Visit A Licensed Dental Hygienist in Salem, OR
At Natural Smiles, our dental hygienists are highly qualified health professional who are licensed to carry out the duties of a dental assistant in a Salem, Oregon dentist office. Salem dental hygienists mainly provide preventative dental care, examine patients for oral diseases, and educate patients on maintaining and improving oral health. Dental hygienist requirements or to qualify for this profession, the individual must acquire associate’s degree in dental hygiene from an accredited program, and then apply for the required license. Licensing requirements vary by state, and correct information about licensing procedures and requirements is available with the Oregon licensing authority and the Oregon Dental Association.
Role of the Dental Hygienist in our Salem Dentist Office
The role of a dental hygienist is mainly that of a dental assistant and includes the following duties:
• Perform cleaning of patient’s teeth by removing plaque, stains, and tartar
• Help in protecting patient’s teeth by applying fluorides and sealants
• Taking and developing dental x-rays
• Maintaining and keeping track of patient’s treatment records
• Providing assistance to the dentist
• Preparing diagnostic tests, which will be administered by the dentist
• Teaching patients about oral health and taking care of teeth
Duties of the dental hygienist will vary by dentist office but general responsibilities include:
• Apply periodontal dressings and temporary fillings
• Remove sutures
• Help in preparing patients for dental procedures
• Administer anesthetics
• Smooth metal restorations
In all states, including Oregon, the dental hygienist is not permitted to make an assessment or diagnosis, nor provide a treatment plan.
Importance of Finding a Qualified Dental Hygienist in Salem
The dental hygienist has an important role to play in our Salem dentist office, as this professional is in charge of performing oral exams, cleaning teeth, and performing various procedures required for preventive oral health. Patients in Salem are also greatly benefited by the advice and education they receive from the hygienist regarding maintaining dental health and preventing oral diseases.
Most people visit a dentist for regular checkups, and having their teeth cleaned. Hence, in most cases our Salem dental hygienist will be attending to the patients initially. If there is some dental disease or issue, the dentist will be required to carry out a thorough examination, diagnose the problem, and provide a treatment plan. In all other instances, the dental hygienist will be providing the required services, and therefore it is important to choose a dental clinic that has a good and experienced dental hygienist.
Many people consider the qualifications, experience, and reputation of the dentist, but do not give much thought to the dental hygienist who might be attending to them initially. Therefore, next time you are due for your regular dental checkup or plaque removal, find a reputed dental clinic like Natural Smiles in Salem, OR that only staffs experienced dental hygienists.