Assistants and Hygienists
June 12, 2013
Many patients ask about the duties of dental assistants and hygienists. Assistants work primarily with the dentist by assisting them with procedures, making temporary crowns, adjusting dentures, placing sealants and bleaching teeth. Hygienists work primarily on your semi-annual checkups. They chart your gum depths (periodontal charting), scale and polish the teeth and perform an exam for oral cancer. While they do not diagnose, they are trained to recognize the needs of your teeth such as decay and infection. Your dentist performs a final exam to check all areas for decay, oral cancer, gum imperfections and any problems with your teeth and overall health.