When we think about the health of our smile, we think of course the roles of the dentist, and less often those of the hygienist. Nevertheless, your dental hygienist plays an important role in helping you maintain good oral health. At Dents Mon Quartier, we have among our team of professionals qualified dental hygienists who work for one purpose: to help you maintain a healthy smile throughout your life. To enlighten you on the training required to become a dental hygienist, as well as on his duties within the dental team, we have prepared the following article!
Become a dental hygienist
People who wish to become dental hygienists must complete a dental hygiene technique, a college education. In Quebec, there are nine institutions that offer future professionals this three-year course, which covers a broad theoretical component, but also a practical part. Internships are designed to enable future hygienists to understand and integrate the functioning and dynamics of dental clinics. This comprehensive training allows these future dental health professionals to learn how to use scientific methods for the control, screening and prevention of oral pathologies. It also allows them to assimilate all the principles necessary to be able to teach the principles of oral hygiene to their future patients.
A framed profession
To ensure that the public receives care from certified professionals, the profession of dental hygienist is supervised and regulated by the OHDQ. Thus, anyone who has completed college training must obtain a license to practice with the order. The latter ensures the maintenance and development of the skills of each of its members, including regular professional inspections. At Dents Mon Quartier, all our hygienists are members in good standing of their professional order.
The roles of the dental hygienist
In the dental team, the dental hygienist plays a leading role in the prevention of oral diseases. During routine visits, the hygienist takes the x-rays, cleans and descales, and shares the dentist's observations. We can say that the hygienist fulfills several roles with his patients, including:
- Teaching them good oral hygiene techniques, including brushing teeth and flossing;
- Screening for oral diseases and their symptoms;
- Establishing programs for the prevention of oral diseases for people of all ages;
- Helping the dentist during routine visits (X-rays, scaling and polishing of the teeth) and in performing certain treatments (tooth whitening).
It is important to note that hygienists can never perform a diagnosis, as this role is always reserved for dentists. However, by their preventive as well as therapeutic action, these professionals play a leading role for your oral health! When visiting Dents Mon Quartier, do not hesitate to consult your hygienist for advice that will help you take better care of the health of your smile. Our professionals play a central role within our team and they will be happy to share their expertise!
Approved by Dre Charouk
Dr. Joumana Charouk, D.M.D, is proud to offer her patients exceptional care that combines experience, efficiency and good humor.
Dre Joumana Charouk, D.M.D