Who is the Dental Hygienist?

Dental Hygiene is a challenging and rewarding health care career.  Dental hygienists are licensed oral health professionals who focus on preventing and treating oral disease both to protect teeth and gums, and also to protect patients' total health.  They are graduates of accredited dental hygiene education programs in colleges and universities. 

What do Dental Hygienists do?

Each state has its own specific regulations and the range of services performed by dental hygienists varies from one state to another.  As part of dental hygiene services, dental hygienists may:

• Perform oral health care assessments that include reviewing patients' health history dental   charting, oral cancer screening, and taking and recording blood pressure
  

• Expose, process, and interpret dental radiographs
  

• Remove plaque and calculus (tartar)-soft and hard deposits-from above and below the gumline
  

• Apply cavity-preventive agents such as fluorides and sealants to the teeth
  

• Teach patients proper oral hygiene techniques to maintain healthy teeth and gums
  

• Counsel patients about plaque control and developing individualized at-home oral hygiene programs and counsel patients on the importance of good nutrition for maintaining optimal oral health

Where do Dental Hygienists work?

Dental hygienists can work as clinicians, educators, researchers, administrators, managers, preventive program developers, consumer advocates, sales and marketing managers, editors, and consultants.  Clinical dental hygienists may work in a variety of health care setting such as private dental offices, schools, public health clinics, hospitals, managed care organizations, correctional institutions, and nursing homes.

How do I become a Dental Hygienist?

Application to Colorado Northwestern Community College and the Pre-Dental Hygiene track is the initial step for entrance into the CNCC Dental Hygiene Program.