Dr. Todd Pizzi Explains the Role of a Dental Hygienist

As a dentist with a busy practice, I work closely with my staff to ensure the very best in patient care. At a visit to my office, you are sure to see one or more members of my team during the course of your examination or treatment, and one of these individuals is likely to be a dental hygienist.

What, exactly, is the role of a dental hygienist?

Dental hygienists are healthcare professionals in the dental field. They are an integral part of any dental practice and work alongside a dentist and other staff members to provide patient care. In order to practice in their field, they must undergo training that includes classroom instruction, testing, and hands-on, supervised clinical experience. After successfully completing the training at an accredited institution, hygienists receive their licenses to practice dental hygiene and are qualified to join the staff at a dental office. Hygienists must be licensed by the state in which they wish to practice. 

Typically, hygienists are responsible for a range of clinical and administrative duties. Here are just a few:

Patient Education

Hygienists work closely with patients to promote good dental health with a focus on preventive care. Their knowledge base enables them to identify areas of concern and provide instruction about good dental hygiene and overall oral health. Hygienists may counsel patients in brushing, flossing, and oral care, as well as disease prevention and proper nutrition.

Assessments

Making a preliminary assessment of a patient’s dental health is part of a dental hygienist’s job. They are trained to look for signs of disease or other abnormalities for which a patient might need treatment. The hygienists share any areas of concern with the dentist so that further assessments can be performed and a treatment plan can be developed.

Procedures

Hygienists are also qualified to clean teeth, including the removal of stains, plaque, and other deposits from tooth surfaces. They may take X-rays and apply preventive treatments such as fluorides or sealants. In some states, hygienists are also licensed to administer local anesthetics and apply fillings. It is not uncommon for a hygienist to assist a dentist during procedures and to help prepare necessary tools and equipment.

When visiting my office, you will often meet with a hygienist before I see you for my assessment. Communication within our team is key, and I work with the hygienists at my office to provide the care that you receive during each office visit. Through collaborative efforts, our team is able to address all of your oral care needs.

Contact: Jillian Gregoriou

Email: Jillian@exposeyourselfpr.com

Tel: 617-797-9869

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Private Dental Plans Could Cost More than NHS- Pay as You Go

Consumer watchdog reports have stated that private dental insurance policies costs high and consumer get shocked when it comes to settling a bill. Researchers have included 20 policies to see the payments made by them in two dental scenarios over a year. Reports have said that worst dental insurance policies make policy holder to pay up to 77 percent of treatment cost and any average dental policy leave the patients by making payments up to 50 percent of treatment cost.

Reports have further revealed that if a person take care of his/her teeth and owner of good oral health then only one or two routine physician visits are required in a year with NHS. It has been noted that annual premium cost is even more that pay as you go services. More people are now accessing NHS dental treatment. Reports show that 92 percent patients in England have access on NHS dental treatment between July and September 2011.

Majority of NHS dental insurance plans do no limit treatment cost. Only Boot Core plan caps treatment cost at £500 in a year. NHS and private dental health insurance plan(http://www.privatehealthinsurance247.co.uk/) have set maximum benefit limits for treatments and maintenance. They offer maximum of 50 percent of total treatment cost. If a person needs expensive dental treatment over a year then he may need to pay 84% of private treatment bill.

Recent surveys have revealed that 35 percent of people having dental insurance coverage are using dental payment plan (DPP). One out of three wants to avoid unexpected fees. DPPs are private medical insurance plans and further divided into two parts maintenance and capitation plans. Unlike dental insurance plans, insured person need to claim back for payments for treatment cost. There are several dental insurance plans but one should be careful on selection of the plans to get maximum benefit.

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