Dental hygienists clean teeth and teach clients how to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Dental hygienists discuss general health issues with patients and update dental charts. They inspect patients' teeth for deposits and decay, and look for any shrinkage or disease in the gums.

Hygienists take x-rays by positioning the camera at different angles around the head and mouth. They also develop the film. Dentists use x-rays to diagnose problems and plan treatments.

Hygienists use dental instruments to:

• Clean plaque and various stains from teeth
• Clean and scale teeth
• Scale roots
• Apply sealants
• Apply fluoride

Sometimes hygienists apply numbing agents to a patient's gums before the dentist administers an anesthesia. Some hygienists are licensed to administer local anesthesia.

Dental hygienists write detailed notes in each patient chart, including any concerns they may find. They counsel clients about dental health.

They may also teach dental health education for school children and other members of the community.