Duties and Responsibilities: Common activities of Dental Hygienists include evaluating dental conditions of patients, documenting dental history as well as reading and understanding patient medical history. They may take vitals; perform routine treatments such as cleaning, scraping plaque, polishing teeth, administering fluoride or sealant. They are advocates of dental health and help to teach patients proper brushing and flossing methods, and can develop improved dental plans for better prognoses.

Dental hygienists are also commonly found working with a dentist aiding in minor surgeries or other procedures by cleaning tools, handing tools to the dentist, and keeping the mouth and other areas clean of debris and other fluids.

Dental hygienists are paid relatively well as their intense education makes them qualified for more responsibilities. Dentists can usually make more money for their practice with dental hygienists as they are often capable of increasing patient load.

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