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Both dentists and dental hygienists in Nanaimo play crucial roles in keeping your smile healthy—here’s why you need to include both in your oral health plan.

 

Dental hygienists are often the first smiling face you’ll see when you enter our dental operatories in Nanaimo, BC. But when it comes to taking care of your smile, you might wonder about the roles of a dental hygienist and a dentist and why you see both during your appointment. Both are essential to your dental health, but they have different specialties. At Nanaimo Smiles, our dental hygienists and dentists work closely together to provide a comprehensive overview of your oral health, helping you to not only have the support you need to maintain your healthy smile today, but to also have a plan to care for it for many years to come. 

 

What is a dental hygienist?

Your Nanaimo dental hygienist is a specialized healthcare professional focused on preventive oral care. Their main task involves performing routine cleanings to remove plaque and tartar, applying fluoride treatments, and taking X-rays to help monitor dental health. They also help to educate you about proper oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing techniques, and helping you understand how lifestyle choices can affect your dental health.

 

What qualifications does a dental hygienist have?

Our dental hygienists complete an accredited dental hygiene program that provides extensive training in clinical skills, dental science, and patient care. After completing their education, dental hygienists must pass a national board examination and a clinical licensing exam specific to their region. Continuing education is also required to stay current with advancements in dental hygiene and maintain their licensure. At Nanaimo Smiles, we’re proud to make continuing education for our dentists and dental hygienists a part of our mandate so we’re always up on the latest techniques to provide you exceptional dental care. Learn more about our talented team and their qualifications here.

 

 

How is a dental hygienist different from a dentist?

Dental hygienists and dentists have distinct roles and scopes of practice that both aim to keep your smile healthy. Your Nanaimo dental hygienist mainly focuses on preventive care, including cleaning teeth, applying sealants and fluoride, and educating you about oral hygiene. They also perform diagnostic tasks such as taking X-rays and assessing the condition of the gums and teeth. In contrast, our dentists are trained to diagnose and treat a broader range of dental conditions, including complex restorative procedures like crowns, root canals, and extractions. Our dentists also develop comprehensive treatment plans and are responsible for making clinical decisions regarding patient care.

 

Why do I see a dental hygienist before I see a dentist? 

Seeing your Nanaimo dental hygienist before meeting with the dentist is a standard practice that enhances your overall dental care. Your hygienist begins by performing a professional cleaning to remove plaque, tartar, and stains, ensuring your teeth and gums are in optimal condition for examination. They also conduct an initial assessment to identify early signs of issues like gum disease or cavities and take X-rays to provide your dentist with important information. Additionally, your hygienist will chat with you about oral hygiene practices and offer tips for maintaining good dental health at home. By handling these routine tasks and preliminary evaluations, your hygienist allows your dentist to focus on diagnosis and treatment planning during your visit, making the overall process more efficient and effective.

 

Will I meet with both a dentist and a dental hygienist if it’s my first cleaning at the clinic?

Your first visit to Nanaimo Smiles will include a dental cleaning with our dental hygienists and an  examination with one of our five dentists.. This allows our dentists to assess your oral health, identify any issues that may require treatment, and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Once you’re an established patient, you may be able to see your Nanaimo dental hygienist on occasion without seeing your dentist each time. 

 

How often should I see a dental hygienist for a cleaning?

Most patients should see a dental hygienist for a cleaning approximately every six months. This schedule helps prevent the accumulation of plaque and tartar, which can lead to gum disease and cavities.  Patients who are pregnant, are prone to or have gum disease, smokers and diabetics should be evaluated to see if more frequent appointments are necessary.

 

What can I expect during a dental hygiene appointment?

During your dental hygiene appointment, you can expect a thorough cleaning procedure where your Nanaimo hygienist will use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. They may also perform a detailed examination of your gums and teeth, take X-rays if necessary, and apply fluoride or other preventive treatments. Additionally, your hygienist will review your oral hygiene practices and offer advice on improving your brushing and flossing techniques. The goal is to help you maintain optimal oral health and prevent future dental problems.

 

What kinds of tools do dental hygienists use?

Nanaimo dental hygienists use a variety of tools to clean and assess your teeth. These include scalers and curettes to manually remove plaque and tartar, ultrasonic instruments that use vibrations to break up and wash away deposits, and polishing tools to smooth the surfaces of the teeth. They also use digital X-ray machines to capture detailed images of your teeth and oral structures, and intraoral cameras to provide a close-up view of areas inside the mouth.

 

Can dental hygienists diagnose dental conditions?

While dental hygienists can identify and assess signs of dental issues, such as gum disease or cavities, they do not diagnose conditions independently. Instead, they provide valuable observations and preliminary assessments to your dentist, who is responsible for making definitive diagnoses and formulating treatment plans. Your hygienist helps to support diagnostic processes and ensures that any potential issues can be quickly and easily addressed by the dentist.

 

What are the benefits of seeing a dental hygienist regularly?

Regular visits to your dental hygienist in Nanaimo offer so many benefits, including the prevention of dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Routine cleanings help maintain healthy teeth and gums by removing plaque and tartar buildup before it can lead to more serious issues. Regularly visiting your dentist’s office can also allow for early detection of potential problems, which can be addressed before they become severe. Seeing your dental hygienist regularly contributes to better oral health, and reduces the need for more extensive dental treatments. 

 

How much does a dental cleaning cost?

The cost of a dental cleaning can vary based on individual needs, but we strive to make our services as affordable as possible. At Nanaimo Smiles, we follow prices set by the  BC Dental Association’s Fee Guide as closely as possible. If affordability of dental care is a concern of yours, please have peace of mind without having to compare shop with other Nanaimo dental clinics–the prices set by the BC Dental Association are the ones you can expect to pay at Nanaimo Smiles. During your initial visit, we’ll provide a clear estimate of the cost and discuss any applicable fees. Our goal is to ensure you get the best care while keeping you informed about costs every step of the way. For any specific questions or concerns, please contact our team. 

 

Do you accept insurance and do you handle direct billing?

At Nanaimo Smiles, we accept insurance and offer direct billing to make your experience as easy as possible. We work with a variety of insurance providers and can help you understand your benefits. Our friendly team will handle the paperwork and billing directly with your insurance company, so you can focus on what matters most—your smile! Nanaimo Smiles also accepts the Canadian Dental Care Plan, and our team would be happy to help you understand if you are eligible for this coverage. 

 

I haven’t seen a dentist in a few years. What will happen?

No worries at all! Our team in Nanaimo is here to make your visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible. During your first appointment, your dental hygienist will start with a comprehensive examination to assess your oral health and discuss any concerns you may have. Along with your Nanaimo dentist, we’ll then create a personalized plan to address any issues and help you get back on track. Your comfort and care are our top priorities, and we’re excited to help you achieve a healthy, radiant smile!

 

Dental Hygienists in Nanaimo, BC

At Nanaimo Smiles, our dental hygienists keep your smile healthy. They handle routine cleanings and preventive care, and while you’ll also see a dentist for comprehensive exams and treatments, it’s your dental hygienist who helps ensure your smile stays bright and healthy day-to-day. Their expertise in preventive care sets the foundation for both immediate and long-term dental well-being. Contact us today to book an appointment with a dental hygienist in Nanaimo, BC.