What Does a Dental Hygienist Do Appleton, WI
One of the people you will likely spend the most time with at the dentist's office is the dental hygienist. Dental hygienists work in tandem with the dentist to meet a patient's oral health needs. Their duties vary but often include patient screening and education, taking X-rays, removing plaque from teeth, and doing a thorough cleaning and polishing. They will also conduct a complete examination of your teeth and alert the dentist to any areas of concern.
Dental hygienists act as a bridge between the dentist and the patient at Timbercrest Dental Center in Appleton and the surrounding area. Call us at (920) 442-4084 to schedule an appointment or to learn more.
Dental Hygienist Training and Qualifications
To become a dental hygienist, a person will need to attend an accredited dental hygiene program. These programs are typically about three years long until the graduates receive an Associate's degree. Bachelor's and master's degree programs are also available to dental hygienists. Students take classes ranging from medical ethics to pathology as well as spend time in the patient care setting.
Every state requires dental hygienists to have a license. This often requires a degree from an accredited dental hygiene program and passing grades on written and clinical exams. To maintain that license, dental hygienists must take continuing education classes.
“To become a dental hygienist, a person will need to attend an accredited dental hygiene program.”
Patient Screening and Technology
Dental hygienists are typically responsible for patient screenings. Before the dentist comes in to do their exam, the hygienist will look for signs of tooth decay and gum disease. Those findings will then be reported to the dentists before they begin. Additional screening procedures may include:
- Oral cancer screening
- Patient health history
- Heath and neck inspection
- Blood pressure and pulse
Dental hygienists also need to use several tools to complete a patient visit. They may use basic tools such as a mirror as well as power and ultrasonic tools for cleaning and polishing teeth. X-ray machines check for issues with the teeth and jaws. Some of the more advanced tools can include lasers, an intraoral camera, and an ultrasonic scaler that uses vibration to gently remove plaque from the teeth.
“Before the dentist comes in to do their exam, the hygienist will look for signs of tooth decay and gum disease.”
Recommendations and Documentation
Another aspect of a dental hygienist's job is to counsel patients and provide advice for optimal oral health. They may educate patients about the importance of proper brushing and flossing and provide suggestions for oral hygiene techniques. Dental hygienists also may offer recommendations for different types of toothbrushes and flossing products.
Proper oral care at the dentist also requires documentation of treatment and the condition of the patient's mouth and teeth. The dental hygienist works with Timbercrest Dental Center to document the condition of the gums, teeth, and screening results. Effective record-keeping helps providers monitor possible problem areas.
“Effective record-keeping helps providers monitor possible problem areas.”
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Documentation Work
One part of a dental hygienist's job that is equally important to screening, counseling, and cleaning is the documentation of patient care and treatment. They are instrumental in creating and maintaining a patient's dental record and will document everything that is discussed and performed during their visit. A dental record includes personal information, along with medical and dental histories.
Dental records help the office deliver quality patient care and follow-up. They are also considered legally binding medical documents. Today, most dental records are kept electronically and can be sent to future health practitioners or specialists.
“One part of a dental hygienist’s job that is equally important to screening, counseling, and cleaning is the documentation of patient care and treatment.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is included in the documentation of a dental hygienist's job?
Q. What training does a dental hygienist have?
Q. Does a dental hygienist do patient documentation?
Q. What parts of the dental visit are dental hygienists involved with?
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Dental Hygienists and Your Visit
Dental hygienists are involved in just about every clinical aspect of patient visits. Dental hygienists perform many of the preventative dental procedures done in an office, such as teeth cleaning, screening for oral disease, and other preventative dental care. Once a patient is checked in, the hygienist is typically the person who will lead them to the exam room. After they are settled into the dentist's chair, the dental hygienist will ask questions about the patient's health history and see if there are any concerns regarding their teeth or jaw. If X-rays are needed, the dental hygienist will administer them before the cleaning begins.
After the documentation is handled, they will take various measurements to check the health of their gums, remove plaque and tartar, and do a thorough cleaning and polishing of the teeth, followed by flossing. When the dentist arrives, the dental hygienist will let them know if there are any areas of concern and then help with various aspects of the dental exam. Following the exam, the dental hygienist will answer any questions and update the patient's chart. They can also take impressions of the teeth if needed for crowns, implants, dentures, or mouth guards.
“Dental hygienists are involved in just about every clinical aspect of patient visits.”
Frequently Asked Questions About a Dental Hygienist
Q. What is the difference between a dental hygienist and a dentist?
A. Dental hygienists and dentists have very different roles within a dental practice. A dental hygienist will conduct oral screenings, update your patient information, take x-rays, do a thorough cleaning, and look for potential problems. The dentist will come in following the cleaning to do an exam and will also handle more complicated procedures.
Q. What sort of training do dental hygienists have?
A. Dental hygienists have graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program and have taken and passed state exams to receive their license. During their studies, dental hygienists take classes in head and neck anatomy, pathology, nutrition, and medical ethics. Most programs take about three years to complete.
Q. What do dental hygienists do?
A. Dental hygienists have several different roles in an office. They can assist the dentist during procedures, update the patient's chart, show patients how to care for their teeth, perform oral health screenings, and remove plaque from the teeth. They can also apply fluoride and sealants to teeth as well as take impressions.
Q. What is the difference between a dental assistant and a dental hygienist?
A. It can be easy to confuse dental assistants and dental hygienists as they perform many of the same duties. Dental assistants can take x-rays, prepare instruments and equipment, take impressions of the teeth, and assist the dentist during procedures. However, unlike dental hygienists, they do not collect patient health history, remove plaque from the teeth, apply sealants or fluoride, or do any patient documentation.
Q. Does a dental hygienist receive certification or licensure?
A. Dental hygienists must complete at least an Associate's degree in dental hygiene. They must then pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) in order to achieve licensure. This exam is the only one required by all 50 states.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us To Schedule Your Next Appointment With a Dental Hygienist
If you want to improve your dental health, call us at 920-442-4084 for an appointment with a dental hygienist. Get started on a treatment plan that focuses on strong teeth and preventative strategies. Our team in Appleton is ready to help you achieve optimal oral health.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2026
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2026
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2026
About our business and website security
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