Dental hygienists evaluate the dental health of patients. They examine teeth and gums and record what they find. They clean deposits and stains from teeth as well as treat teeth with fluorides and sealants. Hygienists take and develop X-rays and put in temporary fillings. 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.