How Well Do You
Know Your Oral
Health Care Team?
As essential primary health care
providers, dental hygienists
are key members of the team
of professionals who help you
take care of your oral health.
Working closely with dentists,
denturists, and dental assistants, dental hygienists examine
your mouth, head, and neck at every appointment and provide
clinical therapy, such as removing calculus, plaque, and stains,
and applying fluoride and sealants to help prevent and stabilize
cavities. They also offer oral hygiene instruction and education,
tobacco cessation and nutritional counselling, sports mouthguard
fittings, and oral cancer screenings. In some provinces, they can
prescribe medications.
While most dental hygienists work in traditional dental offices, a
growing number are establishing clinics of their own or launching
mobile dental hygiene practices allowing them to travel to their
clients. Others work in public health units, hospitals, and longterm
care facilities.
Regardless of where your dental hygiene visit takes place,
remember to talk to your dental hygienist about how to improve
your oral and overall health.
Find more information at www.dentalhygienecanada.ca/youroralhealthteam