A good relationship with your dental team is so important.
It can help you understand more about how to take better care of your mouth and will allow you to be more comfortable when speaking to them putting you at ease.
While most people still might think of the dentist leading your treatment, there are many different types of dental professionals that make up the dental team.
Some of the different people you might find when you step into our dental practice include:
Dental nurse
- Looks after patient records and makes notes when the dentist is examining you.
- Provides support with treatment.
- Assists the dentist chair-side.
- Supports other members of the team.
- Decontaminates the instruments and maintains equipment.
- Makes sure all relevant materials and supplies are ready.
- Can also work in hospital settings providing oral care.
- Offers reassurance, answers any questions and puts you at ease over any fears you may have.
Dental therapist
- Provides treatment in a range of places in the community, such as schools and care homes.
- Gives oral health education.
- Clinical examinations, scaling and polishing teeth.
- Stop smoking advice and further care and treatment plans.
- Takes impressions and carry out restoration work.
- Mouth cancer screenings.
- Treats those with dental anxiety, existing medical conditions, physical or learning disabilities, or high levels of untreated decay.
Dental hygienist
Dental hygienists mostly focus on helping you prevent dental problems. and treating gum disease. They show you how to take care of your mouth at home and help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Some of the procedures which your dental hygienist can do include:
- Scaling and polishing teeth.
- Taking dental x-rays.
- Applying topical fluoride and sealants.
Most dental hygienists work in dental practices, but some may also appear in hospitals and community dental services.
