at Riverside Dental Group will tell you more about the important team members that do so much more for your dental health than simply cleaning your teeth: dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist History
It all began with one woman – the cousin of a dentist named Dr. Alfred Fones. Dr. Fones practiced dentistry back in the early part of the 1900s. Because there was no standard for preventive dental care, dentistry mainly consisted of extracting badly decayed teeth. Irene Newman was called upon by her dentist cousin to collaborate on a new dentistry program to focus on preventing cavities through cleanings and maintenance. Through the use of extracted teeth mounted on wood and caked with cement, the practice of removing plaque and calculus started to become a science. Dental nurses were in existence, but through the work of Dr. Fones and Ms. Newman, dental hygienists were officially born.
Dental Hygienists Today
Dental hygienists must achieve their education from an accredited dental hygiene program. Before licensure is achieved, hygienists must pass a clinical examination and national board exam. Dental hygienists now require much more education and an expanded role in dental offices. Generally, hygienists perform a variety of duties, including the following:
- Administration
- Interpretation of X-rays
- Oral health assessments on patients
- Removal of plaque and tartar from the gumline
- Application of dental sealants and fluoride treatments
- Educating patients on oral hygiene practices
Due for a Cleaning? Contact Woodcrest, CA Dentists
If you want to keep your teeth healthy, brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist and hygienist every six months, without fail. We are happy to offer comprehensive dentistry for the whole family. If you are due for a in Woodcrest, CA, contact our 92506 dentist office at (951) 369-1001. We serve patients throughout Riverside County.
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