What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?

April is Oral Health Month, so it’s safe to say that it’s an exciting month for dental practices everywhere! We also recently celebrated National Dental Hygienists Week, which normally falls during the second week of April. In honor of hard-working dental hygienists everywhere, we’d like to take an opportunity to cover the important role of a dental hygienist here at Southwest Smiles Family Dentistry.

What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?

At the core of a dental hygienist’s job is the goal to advocate for preventive care and patient education. Dental hygienists do this by being at the forefront of the patient experience—from reviewing patient histories and charts before an appointment (or taking down medical history and collecting dental X-rays from new patients), to conducting a thorough exam and cleaning (including tartar removal, polishing, and checking for signs of gum disease), and teaching patients how to have a superb oral hygiene routine at home. Dental hygienists are also responsible for administering fluoride treatments and any other procedures that the dentist suggests for the patient, such as taking impressions of their teeth. They are experienced with talking to patients both young and old, finding ways to educate them about oral health according to their unique needs.

Come Meet Our Team!

Our friendly and knowledgeable team here at Southwest Smiles Family Dentistry is ready to help you and your family maintain beautiful and healthy smiles. Each member of our friendly team is highly trained and can provide you with tips to improve your at-home preventive care routine and the information you need to make informed dental decisions when receiving treatment at our dental office in Austin, TX. Contact us to schedule an appointment today—we look forward to seeing you and helping you achieve a smile that is ready for spring.

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