Hygienists and their role in dental practice

Area of Science:

• Dental Public Health
• Periodontology

Background:

• The introduction of dental hygienists to New Zealand.
• The increasing need for periodontal treatment services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To illustrate the need for dental hygienist services in New Zealand.
• To explore the collaborative practice models between dentists and hygienists.
• To highlight the economic and patient care benefits of dental hygienists.

Main Methods:

• Review of the history and introduction of dental hygienists in New Zealand.
• Analysis of the most recent New Zealand epidemiological survey data on periodontal treatment needs.
• Case examples of dentist-hygienist collaboration in practice.

Main Results:

• Significant periodontal treatment needs exist in New Zealand.
• Dental hygienists offer economic value and enhance dental practice marketing.
• Integration of hygienists expands dental service offerings and mitigates litigation risks.

Conclusions:

• Dental hygienists are highly valuable additions to the dental team in New Zealand.
• Hygienists improve patient outcomes and practice efficiency.
• The role of dental hygienists is essential for addressing public periodontal health.