A dentist can clean your teeth if the office is struggling, but it's best to let a fully certified dental hygienist do what they're trained to do. The dentist and the hygienist perform different functions, but they complement each other. Dentists are literally doctors of your teeth and are equivalent to your local GP. A hygienist provides a more complementary and preliminary service and refers you to a dentist if more serious problems are detected.
Depending on your hygienist's qualifications, they may be able to perform deep cleaning, whitening, or sealants in addition to routine cleaning. Simply put, hygienists work with dentists and are not medical examiners, although cleaning teeth with them is just as effective. Your dentist will often suggest an appointment with the hygienist, although patients can request an appointment with the hygienist directly without consulting a dentist. Your dentist will begin by performing a visual examination of the mouth, gums, and teeth to detect any areas of interest.
Temporary treatment may be given to relieve symptoms of pain or discomfort, or additional treatment may be discussed (whether required by the dentist or requested by the patient). When it comes to determining the differences between a dentist and a dental hygienist, dentists are doctors with at least eight years of formal education under their belt (four for undergraduate students, four for dental school, and even more if they choose to specialize). Dental hygienists can both do more than an assistant can do and require more training, but only the dentist is a doctor. Hygienists can care for their own patients, administer local anesthesia (at least in most states) and give you advice, as long as you also go to the dentist to be examined at least once a year.
The dentist's priority is to diagnose dental problems where they may occur and prescribe appropriate treatment to address them. There's no doubt that a hygienist plays a less sinister role and can make you feel more comfortable during your cleaning session. In reality, you only spend enough time with your dentist if there are any problems, such as if you need treatment for gum disease or if you have a cavity that needs to be filled. While hygienists are different from nurses, you can think of them as the equivalent of dental nurses when you compare oral health professionals to other medical careers.
A dentist, on the other hand, is qualified to perform more extensive dental procedures and to intervene if a problem is to be addressed. A dental hygienist receives specific training and training to treat and prevent oral diseases by thoroughly cleaning teeth and educating patients on how to care for their oral health at home. If for any reason your treatment is uncomfortable for you, you should tell your dentist or hygienist. The content of Teethtalkgirl is medically reviewed and verified by a licensed dentist or doctor to ensure that the information is objective, current and relevant.