Who is a Dental Hygienist?
Dental hygienists are state licensed allied dental health care professionals who educate and treat the patient in the prevention of dental caries (cavities) and periodontal disease (gum disease).
What do Dental Hygienists do?
Dental hygienists scale (clean) and polish the teeth to remove calculus (tartar), stain and plaque; take and develop dental x-rays; and apply sealants and fluorides to the teeth. Hygienists record his/her observations of the patients’ teeth and gums for the presence of diseases or abnormalities, which are reviewed with the dentist for the proper course of treatment. The hygienist educates and encourages the patient on maintaining good oral health.
What type of education is required for a Dental Hygienist?
Dental hygienists must complete a minimum two-years college level education, graduating from an accredited dental hygiene program. Some dental hygiene programs offer bachelor’s and master’s degree programs which are required if one would like to do research, teach, or work in a clinical practice in a public or school health program. A minimum of an associate degree in dental hygiene is required to work in a private dental office.
Dental hygienists must be licensed by the state in which they are employed.
Dental hygienists must complete a national written exam and a state clinical exam. Licensure renewal is required every two years with a minimum of thirty continuing education credits completed per two years.
Look for the License
Registered dental hygienists (RDH) are licensed oral health professionals who use educational, preventive and therapeutic skills to prevent oral disease in an effort to achieve total health.
A state license and the RDH designation assures patients that the person providing preventive oral health care has completed the educational requirements at an accredited college and has successfully completed national and regional board examinations.
Remember: the RDH is your key to obtaining quality preventive health care!
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Nebraska Department of Human Services-Dental Health
