at Riverside Dental Group will highlight details about one of the most important positions in dentistry: dental hygienist.
Irene Newman: The First Dental Hygienist
Dr. Alfred Fones was practicing dentistry in the beginning of the 1900s. Much of his work involved the simple pulling of rotten teeth from poor oral hygiene. Irene Newman was Dr. Fones cousin, and the two of them put their heads together to create the first preventive dentistry program. There were dental nurses dating back into the 1800s, but when Dr. Fones trained Irene Newman in his idea that the removal of plaque and calculus on the teeth could prevent the need for such high rates of extractions, he gave her the title “dental hygienist.”
The Definition of a Dental Hygienist
The role of a dental hygienist has greatly expanded over the years. While every dental office has their own unique structure, the role of a hygienist tends to be largely the same across the board. This is a result of more stringent education and licensing requirements. Examples of some of the usual duties most hygienists perform would be:
- Preparation of examination room
- Initial chart planning and greeting
- Oral health assessments
- Administration and interpretation of x-rays
- Removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth and at the gumline
- Polishing of teeth
- Application of fluoride treatments and sealants
- Patient education on effective oral hygiene
Dental Checkups from your Woodcrest Dentist
If you want to keep your teeth healthy, brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit your Woodcrest 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 dental checkup or cleaning in Woodcrest, CA, contact our 92506 dentist office at (951) 369-1001. We serve patients throughout Riverside County.
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