Oral Health Therapists

Oral health therapists (also known as Dental hygienists) are licensed oral health professionals who have studied for a minimum of two years at college or university to gain their qualifications.

Their role is to specialise in teeth cleaning including scaling, polishing and root planning of teeth (a deeper form of gum cleaning).

Dental hygienists play an important role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums and focus on preventing and treating oral diseases both to protect teeth and gums, and to protect your general health as well.

As part of our dental hygiene services, our hygienists will provide some or all of the following:

• an oral health care assessment, including a review of your health history, dental charting, oral cancer screening, and evaluation of gum disease / health;
• they may take dental radiographs (x-rays);
• removal of plaque and calculus from your teeth, including below the gum line;
• application of cavity-preventive agents such as fluorides and sealants to the teeth;
• administration of local anesthetic and / or nitrous oxide analgesia;
• education on proper oral hygiene techniques to maintain healthy teeth and gums, including developing an individualized at-home oral hygiene program where appropriate.