Duties of the dental hygienist:
- Taking initial anamnesis (medicine use/health questionnaire)
- Performing a plaque color test
- Mapping gum condition (DPSI score)
- Remove plaque, deposits and tartar above and below the gums
- Applying fluoride
- Smoothing root surfaces
- Giving advice and information about, among other things, the development of caries,gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) and dietary habits
- Applying sealant
- Polishing of fillings
- Cleaning root surfaces below the gums
- Treating small cavities (on behalf of the dentist)
- Making X-rays (on order and under the supervision of the dentist)
- Making dental impressions
- Giving a local anesthetic
Dental hygienists can work in a general dental practice, paro-clinic or work as independent dental hygienists with their own practice. They can also differentiate themselves in the field of periodontology, implantology or orthodontics. Furthermore, the dental hygienist, just like the dentist, is responsible for recording all relevant data in the patient file. Dental hygienists who meet the quality requirements are registered in the Quality Register for Dental Hygienists (KRM).
Difference Dental Hygienist Prevention Assistant
We are often asked what the difference is between the prevention assistant and the dental hygienist. That is why we have briefly described the duties of both professionals.
Tasks of the prevention assistant:
- Taking initial anamnesis (medicine use/health questionnaire)
- Performing a plaque color test
- Mapping gum condition (DPSI score)
- Remove tartar and plaque above the gums
- Polishing teeth and molars
- Whitening teeth and molars
- Smoothing root surfaces
- Applying fluoride
- Provide information and instruction about dental care
In addition, after completing additional training, a prevention assistant can also perform other actions such as sealing teeth.
The main difference is that a dental hygienist is an HBO-trained paramedic, who is constantly tested against the quality requirements. The title dental hygienist is therefore a title protected by the BIG Act. The tasks performed by the dental hygienist are primarily aimed at prevention – preventing gum problems and cavities in the teeth (caries). The dental hygienist is specialized in the treatment of gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. This is part of the curative treatments (= aimed at healing). This combination of tasks makes the dental hygienist a specialist in the field of general oral health.
In short, you could say that the work of the dental hygienist begins where the work of the prevention assistant ends.
