Routine, expert dental care is crucial for your oral and physical health. Regular, preventative care allows your dentist to identify potential issues during your appointments and address them before they become severe. Oral health problems left untreated can cause or exacerbate several health issues, including the following:
Many people wait until they notice an oral health issue before scheduling an appointment with their dentist. However, excellent preventative care involves more than seeing your dentist when you have symptoms of an oral healthcare problem. Your dental hygienist plays a crucial role during teeth cleanings and examinations, ensuring the earliest signs of oral health issues are identified and addressed.
Dental hygienists are oral healthcare professionals working in dental offices. While dental assistants assist the dentist during checkups and treatments, dental hygienists provide some routine dental care without the supervision of a dentist.
Dental hygienists perform teeth cleanings, oral examinations, and other dental care, such as providing fluoride treatments. Hygienists also apply sealants that strengthen teeth and help prevent cavities. Dental hygienists also teach people how to care for their teeth and prevent oral health issues.
Dental hygienists must earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited program to work in their field. They must also be licensed by the state where they work.
The academic requirements are one of the key distinctions between dental hygienists and assistants, who must have a certificate or diploma to enter the workforce.
Dentists are highly trained medical professionals with a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). While dental hygienists typically complete three to four years of post-secondary studies, dentists complete eight years of post-secondary studies, and their program may take longer if they decide to pursue a specialization.
Dentists have the training needed to diagnose and treat patients with the following:
Both dental hygienists and dentists can perform procedures, such as applying sealants to teeth, applying teeth whitening solutions, administering fluoride treatments, and taking X-rays.
Although dental hygienists perform fewer oral treatments than dentists, they play a vital role in providing general dentistry services to patients. Since dental hygienists perform teeth cleanings, they have an opportunity to thoroughly examine your oral cavity and note any potential issues. If your dental hygienist has concerns, they will alert the dentist, who will examine you and confirm the hygienist’s findings.
It may be time to book a teeth cleaning and examination with your dental hygienist if you’re experiencing any of the following:
You should book at least two teeth cleanings with your dental hygienist annually. You may need your teeth cleaned more frequently if you have oral health issues or poor oral hygiene habits.
You can rely on your hygienist to complete a thorough examination when you book an appointment at one of our Houston dental offices. The hygienist will ensure no oral health issues require treatment or consult one of our Houston dentists about symptoms of oral health issues, such as bleeding gums or sensitive teeth.
The dental cleaning costs vary by state. The average cost of a dental cleaning in Texas is $227.00.
You may be able to see a dental hygienist without an appointment; however, it’s best to schedule an appointment to ensure one of our highly trained hygienists is available to provide a teeth cleaning and examination.
URBN Dental is open Monday through Saturday, with appointments available between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays. URBN Dental is closed on Sundays.
Dental cleanings are included in most dental insurance plans, ensuring you can receive expert preventative care without incurring extra costs. You can contact your insurance provider to ensure teeth cleanings are included in your coverage. Those without insurance can consider using CareCredit or Proceed Finance to cover the cost.
Dental Hygienists: How to Become One. (2024).
Dentists: How to Become One. (2024).
Kennedy, A. (2024). How Much Does a Dental Cleaning Cost? Price and Procedure Guide.
Schmerling, R. (2024). Gum disease and the connection to heart disease.
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