I have worked with many hygienists in my career and it’s easy to spot the difference between a good hygienist and a bad one and selecting the right dental hygienist is never an easy task. I have always wanted the very best for my patients,so I’ve always simply refused to refer patients to incompetent hygienists when I’ve had to work with them as I strongly believed that my patients were better off being treated by myself instead.
I have been working with Natasha for a long time now and I can see the fantastic results my patients are achieving and all the credit goes to her. It’s incredible to see how a good hygienist can make an impactful difference to the success/survival rates of teeth, crowns, veneers, implants etc. We are truly blessed to have her here so do ensure you take advantage of her, as I’ve seen remarkable improvements. This blog post will show you why we are better!
A good hygienist:
- Removes plaque and calculus in a gentle way.
As our hygienist really cares for our patients she will aim to remove plaque in the most gentle and kindest way possible. At the end of the day if you are not comfortable, we’re doing something wrong and it’s our aim to provide you with the most comfortable journey possible.
- Uses the latest techniques and equipment.
We have the latest equipment at our clinic which includes a cutting edge, modern ultrasonic scaler. This device will blast acoustic sound waves at the calculus to help break it up and detach from the tooth. New generation machines have sensors which make cleaning procedures totally pain free. Another great tool we use routinely is our airflow machine which gently sprays air, water and powder at your teeth and gums to wash away plaque. It is very effective and super gentle. Watch the full video here:
https://www.sensationalsmiles.co.uk/hygiene/ (SS)
https://www.thedentureclinic.co.uk/hygiene/index.html (TDIC)
- Understands disease processes
Our hygienist, Natasha, understands disease processes to a great level which means that she is able to diagnose and tailor treatment plans accordingly.
- Formulate a comprehensive treatment plan according to your needs
Once we have accurately diagnosed what type of gum disease you have, we will formulate an individual treatment plan to suit your needs and treatment goals. I have seen many hygienists just ‘scale and polish’ teeth when in fact they need a comprehensive plan. By simply going to the hygienist every 6 months when there is no long term goal and no thought gone into treatment can be a massive waste of time. If you have severe gum disease it needs to be treated in specific ways, otherwise you are at risk of losing your teeth.
- Work closely with the dentist to monitor how treatment is progressing
It is worth discussing cases as a team and to come up with treatment plans that take into account previous responses to treatment and overall treatment aims. It’s best if the dentist takes the lead in guiding the hygienist through these procedures and discussions.
A Bad Hygienist
- Causes pain when teeth are cleaned
- Uses old, outdated techniques and equipment
- Has a very superficial understanding of how gum disease works and what treatment is suitable for its treatment
- Will routinely ‘scale and polish’ teeth when more advanced treatment is needed.
- Will work to their own prescription only and will not discuss cases with dentists
