Who is a Dental Hygienist?

Dental hygienists are licensed oral health professionals who focus on preventing and treating oral diseases-both to protect teeth and gums, and also to protect patients’ total health. They are graduates of accredited dental hygiene education programs in colleges and universities, and must take a written national board examination and a clinical examination before they are licensed to practice. In addition to treating patients directly, dental hygienists may also work as educators, researchers, and administrators.

What do Dental Hygienists do?

Each state has its own specific regulations and the range of services performed by dental hygienists varies from one state to another. As part of dental hygiene services, dental hygienists may:

• perform oral health care assessments that include the review of patients’ health history, dental charting, oral cancer screening, and evaluation of gum disease / health;
• expose, process, and interpret dental radiographs (x-rays);
• remove plaque and calculus (“tartar”) from above and below the gumline using dental instruments;
• apply cavity-preventive agents such as fluorides and sealants to the teeth;
• administer local anesthetic and / or nitrous oxide analgesia;
• educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques to maintain healthy teeth and gums;
• counsel patients about plaque control and developing individualized at-home oral hygiene programs;
• administer smoking cessation programs; and
• counsel patients on the importance of good nutrition for maintaining optimal oral health

Where Do Dental Hygienists Work?

Clinical dental hygienists may work in a variety of health care settings such as private dental offices, schools, public health clinics, hospitals, managed care organizations, correctional institutions, nursing homes or in a corporate environment. In addition to the clinical role, dental hygienists may also work in an administrative capacity in any of the above locations.

What Does the “RDH” Designation Mean?

The “RDH” means Registered Dental Hygienist. The RDH credential identifies a dental hygienist as a licensed oral health professional. State licensure requirements typically indicate that a dental hygienist must graduate from an accredited dental hygiene education program, successfully pass a national written examination, and a state or regional clinical examination. (In Indiana, the designation LDH [Licensed Dental Hygienist] is used instead of RDH).

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!