Whenever someone visits a doctor to take care of their teeth, it’s usually referred to as “going to the dentist.” Of course, we all know that you don’t just see a dentist during these visits! The second week of April is actually National Dental Hygienist Week, a time where the dental community as a whole takes a moment to highlight the efforts of these often overlooked heroes of oral health. Your hygienist in El Reno actually does a lot more for you than just clean your teeth, and today, we’re going to show you why they are essential to you and your loved ones enjoying healthy, beautiful smiles year after year.

How a Dental Hygienist Helps You Smile

You probably already know that a dental hygienist performs dental cleanings, but do you know exactly why? Even if you brush and floss every day, there are still tiny areas in your mouth where plaque and tartar can accumulate and lead to cavities. The only way to tackle these trouble spots is with sophisticated tools and a skilled touched, both of which your hygienist has. They also perform pre-exams at the beginnings of appointments before a patient sees their dentist. This allows them to determine how effective (or not) a patient’s home oral hygiene is, and they can make suggestions on how someone can improve their brushing and flossing routine so their teeth can stay healthier between appointments.

And, because a hygienist is usually one of the first people a patient sees at a dental practice, they’re also important for helping someone feel welcome and comfortable, particularly those who might be nervous. For many, ensuring a patient feels calm in the chair is just as important as taking care of their teeth, which is why they are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.

How Does Someone Become a Hygienist?

You’ll be happy to know that you don’t become a dental hygienist simply by filling out an application! The process starts with a person getting an undergraduate degree, often an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene. Then, they must become certified to practice in their state, which can involve becoming certified in CPR, getting multiple letters of recommendation, and passing written exams from both the American Dental Association and state clinical board. Only then can they apply for a position at a practice! Many hygienists continue to take advanced training courses even after they’ve started their career as well as obtain graduate degrees in order to better serve their patients.

Get the Most Out of Your Hygienist

Hygienists are also an excellent source of dental knowledge in addition to your dentist. Want to know which oral healthcare products you and your family members should be using? Need help to get your child to start flossing? Want to know if a manual or electric toothbrush is better? A hygienist will be more than able to answer your questions, and you can trust that what they say will be based on years of training and their hands-on experience. They’re always happy to talk to you!

So, the next time you come in for a dental cleaning, try to take notice of everything that your hygienist is doing for you. It’s probably a lot more than you might think!

About the Author

Dr. Adam Cohlmia is a family, restorative, and cosmetic dentist who practices at El Reno Family Dentistry. He along with his team of hygienists, assistants, and administrators strive to provide everything local smiles need to stay happy and healthy as the years go by. To schedule your next checkup and cleaning, click here.