Dental hygienists are specialists at scraping away the hard plaque and removing calculus deposits. They also take X-rays and look for changes to the patient’s bite.
When the hygienist is done cleaning, the dentist will conduct further examination of the gums and mouth for signs of tooth decay or gum disease. The American Dental Association suggests patients schedule a visit to the dentist and dental hygienist twice a year to guarantee good oral hygiene.