Your visit to the Hygienist

Your visit to the Hygienist – What to expect

There could be several reasons for you deciding to read this blog…

• Maybe you are a regular attender and are keeping on top of your Oral Health at home
• Perhaps you haven’t been to the Dentist for many years
• Or you have been referred to the Hygienist previously, but haven’t yet booked your appointment

In our latest blog, we explain exactly what you can expect from your visit to the Hygienist  and just how your Oral Health can benefit from regular Hygiene appointments.

What is a Hygienist?

According to the Collins Dictionary.

“A hygienist or a dental hygienist is a person who is trained to clean people’s teeth and to give them advice on how to look after their teeth and gums.
The hygienist is one of the most important people to see in dentistry.”

What to expect at your visit to the Hygienist

Whether you have been referred by your Dentist, or have made an appointment via Direct Access; your Hygienist will ensure you know what to expect, ahead of starting any treatment at your appointment.

Your Hygienist will:

• Check details of your Medical History and advise of any side-effects from your medications, which may impact your Oral Health
• Ask you a series of questions, relating to your current ‘at home’ Oral Hygiene routine
• Take some measurements from the area between your teeth and gums, this is called a Basic Periodontal Examination or BPE
• Discuss any necessary treatment and the number of appointments you are likely to need, in order to achieve dental fitness
• Carry out treatment based on the Dentist’s referral or based on their initial examination of your current level of Oral Health.

The treatment your Hygienist will carry out will involve the removal of plaque and calculus (Tartar) from between your teeth, this will help improve the appearance of your teeth, give you fresher breath and help support your teeth.

Your Hygienist will work you to create a bespoke Hygiene maintenance plan for you to follow at home, so that your gums are kept as healthy as possible, in between your Hygiene appointments.

At the end of your appointment , should you not have an active treatment plan, your Hygienist will detail your next recall interval, which is commonly every 3 or every 6 months.   It is vital that you maintain regular Hygienist appointments so that your Hygienist can work with you, to achieve optimal Oral Health.  Your gums help to support your teeth.

Will I feel any pain?

The scaling an polishing of your teeth is usually pain-free; however if you require a deeper clean or if you have particularly sensitive teeth or gums, your Hygienist can reduce any discomfort with some local anesthetic.

Will my teeth be polished?

Depending on your treatment plan, you Hygienist will endeavor to carryout polishing on your teeth to help remove superficial staining, to improve the appearance of your teeth.

Air Polishing

Air Polishing removes staining using a combination of water, a fine polishing powder and air.

This is an optional service, charged at an additional  £20.

The photo shown here (right) shows how effective Air Polishing is removing tougher stains, to improve the appearance of your teeth.

Your Hygienist can advise of the foods and drinks that can contribute to the staining of your teeth.  Commonly, foods such as Curries and drinks such as Coffee and tea, can contribute to staining over time.

To avoid staining and to help obtain a brighter, healthier smile:

• Maintain regular visits to the Hygienist and the
• Follow advice given during your appointments

If you wish to improve the overall shade of your teeth, you can speak to your Hygienist or Dentist about the available teeth whitening options, offered at Dartford Road Dental Centre.  More information can be found here https://www.drdc.co.uk/treatments/cosmetic-dentistry/teeth-whitening/

Who are our Hygienists?

We have an amazing team of Hygienists who work hard to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients.

The lovely Veronika, has been with us for many years and also works at our sister site https://www.crooklogdentalpractice.co.uk/ 

Veronika is available on

Mondays: 8:30am – 5.30pm

Thursdays: 8.30am – 12.30pm

Fridays: 8.30am – 1.30pm

Our wonderful Julia, has also been here for several years, helping to our patients keep their gums healthy.

Julia is available on

Wednesdays: 8:30am – 5.30pm

Saturdays: 9.30am – 1.30pm

How do I book an appointment?

• Existing Patients

Once you have been seen at our Dartford Road practice, for your initial examination, you can book an appointment with a Hygienist at any time.  Prices start from £70 for a 30 minute appointment.

• New Patients

If you have not yet seen a Dentist at Dartford Road Dental Centre, for an initial examination, you can see our Hygienists on a Direct Access basis.  This allows you to see the Hygienist, without a referral from the Dentist.  Prices start from £90 for a 30 minute appointment.

Appointments can be booked in person or using the below:

Call usBook online

Please note that a deposit is required at the time of booking the appointment.

Our team look forward to seeing you soon and are always available, should you have any questions.