A licensed primary oral health care professional. The dental hygienist is educated to provide dental services that include education, prevention, and therapeutic services. The most common services provided are patient education, oral prophylaxis, dental radiographs, and fluoride applications. The goals of the dental hygienist include the control of oral diseases and the promotion of health. The practice of dental hygiene is regulated by laws called dental practice acts. The laws vary with each licensing jurisdiction.

Main entry:
hygienist