Hygienist

Hygienists usually work alongside dentists in a dental practice. They are qualified professionals and specialise in helping you to keep your teeth clean and gums healthy. Their primary role is cleaning your teeth more thoroughly than you could clean them yourself - which will help combat gum disease. Equally importantly, your hygienist can help you find techniques you can use at home to keep your teeth clean and your gums healthy. They work closely with your dentist to achieve this goal. Hygienists have undergone specialist training for 2 years at Dental School to gain their qualifications. Prior to that they often have been qualified dental nurses.

There are lots of new teeth cleaning gadgets and gizmos on the market and this can be confusing. Your hygienist can advise you of the most effective ones and how to use them.

From your point of view, once your hygienist has shown you effective home cleaning measures, it is really important that you carry them out. Remember, it is vital you look after your own teeth, don't just rely on the dental team, they only see your teeth a few times a year - you have them all the time!

In addition, hygienists may take impressions and X-rays (if trained to do so) and some will carry out minor treatments under supervision of your dentist.