Abstract:
This article reviews the expanding role of dental hygienists. Dental hygienists practice primarily as clinicians and health educators, in collaboration with other health professionals. Their work involves the use of preventive and therapeutic methods to promote health and prevent and control oral diseases. In many developing countries caries prevalence has increased and the prevalence of moderate periodontal treatment needs is much higher than in industrialized countries. The need for dental treatment may be overwhelming for the low ratio of dentists to population in many of these countries therefore, there is a clear indication for the need of training dental hygienists and expanding their role. They should not be seen as just for scaling and polishing of teeth but as capable of providing a wide range of treatment. This article gives examples of the expanded role of dental hygienists in developed countries where they have been quite popular, successful and cost effective. Developing countries should also address the dental needs of their population by training and increasing the supply of dental hygienists that can offer a wide range of preventive and therapeutic methods to promote health and prevent and control oral diseases.
Page(s):
99-103
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Journal of Pakistan Dental Association, Volume: 13, Issue: 2, Year: 2004