1.0Glossaryhttps://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossaryGlossaryhttps://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossary/author/adminglossary/rich600338<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="PVuL4lPCXg"><a href="https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossary/dental-hygienist/">Dental hygienist</a></blockquote><iframe sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" src="https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossary/dental-hygienist/embed/#?secret=PVuL4lPCXg" width="600" height="338" title="“Dental hygienist” — Glossary" data-secret="PVuL4lPCXg" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" class="wp-embedded-content"></iframe><script> /*! This file is auto-generated */ !function(d,l){"use strict";l.querySelector&&d.addEventListener&&"undefined"!=typeof URL&&(d.wp=d.wp||{},d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage||(d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage=function(e){var t=e.data;if((t||t.secret||t.message||t.value)&&!/[^a-zA-Z0-9]/.test(t.secret)){for(var s,r,n,a=l.querySelectorAll('iframe[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),o=l.querySelectorAll('blockquote[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),c=new RegExp("^https?:$","i"),i=0;i<o.length;i++)o[i].style.display="none";for(i=0;i<a.length;i++)s=a[i],e.source===s.contentWindow&&(s.removeAttribute("style"),"height"===t.message?(1e3<(r=parseInt(t.value,10))?r=1e3:~~r<200&&(r=200),s.height=r):"link"===t.message&&(r=new URL(s.getAttribute("src")),n=new URL(t.value),c.test(n.protocol))&&n.host===r.host&&l.activeElement===s&&(d.top.location.href=t.value))}},d.addEventListener("message",d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage,!1),l.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",function(){for(var e,t,s=l.querySelectorAll("iframe.wp-embedded-content"),r=0;r<s.length;r++)(t=(e=s[r]).getAttribute("data-secret"))||(t=Math.random().toString(36).substring(2,12),e.src+="#?secret="+t,e.setAttribute("data-secret",t)),e.contentWindow.postMessage({message:"ready",secret:t},"*")},!1)))}(window,document); //# sourceURL=https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossary/wp-includes/js/wp-embed.min.js </script> A licensed dental auxiliary who is both an oral health educator and clinician and who uses preventive, educational, and nonsurgical therapeutic methods to control oral disease.A person trained to assist the dentist, and may work independently. Trained in dental procedures and may perform some of the procedures related to examination and prophylaxis.A specially trained individual who works under the supervision of a dentist in providing services to dental patients: such as performing complete oral prophylaxis, applying medication, performing dental radiography, and providing dental education services both for chairside patients and in community health projects. Dental hygienists are required to obtain a license in all States. An estimated 21,000 were in practice in 1972. Dental hygiene programs are either 2- or 4-year programs at the college level.A dental professional trained to examine, clean, and scale the teeth; take and develop X rays; and offer instruction on proper dental care. The primary responsibility of the dental hygienist is professional cleaning of the teeth. Some dental hygienists also give local anesthesia, perform root-planing procedures, and place sealants. They are trained in specialized schools and have passed a state licensing examination in their field. Dental hygienists usually work as staff members with a dentist.A person trained in a two or four year program at the college level and licensed to give certain dental services: oral prophylaxis, dental x-rays, apply medications, and educate in dental matters. The services are to be under the supervision of a dentist.A person qualified to carry out the scaling (removal of calculus [deposits]) from the teeth and to advise patients on how to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Hygienists usually work in a qualified dentist’s surgery.A licensed primary oral health care professional. The dental hygienist is educated to provide dental services that include education, prevention, and therapeutic services. The most common services provided are patient education, oral prophylaxis, dental radiographs, and fluoride applications. The goals of the dental hygienist include the control of oral diseases and the promotion of health. The practice of dental hygiene is regulated by laws called dental practice acts. The laws vary with each licensing jurisdiction.