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Dentistry vocabulary · Instruments and the Dental Clinic

Dental hygienist

Meaning in dentistry, with examples

nounCore term

In dentistry, dental hygienist means: A registered dental professional who cleans teeth, removes tartar and gives prevention advice and, in many countries, also takes X-rays and treats gum disease.

In Turkish: dental hijyenist, ağız hijyenisti

How it is used

A key member of the dental team in the UK, the US and many other countries. Patients 'see the hygienist' for scaling. Turkey has no exact equivalent profession, so this work is mostly done by dentists.

Example sentences

  1. Your next appointment is with the dental hygienist for a scale and polish.

  2. The dental hygienist noticed bleeding and deep pockets around the molars.

Common collocations

  • see the hygienist
  • hygienist appointment
  • refer to the hygienist
  • dental hygienist
  • scalingProfessional removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth, above and below the gum line, using ultrasonic and hand instruments.
  • dental assistantA trained team member who works beside the dentist at the chair, passing instruments, handling the suction, mixing materials, sterilizing instruments and looking after patients.
  • periodontal pocketAn abnormally deep space between the gum and the tooth root, caused by periodontitis. The healthy gap is about 1 to 3 mm deep; pockets are deeper.
  • tartarHard, yellow or brown deposits that form when plaque hardens on the teeth. A toothbrush cannot remove it, so it needs professional cleaning.

More terms: Instruments and the Dental Clinic

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.