Take and develop X-rays of a patient's mouth to help diagnose problems.
Show people how to brush their teeth properly.
Assist the dentist in performing oral surgery.
Teach children what cavities are and why they are bad.
Overview
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Good oral hygiene protects not only teeth and gums, but the whole body, reducing the risk of infections, heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke. Dental hygienists help prevent and correct dental problems by taking X-rays, examining teeth and gums, removing plaque, polishing teeth, injecting local anesthetics, and assisting with dental procedures. They also play a key role in educating patients about how and when to brush and floss.
In this video, you will meet public health dental hygienists Cathy Marshall and Paula Morrison. They visit schools to provide dental services to students who might otherwise never have any dental care. Learn about a dental hygienist that doesn't work in a dental office.
Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Dental Hygienist?
Speaking:?Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening:?Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking:?Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Service Orientation:?Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness:?Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
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