Most dentists employ one or more dental hygienists.
They perform routine cleanings and teach the patient about proper dental hygiene. Dental hygienists have completed at least two years of schooling and have passed a state board licensing examination. If you're lucky, you'll see more of your dental hygienist and less of your dentist. Your dentist will check your teeth for problems after the hygienist performs a routine cleaning. Your relationship with your hygienist is just as important as your relationship with your dentist.