The hygienist is a specialist in preventive dentistry, who focuses on periodontal treatments and oral hygiene and lifestyle advice.
What does the hygienist do at my appointment?
The hygienist will assess the health of your teeth and gums and will scale and polish your teeth to remove any plaque or calculus build up. They will also advise you on lifestyle factors that may be affecting your oral health. Finally, they will work with you to determine the best possible oral hygiene routine to keep your teeth looking their best in between appointments.
Will a scale and polish hurt?
Treatment with the hygienist is normally pain free. Treatment can be carried out under local anaesthetic should you experience any discomfort.
What is Direct access?
Since 2013, you have been able to see the hygienist without first having to have an appointment with the dentist. However, the hygienist can only work within their scope of practice so will refer you to the dentist if they notice any issues.
Benefit of visiting the hygienist
Improve the health of your teeth and gums – regular scaling can help to reduce the risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay.
Whiter teeth – the hygienist will remove food and drink stains to give you a brighter, whiter smile.
Re-mineralise the early signs of tooth decay – the hygienist can apply fluoride varnishes to help prevent the development of cavities.