Dentistry with Country Lakes Family Dental

Dental Hygienists: Your Dental Educators

by Dr. Matt Artho, Owner of Country Lakes Family Dental

In acknowledgement of our education issue, I would like to take this time to show appreciation to all our teachers: to the science teachers and the chemistry they bring to the classroom, to the biology teachers sharing the secrets of life, and of course, to the math teachers who always seem to know how to solve a problem. It is an honor and privilege to have you share in the cultivation of our future society. The dental equivalent to teachers in a dental practice often fall to our hygienists. In this article, I would like to pay tribute to the dental educators of our profession.

Hygienists receive a specialized education specific to dental hygiene. They learn not only of methods in identifying concerns related to your gums and the supporting periodontium (the supportive structures of our teeth), but they have an educated understanding of both oral and dental pathology. A hygienist with a keen knowledge and detailed observation can identify oral health concerns and relay the information to the patient and dentist. A great dental practice has both dentists and hygienists who are equally calibrated to recognize dental and periodontal disease and collaborate with their patients on how to best treat the ailments.

Because dental hygienists are often capable of spending more time with the patient, thoroughly monitoring each tooth and its surrounding structures, they are crucial in isolating oral disease and educating the patient on their findings during cleanings and examination. Education of dental patients should always be a priority of both the hygienist and dentist in order to come to an understanding on the conditions and its treatment. Though diagnosis is limited to the dentist only, hygienists are key contributors of the dental team for helping the dentist and patient come to an agreement on treatment.

As dental educators, dental hygienists are a respected component of your dental care. Knowing they constantly look forward to maintaining their relationships with their patients, they anticipate their appointments with great eagerness. So make time to keep those dental appointments. Your hygienist will thank you. Happy Smiling!

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