Hygiene

What is a dental hygienist?

Dental hygienists are specially trained members of the dental team who work together with your dentist to provide fully integrated dental care. They play an important role in dental health, preventing dental diseases by providing individual oral hygiene care and instructions to patients.

At Cairns City Dental a periodical charting and analysis (Item # 221) is performed at routine hygiene appointments. This involves checking your mouth for bleeding gums, plaque and calculus and measuring bone levels. This then enables the hygienist to assess and plan a specialised treatment in surgery and hygiene recommendations and products for home maintenance.

The dental hygienist cleans teeth by removing plaque, calculus (tartar) and staining (Item # 114). Both adults and children can benefit from having their teeth cleaned and polished with a dental hygienist as they are taught how dental disease occurs and how it can be prevented. To help dental decay the dental hygienist may also apply fluoride treatments (Item # 121). The hygienist is also able to provide preventive fissure sealants, take x-rays and assist with take home bleaching kits and general dental advice.

Why doesn’t the dentists do the work?

The dental hygienist has been specially trained in the cleaning and maintenance of the mouth, teeth and gums. The dentist will refer a patient to a dental hygienist for more specialised care, while they provide complex restorative care.

With individually taught home care techniques and regular maintenance, your dental hygienist can assist you to maintain your teeth for the rest of your life.

Introducing the Dental Hygiene Team at Cairns City Dental

Louise has been working as a dental hygienist in Cairns since 1990. She feels strongly about providing a practical and educational service for her patients, enabling them to become confident and proficient in maintaining their oral health. She enjoys being part of the large friendly practice team at Cairns City Dental.

Nicole is a local who has been in the dental industry for over 14 years. Starting her career as a dental assistant, Nicole went on to complete her hygiene studies in Adelaide in 2006. Nicole now enjoys working part time as a dental hygienist at Cairns City Dental helping her patients to achieve clean teeth and healthy gums.

Lisa is a qualified dental hygienist, graduating in Adelaide in 2006. Lisa started in the dental industry in 1989 in Sydney and relocated to Cairns in 2007. Lisa has settled here in Cairns with her husband and loves the lifestyle of the Far North. Having been with the team here at Cairns City Dental since 2007, she is looking forward to a fulfilling and rewarding future helping provide healthy smiles to the Cairns region.

Contact us now to book your appointment.