5 Reasons to Appreciate Your Dental Hygienist

Dentists receive a lot of credit for creating healthy smiles, but dental hygienists are also a valuable asset for your oral health. They are trained professionals who perform various tasks throughout the dental office to enhance the quality of care you receive. In honor of National Dental Hygienists Week, here are 5 reasons to appreciate your dental hygienist.

1. Specialized Education

Dental hygienists have spent a lot of time training to become experts in oral hygiene. Through a rigorous training program and continual education, they have advanced knowledge to help you achieve a great smile through prevention. Besides completing a training program, they must also pass a written and clinical exam to receive certification. They must also continue their education to provide the most up-to-date practices.

2. Oral Hygiene Experts

If you’ve ever had a dental checkup, a dental hygienist was probably by your side. Dental hygienists are trained to clean teeth both above and below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar to prevent cavities and gum disease. They also have the tips you need to ensure you’re brushing and flossing correctly to prevent decay and infections.

3. Team Players

Dental hygienists know how to work as a team with everyone in the dental practice. They will be the first person to get a look at your mouth, while also learning more about any concerns. They can relay their findings to your dentist and dental assistants to ensure nothing is overlooked. Dental hygienists can take X-rays to ensure your dentist has a complete picture of your dental health. They may also perform many other preventive and diagnostic services, like fluoride varnish.

4. Patient Advocate

Dental hygienists also serve as a “middleman” between you and your dentist. Patients often develop trusting relationships with their hygienists, which makes it easier to discuss concerns or ask questions. Hygienists help to ensure the best practices for each patient by being their “voice.”

5. Streamlined Care

Ultimately, dental offices are a business with many administrative and operational tasks. Dental hygienists help out with several aspects of the daily operations within the practice to keep everything running smoothly. They may handle paperwork, schedule appointments, work with dental insurance, and many other things necessary to provide high-quality care.

About Bear Creek Family Dentistry

Bear Creek Family Dentistry offers exceptional dental care by a vast team of dentists and specialists. They provide complete care under one roof, including preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. If it’s time for your next cleaning and checkup, book an appointment online or call 1 (888) 676-2327.