The primary professional responsible for preventative care, such as routine cleaning, is the Dental Hygienist. This licensed clinician focuses on assessing and maintaining the health of your gums and teeth, including the physical removal of plaque and calculus. They provide prevention and education to keep your smile healthy between visits to the dentist.
The Professional Title
The professional title for the person who cleans your teeth is Dental Hygienist. In many jurisdictions, they are designated as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), signifying they have met rigorous educational and licensure requirements.
Hygienists are licensed clinicians who perform independent clinical procedures within their defined scope of practice. They are trained experts in assessing periodontal health and providing specific treatments. They should not be mistaken for a dental assistant, whose role primarily involves preparing treatment rooms and assisting the dentist.
Beyond Cleaning: Primary Responsibilities
Routine cleaning involves a multi-step process that goes beyond simple polishing. A significant portion of their work involves scaling, which is the mechanical removal of hardened bacterial plaque (calculus or tartar) from tooth surfaces above and below the gumline. This is accomplished using specialized hand instruments and ultrasonic devices. When periodontal disease is present, the hygienist performs root planing, a deeper procedure that smooths the root surfaces below the gum line to remove toxins and bacteria.
Hygienists have several other primary responsibilities:
- Performing initial oral health assessments and charting any signs of disease or abnormality.
- Routinely taking and processing diagnostic radiographs (X-rays) to detect decay, bone loss, and other issues.
- Applying preventative agents, such as fluoride varnish to strengthen enamel and dental sealants to protect chewing surfaces.
- Providing patient education, counseling individuals on proper brushing and flossing techniques and the impact of diet on oral health.
Dental Team Hierarchy
The Dental Hygienist and the Dentist work together as collaborating clinicians, each with a distinct role in your oral care. The hygienist’s primary focus is preventative care and the assessment of periodontal health, using clinical observation and probing measurements to identify potential issues like gingivitis or periodontitis. The dentist holds the legal responsibility for definitive diagnosis and comprehensive treatment planning. Dentists perform restorative procedures, such as fillings, crowns, and extractions, and manage surgical or complex cases. While the hygienist collects data and provides preventative therapy, the dentist uses that information to execute the broader treatment necessary.
Education and Certification
Becoming a Dental Hygienist requires a significant commitment to higher education and professional training. Candidates typically must complete an accredited program, which often results in an Associate of Science degree and sometimes a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. These programs include rigorous coursework in clinical sciences, anatomy, microbiology, and pharmacology, along with extensive hands-on clinical experience.
Upon graduation, prospective hygienists must successfully pass two separate examinations to gain licensure. They must pass the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a state or regional clinical board examination to demonstrate competency. Only after passing these tests and meeting all state-specific requirements can the professional be granted a license to practice and use the official title of Registered Dental Hygienist.