Dental hygienists play a very important role in treating, managing and maintaining overall oral health. Dental hygienists undertake a minimum three year university course to obtain a Bachelor of Oral Health and are specifically trained to work with dentists in providing dental and oral health care.
Not all practices have a Dental Hygienist. At our practice, due to the huge value seen by our patients, we find that our hygienist preventative care is extremely popular.
When assessing your oral health our dental hygienists will take into consideration your oral health and general health, and will work closely with our dentists to provide a customised oral health plan just for you.
Dental hygienists help prevent oral and dental disease. They have both clinical and health promotional responsibilities. Clinically, dental hygienists help to treat and manage periodontal (gum) disease by scaling and polishing teeth, applying prophylactic and anti-microbial materials; hygienists can take dental radiographs (x-rays) and routinely perform monitoring and screening procedures for oral health conditions including caries (decay), oral cancer and other oral infections/diseases. Dental hygienists also apply topical fluorides and fissure sealants in order to reduce dental caries (tooth decay). Dental hygienists are also trained to recognise and deal with a host of other dental needs. The health promotion role of a dental hygienist works in conjunction with their clinical role and includes educating, motivating and encouraging individuals and groups in preventive oral health care.
Services of a dental hygienist may include:
A clean and healthy mouth is essential for your general wellbeing. Regular professional cleaning combined with professional coaching to improve your homecare will ensure huge dental and general health benefits. Periodontal disease is associated with heart disease, diabetes and increased risk of stroke. Research has shown that regular professional oral health care, combined with good home care helps to reduce progression of periodontal disease and the development of new decay as well as many other oral diseases/concerns.
Our dentists recognise that hygienists are specially trained in preventive oral health and treatment and management. Our hygienists are experts in coaching and motivating you to correctly look after your teeth and gums….a great benefit for not only your oral health, but your general health!
Scaling and polishing is usually pain free. Patients who have not seen a hygienist before, have large deposits of calculus or have sensitive teeth may experience some discomfort. We can provide various methods of pain relief to help alleviate discomfort including pre-treatment desensitising pastes, topical anaesthetic gels, local anaesthetic and Nitrous Oxide (happy gas).
Under current dental legislation, dental hygienists work within a structured collaborative relationship with a dentist. Your initial appointment will be with one of our hygienists and one of our dentists. Your examination with the dentist is arranged within your hygiene appointment avoiding the need for you to return for multiple visits.
You can make an appointment to see the hygienist directly. Under the current legislation you will still need to see a dentist annually and this is arranged within your hygiene appointment avoiding the need for you to return for multiple visits. At any time, if our hygienists (or you) have any concerns regarding your dental health, our dentists are available for consultation if necessary.
In light of the recent controversy at a number of Dental practices in Sydney, GB Dental would like to reassure our patients that we strictly follow the Australian Dental Association guidelines on sterilization and infection control.
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Antony's Motivation: To do a little bit to help...
au.movember.com/mospace/9971541
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Did you know our Dental Hygienists work with a Dental Assistant?
Assisted hygiene allows for greater patient comfort during a hygiene visit.
Click here for more information about our Hygiene Department
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HCF More For Teeth
Great news for our HCF members!
Through the More For Teeth program, HCF members are entitled to two (2) examinations, cleans, fluoride treatments, diagnostic x-rays, and mouthguards per year at no cost*
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Our team had a fabulous day at the Mingara Over 55's Wellness Expo on Saturday.
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Come and see us at the Over 55's Wellness Expo
Saturday 17th May 2014
Mingara Recreation Club
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READ MOREWe are delighted to present our new website. With the new content managed website, we aim to keep you and your family informed about our services, and also provide regular tips on how to keep your teeth healthy and looking beautiful.
