They may also make impressions of teeth and remove sutures. Some hygienists give local anesthetics and nitrous oxide. Dental hygienists also instruct patients in dental health. For example, they may teach patients how to floss. They may provide dental health education for school children and other members of the community.
Most hygienists work with individual patients.
However, some hygienists develop and promote community dental health programs. Hygienists work with many dental instruments while cleaning patients' teeth. They also use X-ray machines, syringes, and floss. Dental Hygienists is in the Health Services Career Cluster.