YES, just like professional athletes have coaches & trainers, we must have a "coach" to let us know where our problem areas are in our mouth, i.e., if we are missing an area between our teeth when brushing or irrigating.

A dental hygienist is a licensed health care professional, oral health educator, and clinician who, as a cotherapist with the dentist, provides preventive, educational, and therapeutic services supporting total health for the control of oral diseases and the promotion of oral health. A registered dental hygienist has graduated from a minimum two-year college program that includes classroom studies and extensive supervised clinical experience.

Most dental hygiene programs offer either an associate degree or a baccalaureate degree. The American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation assures the minimal standards by accrediting quality programs, so the main thing is to be certain that the school you are interested in is accredited. Both associate and baccalaureate programs offer a strong clinical curriculum.

For adults, the answer is usually 2, 3, or 4 times per year. This depends on your individual situation related to oral health and level of home care and overall health NO! whitening does not damage teeth. It cleans the pores in the tooth surface. It can, however, create sensitivity for up to 24 hours. Call us for information about Cosmetic and Reconstructive Dentistry at our Washington DC office, (202) 833-8240.

Call practices listed in the phone book and ask if they employ a hygienist. Ask your health care providers for a referral, or contact a dental hygiene school near you. Also, ADHA's links page (http://www.adha.org/relatedlinks) provides contacts for state dental hygiene associations that may be able to help.

Yes a licensed dental hygienist can perform bleaching of teeth under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. This duty includes standard and light-cured power gel but not laser bleaching.

YES!!! If your horse is missing any teeth, then dental exams actually need to be MORE frequent. This is because the tooth that is opposite the missing tooth will grow extra long because it is not being worn down anymore. As the tooth length extends past the length of the other teeth, it makes the horse's normal circular chewing motion impossible, leading to pain, poor nutrition, and a "snowball effect" of other dental problems.

If you move or change your name, it is important for you to contact the Bureau of Health, Professions, licensing division:

Dental disease is as common in dogs and cats as it is in humans. The most common form of dental disease in humans is caries (cavities). However, this is not the case in dogs and cats. The most common form of canine and feline dental disease is tartar buildup. This causes irritation of the gums around the base of the teeth (gingivitis), resulting in exposure of the roots. Ultimately, this leads to infection and tooth loss and a lot of unnecessary pain for your pet.

Professional cleanings are the only way to remove hardened deposits of tartar (calculus) from the teeth. If these deposits are not removed, gum disease and periodontal disease usually result. Professional cleanings smooth and polish teeth and fillings so they are less likely to accumulate plaque, the sticky film of germs and food that forms daily. Finally, a cleaning removes stains and mild discolorations so the teeth look better.

Commercial dog foods contain carbohydrates and other ingredients that support oral bacteria, leading to the formation of plaque and tartar (calculus). If this material is not cleaned off of your dog's teeth, it can lead to bad breath, gingivitis, infection of the bone surrounding the tooth, tooth loss, and systemic infection. Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) can make it painful for your dog to eat, causing it to lose weight and drop food from its mouth.

The traditional registered dental hygienist position will remain an integral part of the oral health profession. With the implementation of the ADHP position, the RDH will have the opportunity to continue their education and move into an expanded role in their field.

On July 3, 2003 House Bill No. 4356 was signed by the Governor of Michigan. This bill allows a dental hygienist, upon assignment of a dentist, to take an impression for orthodontic appliances, mouth guards, bite splints and bleaching trays.

This will vary with each individual case. Daily cleaning will help keep calculus formation to a minimum, but it won't completely prevent it. A professional cleaning is necessary to remove calculus and plaque from places your home care tools cannot reach. The intervals between visits may range from every few weeks to four times per year. Your periodontist will design a schedule that best fits your periodontal needs.