Healthy People 2010 Information University of Florida Dental Hygiene Care Dental hygiene care is available at all private dental practices. Dental hygiene care is aimed toward prevention of dental diseases. To receive reduced-cost dental hygiene care, visit one of the dental hygiene schools in Georgia, where dental hygiene students treat patients under the supervision of faculty members.
Many dental hygienists help detect serious problems early by focusing on extensive oral exams.
Registered Dental Hygienists are licensed oral health care professionals who provide treatment to prevent cavities and periodontal disease. They help patients maintain healthy teeth and gums which helps promote overall wellness. Patient care performed by dental hygienists may include, conducting oral cancer screenings and head and neck exams, recording medical and dental health histories, monitoring blood pressure, scaling teeth above and below the gumline to remove soft and hard deposits and bacteria, exposing, processing, and mounting dental X-rays, checking changes or abnormalities in the mouth, applying fluorides and sealants to protect teeth from cavities, patient education, counseling patients on proper nutrition for overall health. The dental hygienist generally works as a clinical practitioner in dental practices. Hygienists also work as educators, researchers, administrators, managers, preventive program developers, consumer advocates, and consultants.