Dental hygiene in Hillsboro is a complex issue and one that is vital to your health. Your mouth is an entry point to your digestive and respiratory tracts, and it is consistently swarming with bacteria. While most of these bacteria are harmless, some can cause disease in your gums, teeth, bones and muscles.

Fortunately, regular cleanings and exams can help keep your smile healthy. Hygienists are trained to remove bacteria, plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. They are also skilled in identifying and treating signs of gum disease, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) and oral cancer.

The Importance of Dental Hygiene in Hillsboro: Tips and Services

A dental hygienist is a licensed member of the dental team who works under the supervision of dentists. A hygienist’s job includes screening patients for oral and systemic disease, providing education, administering fluoride treatment and placing sealants. Additionally, they take intraoral photos and radiographs, and provide individualized patient care. The 88-credit dental hygiene program is available at the Hillsboro and Dale Mabry campuses and is offered each Fall Semester. All students must complete a series of prerequisite courses to be eligible for the dental hygiene program. Prerequisites do not expire and may be repeated for a higher grade if needed to meet the program admissions requirements. The dental hygiene program requires a commitment of five consecutive semesters and 35-40 hours of classroom and clinical work each week.

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