Dental Hygienist? What’s one of them then?!
Most of you will have heard of a Dental Hygienist. Some of you will, no doubt, be meticulous in making sure you visit a Dental Hygienist every 3-6 months. Some of you won’t quite know what all the fuss is about, and think that it’s a complete waste of time! A few of you think we are glorified dental nurses.
I am a qualified Dental Hygiene Therapist. I studied at University for 3 years, full time, to gain my BSc(Hons) degree. The degree programme was intense, comprised of both practical learning treating patients, and studying the theories of gum health, and how to maintain it. My training now allows me to take impressions, radiographs, providing emergency temporary replacement of crowns and fillings, and of course your routine oral hygiene. My training doesn’t stop there - I am regularly checked upon by the General Dental Council (GDC) to ensure I continue my professional development through research, attending workshops and courses and staying abreast of current developments and legislative changes.
But what exactly does seeing the Hygienist involve? Well, my day usually starts with me setting up my room, ensuring shared facilities are kept clinically clean and well stocked. I carry out, to a wide range of patients, a routine scale and polish to remove any tartar build-up, plaque and staining. I undertake root surface debridement and cleaning of dental implants. I use both manual and powered tools to ensure the best results are achieved. Seeing the hygienist is also about education –talking to the patient and understanding their habits, lifestyle choices and helping them to maintain and improve where necessary their oral hygiene routines.
How do you know if you need to see me?
If you don’t see a dental hygienist regularly you may not know that you are displaying early signs of gum disease and dental decay. Things to look out for are;
Bleeding gums
Plaque, tartar in between/behind the teeth
Yellow/brown pits on the enamel.
If this sounds like you, then do come in and get your teeth examined and cleaned. You can contact our Practice, and ask to see me, Golshan, on 01730 263180 or info@smileabout.co.uk.
I’ll leave you with a few mottos that I and many Hygienists swear by;
I’d rather be cleaning teeth than cleaning feet!
I love the sound of a good chunk of tartar being scraped off!
Only Clean the teeth you want to keep!
For further information or advice contact College Street Dental Centre in Petersfield, Hampshire on 01730 263180
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