What Does a Dental Hygienist Do Miami, FL
One of the people you will likely spend the most time with at the dentist's office is the dental hygienist. Dental hygienists work in tandem with the dentist to meet a patient's oral health needs. Their duties vary but often include patient screening and education, taking X-rays, removing plaque from teeth, and doing a thorough cleaning and polishing. They will also conduct a complete examination of your teeth and alert the dentist to any areas of concern.
Dental hygienists act as a bridge between the dentist and the patient at Design A Smile Miami in Miami and the surrounding area. Call us at (305) 909-2430 to schedule an appointment or to learn more.
Dental Hygienist Training and Qualifications
To become a dental hygienist, a person will need to attend an accredited dental hygiene program. These programs are typically about three years long until the graduates receive an Associate's degree. Bachelor's and master's degree programs are also available to dental hygienists. Students take classes ranging from medical ethics to pathology as well as spend time in the patient care setting.
Every state requires dental hygienists to have a license. This often requires a degree from an accredited dental hygiene program and passing grades on written and clinical exams. To maintain that license, dental hygienists must take continuing education classes.
“To become a dental hygienist, a person will need to attend an accredited dental hygiene program.”
Patient Screening and Technology
Dental hygienists are typically responsible for patient screenings. Before the dentist comes in to do their exam, the hygienist will look for signs of tooth decay and gum disease. Those findings will then be reported to the dentists before they begin. Additional screening procedures may include:
- Oral cancer screening
- Patient health history
- Heath and neck inspection
- Blood pressure and pulse
Dental hygienists also need to use several tools to complete a patient visit. They may use basic tools such as a mirror as well as power and ultrasonic tools for cleaning and polishing teeth. X-ray machines check for issues with the teeth and jaws. Some of the more advanced tools can include lasers, an intraoral camera, and an ultrasonic scaler that uses vibration to gently remove plaque from the teeth.
“Before the dentist comes in to do their exam, the hygienist will look for signs of tooth decay and gum disease.”
Patient Counseling
Patient counseling is often an important component of a dental hygienist's job. Patients who have avoided the dentist chair for a while might be nervous during their appointment and come in with missing teeth, cavities, or serious gum disease. Many patients do not know proper oral care and maintenance beyond brushing and flossing.
Dental hygienists can help make the patient feel more comfortable during their appointment and provide education on how to better care for their teeth between visits. Patient counseling can also include help after treatment, such as providing any post-procedure instructions or restrictions.
“Patient counseling is often an important component of a dental hygienist’s job.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: What Does a Dental Hygienist Do in Miami, FL
Documentation Work
One part of a dental hygienist's job that is equally important to screening, counseling, and cleaning is the documentation of patient care and treatment. They are instrumental in creating and maintaining a patient's dental record and will document everything that is discussed and performed during their visit. A dental record includes personal information, along with medical and dental histories.
Dental records help the office deliver quality patient care and follow-up. They are also considered legally binding medical documents. Today, most dental records are kept electronically and can be sent to future health practitioners or specialists.
“One part of a dental hygienist’s job that is equally important to screening, counseling, and cleaning is the documentation of patient care and treatment.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What training does a dental hygienist have?
Q. What sort of counseling does a dental hygienist provide?
Q. Does a dental hygienist do patient documentation?
People Also Ask
Q. How often should someone have a dental checkup?
Q. Why is routine dental care important?
Q. What should a home oral care routine include?
Q. How do lifestyle choices affect dental health?
Q. Why are dental cleanings important?
Frequently Asked Questions About a Dental Hygienist
Q. What is the difference between a dental hygienist and a dentist?
A. Dental hygienists and dentists have very different roles within a dental practice. A dental hygienist will conduct oral screenings, update your patient information, take x-rays, do a thorough cleaning, and look for potential problems. The dentist will come in following the cleaning to do an exam and will also handle more complicated procedures.
Q. What sort of training do dental hygienists have?
A. Dental hygienists have graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program and have taken and passed state exams to receive their license. During their studies, dental hygienists take classes in head and neck anatomy, pathology, nutrition, and medical ethics. Most programs take about three years to complete.
Q. What do dental hygienists do?
A. Dental hygienists have several different roles in an office. They can assist the dentist during procedures, update the patient's chart, show patients how to care for their teeth, perform oral health screenings, and remove plaque from the teeth. They can also apply fluoride and sealants to teeth as well as take impressions.
Q. What is the difference between a dental assistant and a dental hygienist?
A. It can be easy to confuse dental assistants and dental hygienists as they perform many of the same duties. Dental assistants can take x-rays, prepare instruments and equipment, take impressions of the teeth, and assist the dentist during procedures. However, unlike dental hygienists, they do not collect patient health history, remove plaque from the teeth, apply sealants or fluoride, or do any patient documentation.
Q. Does a dental hygienist receive certification or licensure?
A. Dental hygienists must complete at least an Associate's degree in dental hygiene. They must then pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) in order to achieve licensure. This exam is the only one required by all 50 states.
Scan here to view this page, What Does a Dental Hygienist Do, on mobile
Dental Terminology
Call Us To Schedule Your Next Appointment With a Dental Hygienist
If you want to improve your dental health, call us at 305-909-2430 for an appointment with a dental hygienist. Get started on a treatment plan that focuses on strong teeth and preventative strategies. Our team in Miami is ready to help you achieve optimal oral health.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business, license, and website security
- Design A Smile Miami was established in 2000.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Miami-Dade County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Miami, Coral Gables, Pinecrest, Hialeah, Doral, and Sweetwater
- FL (License #14151). View License Information and Specifics
- National Provider Identifier Database (1720095037). View NPI Registry Information
- Healthgrades. View Background Information and Reviews
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Design A Smile Miami on mobile
Back to top of What Does a Dental Hygienist Do
Related Posts
Ask An Emergency Dentist: What You Need To Know
An emergency dentist can be a reassuring source of professional care in moments of sudden dental pain, injury, or complications. Addressing unexpected problems promptly helps prevent further damage and protect oral health. Having a clear plan and following expert recommendations will make managing stressful dental emergencies easier, maintain healthy teeth and gums, and reduce the…
Welcome To Design A Smile Miami
We are committed to providing quality service to residents located In the Miami, FL area. Our website has additional information about the following topics: Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Kid-Friendly Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Teeth Whitening, Dental Crowns, Dental Bridges and Dental Veneers.
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Design A Smile Miami on mobile
