplies, from gloves to masks to bibs, are stocked and readily available.

  • Perform X-Rays & Cleanings

Dental hygienists understand that some patients experience dental fear or anxiety when visiting the dentist. They work hard to ensure patients feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed before their X-rays and cleaning. Once the patient is relaxed, the dental hygienist will briefly go over their oral health history, and ask about any issues they’re having, and if they have any concerns they want to discuss later with the dentist.

If the patient needs X-rays, the dental hygienist will take them before they start their cleaning. After taking any necessary X-rays, they’ll begin cleaning and polishing the patient’s teeth. This includes everything from cleaning the patient’s teeth and gums to removing plaque and tartar buildup to applying dental sealants and fluoride treatments.

  • Assist with the Dentist’s Examination

When the dental hygienist is done cleaning the patient’s teeth, the dentist will come in to examine the patient. The dental hygienist will talk to the dentist about any findings or dental issues they’ve discussed with the patient. Once the dentist is done examining the patient, the dental hygienist will then record the exam on the patient’s chart.

The rest of the dental hygienist’s day functions in a similar fashion, deterring from this routine only when the patient requires different treatments. So there you have it, a day in the life of a dental hygienist. If you’re in need of a dental cleaning and checkup, call us today to schedule an appointment with our friendly team!

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