Hygienist
Hygienist
A Hygienist (/haɪˈdʒiːnɪst/) is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in preventive oral health, typically focusing on techniques in oral hygiene.
Etymology
The term "Hygienist" is derived from the Greek word "Hygieia" which was the goddess of health, cleanliness, and sanitation. The term was later adopted in the English language to refer to a professional who practices hygiene.
Role and Responsibilities
Hygienists are primarily responsible for providing professional dental cleaning. They also educate patients on proper oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health. This includes teeth cleaning, checking for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis, and providing other preventive dental care. They also educate patients on ways to improve and maintain good oral health.
Related Terms
- Dentist: A healthcare professional who diagnoses and treats issues related to the teeth and mouth.
- Oral hygiene: The practice of keeping the mouth and teeth clean to prevent dental problems.
- Gingivitis: A common form of gum disease causing irritation, redness, and swelling.
- Dental plaque: A sticky, colorless deposit of bacteria that constantly forms on the tooth surface.
Education and Training
To become a hygienist, one must complete a dental hygiene program at a recognized institution and pass a licensure examination. The program typically includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hygienist
- Wikipedia's article - Hygienist
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