What to expect at your next appointment
There can be some confusion between dental hygienists vs dentists. You’ll often find both working at your dental practice, as each professional plays a distinct role, and both are crucial team members. Dentists and dental hygienists complement one another in the practices they offer. Visiting both the dentist and the dental hygienist should be part of your dental maintenance routine.
Read on to discover the differences between dental hygienists vs dentists and how often you should schedule a visit.
The Cambridge Dictionary offers the following definitions:
Dental Hygienist: A person who works with a dentist and cleans people’s teeth to keep them healthy.
Dentist: A person whose job is treating people’s teeth.
These definitions help show the difference between the two roles, although they work closely together. In summary, dental hygienists specialise in improving oral hygiene and preventative measures, whereas dentists treat existing problems and emergencies.
Treatments
Dentists are responsible for medical oral healthcare. The treatments that a dentist is responsible for carrying out include:
- Routine check-ups: Regular appointments to assess oral health and suggest treatments or preventative care.
- Fillings: Removing tooth decay and replacing it with restorative materials.
- Root canals: Cleaning and sealing the root canal to preserve the tooth.
- Extractions: Removing damaged or decaying teeth.
- Fitting dentures: Replacing missing teeth with specially designed prosthetic elements.
- X-rays: Capturing detailed images of the teeth and jaw using radiation.
- Local anaesthetics for surgery: Administering numbing agents, usually via injections, to prevent pain and discomfort during procedures.
- Cosmetic dentistry: Treatments carried out as part of a smile makeover.
- Fitting braces: Fitting technology that corrects misaligned teeth.
- Leading a dental team: Managing and overseeing the dental practice’s team to achieve the best results.
Your dentist may refer you to a dental hygienist if you need treatments such as:
- Cleaning teeth: Removing plaque or calcified plaque from teeth to prevent gum disease and cavities.
- Polishing teeth: Enhancing the appearance of teeth, buffing and shining.
- Stain removal: Eliminating stains caused by coffee and tobacco.
- Identifying and treating gum disease: addressing conditions such as periodontitis.
- Oral health advice: Providing guidance on maintaining a healthy smile.
Education and Training
In the UK, people training to be dentists must complete a five-year undergraduate degree and an additional one to two years of postgraduate training. Conducting such an extensive education and training programme prepares dentists to carry out many medical procedures. It equips them with a comprehensive knowledge of how to solve dental issues.
Dental Hygienist training usually includes completing an undergraduate degree in oral hygiene or a Level 3 or 4 Apprenticeship in Dental Care. The focus of the training is on dental hygiene and excellent oral care.
How often to book an appointment
If you require emergency care or are experiencing severe tooth pain, contact your dentist to book an appointment as soon as possible.
Generally, it may be recommended that you visit your dentist for a general checkup every six months. Children should see the dentist every six months due to issues developing faster in children’s teeth.
Scheduling trips to see the dental hygienist between your dentist appointments is a great idea. If possible, book a visit to your dental hygienist every six months to stay on top of your oral hygiene. Your dentist or dental hygienist may suggest more regular appointments if you are working with them to prevent or treat gum disease.
Gum disease can be caused by poor oral hygiene, smoking or even genetics. Symptoms can include bleeding gums, gum swelling, bad breath, gum tenderness, shrinking gums and loose teeth.
The best ways to prevent gum disease are to ensure you brush your teeth twice a day and book routine appointments to see your dental hygienist.
To book your next appointment with our dental hygienist or one of our dentists, call us on 01995 605707.
