Dental Hygiene with an independent dental hygienist can seem foreign to many. But, hygienists have been able to practice independently since 2007, that’s 16 years! It’s not new.

What you can expect at your dental hygiene appointment; your hygienist will…

• have prepared for your appointment to ensure your safety

• review your chart and medical history

• review your current medical status with you - there are many medical conditions and medications that may influence dental hygiene treatment

• examine your head and neck for abnormalities

• examine your tongue, gums, teeth and all other areas of your mouth

• measure the attachment of the gums to your teeth (probing)

• record all findings on your chart

• take intra-oral photos as needed

• scale your teeth using hand or mechanical instruments removing hard and soft deposits (plaque & tarter)

• polish your teeth, if needed, to remove stains

If needed:

• apply fluoride to strengthen teeth

• apply agents to desensitize teeth

• apply pit and fissure sealants to seal grooves for decay prevention