National Dental Hygienist Week – April 2024

Did you know that every April, we celebrate dental hygienists across the United States? It’s no wonder why a whole week is dedicated to these incredible individuals as they are integral to the overall health and well-being of our patients. The American Dental Hygienists’ Association defines dental hygienists as “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.”

As their fellow colleagues who work closely with these very talented, highly skilled, competent, and caring dental hygienists, we can tell you that they do more than simply clean your teeth. Let us elaborate more on this definition and provide you with an in-depth look into what they truly do for our patients.

Hygienists may also be highly trained to provide the following services with the utmost gentle care:

• • Routine cleanings (prophylaxis): During these cleanings, a hygienist uses special tools to remove sticky plaque and hard tartar deposits from the surfaces of your teeth above your gums. These cleanings are very important for preventing gum disease and even for treating very mild forms of the disease (called gingivitis).
  • Deep cleanings (gum treatment): Because this occurs below the level of the gum tissue, it is considered an invasive or surgical procedure. However, in reality, it is just the scraping or “scaling” of the teeth that we’ve all likely experienced above the gumline during a regular cleaning.
  • Laser therapy services: This may include laser bacterial reduction, laser assisted periodontal therapy, laser whitening, laser cold sensitivity services and laser cold sore relief services.
  • X-ray assessment & interpretation: X-rays help to assist in the detection of tooth decay, permanent bone loss, infection, abscess, tartar build-up, other elements that may lead to emergency dental services and more.
  • Application of fluoride and desensitizing medicaments: Fluoride joins the tooth structure when your teeth develop, thus strengthening tooth enamel and making your teeth less susceptible to bacteria and cavities.
  • Administration of local anesthetic: In the case of a deep cleaning, for example, the scaling occurs below the gumline. Because of this, the use of local anesthesia is typically recommended. 
  • Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) services: Though other sedation options, like oral sedation and intravenous (or IV) sedation, have become popular in recent years, nitrous oxide remains a commonly used sedative due to its safety, effectiveness and ease of use.
  • Oral cancer screenings: When a dentist or dental hygienist performs a complete oral exam or a periodic oral exam, you can expect the oral cancer screening to be a routine part of that exam. The goal is to be able to identify signs of oral cancer early so that there is a higher chance of a cure.
  • Oral hygiene education: Dental hygienists take the time to thoroughly explain everything they are going to do before they do it, as they’re doing it, and after they assess their patients’ oral health. 
  • Smoking cessation counseling services
  • Nutrition counseling services
  • Clenching and grinding counseling services
  • Whole-body health counseling services (e.g., relationship between gum disease and diabetes and heart disease)

Additional services performed by dental hygienists may include smoking cessation counseling services, nutrition counseling services, clenching and grinding counseling services, and whole body health counseling services. The latter may consist of explaining the relationships or links between gum disease with: diabetes, Alzheimer’s and heart disease.

Hygienists can provide you with life-changing advice and services to reduce and eliminate the detrimental effects of oral bacteria and chronic inflammation throughout your body. Achieving a healthy whole-body starts with your mouth, and our hygienists know that whole-heartedly!

Finally, our hygienists treat you with individualized customized care. Our hygienists want you to enjoy your life, eat your meals comfortably, and be active without worrying about a broken tooth or abscess. The end goal is to reduce your dependence on medications and truly have you look and feel your best. Our hygienists are here to be your partner in YOUR success. So, to our wonderful hygienists, THANK YOU!