Dental Hygienist - Tasks and specialisations
Kaiakuaku Niho
Tasks & duties
Dental hygienists work with clinical guidance provided by a dentist or periodontist (a dentist who specialises in treating gum disease). Dental hygienists may do some or all of the following:
- assess and provisionally diagnose periodontal disease (gum disease)
- record the medical history of patients
- examine the mouth, teeth, gums and jaw
- take and develop x-rays (if they are registered to do so)
- test saliva for signs of tooth decay
- recognise and treat periodontal diseases, which involves removing hard and soft deposits such as calculus, stains and plaque from the teeth
- provide preventive care for tooth decay
- develop care plans for patients
- educate patients on the condition of their mouths and how to improve and maintain their oral health
- make mouthguards for sport and/or stents (a small plastic tray held over teeth to hold in bleach) for home bleaching
- whiten teeth
- maintain orthodontic appliances for patients
- teach and/or carry out research
- refer patients to dentists or specialists.
Theresa Burton examining a patient's mouth, teeth and gums
Specialisations
- Periodontal hygienist
- Periodontal hygienists treat people who have had periodontal treatment for gum disease.
- Orthodontic hygienist
- Orthodontist hygienists prevent and treat gum disease in children and young people with braces.
- Crown and bridge/prosthodontic hygienist
- Crown and bridge/prosthodontic hygienists prevent and treat gum disease in people with dental prostheses. They also help people maintain good oral and general health.
Updated
November 2008
