Dental Hygiene Care: Not Just In Dental Offices

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New dental care in Canada allows hygienists' to practice independently from dentists at a lower cost

By Natalie Hosmer
Access to more affordable dental hygiene care is easier in Ontario since dental hygienists are now able to practice independently from dentists. Seeing a dental hygienist in his/her own practice will cost you roughly 10-30 per cent less than if you saw a dental hygienist in a dental office.

For many dental hygienists being his/her own boss means being able to spend more time with each individual client. There is no time constraint like in dental offices where you are given a limited amount of time to see each client. You are now able to spend the time educating each client on his/her oral health and personal needs and develop a rapport with them.

Some dental hygienists will take x-rays when you visit his/her office, however, x-rays can only be taken if they have been prescribed by a dentist. Other dental hygienists will use laser cavity detectors to assess possible decay. They aren’t allowed to diagnose a cavity but they will refer the client to a local dentist if something looks suspicious.

In addition to laser cavity detection, services provided at independent dental hygiene practices include examinations and assessments, cleaning and polishing, pit and fissure sealants, desensitization, whitening options, and custom sports mouthguards (note: services may vary by office).

One dental hygiene office in Toronto, Impressions, The Dental Hygiene Spa, is doing something a little different for their clients. They are incorporating complimentary spa services into every visit so that clients are able to relax and take their mind off the oral hygiene treatment that awaits them. Some of the extras are: aromatherapy, slippers to wear during the appointment and to take home, choice of hot/cold beverage and fresh fruit, paraffin wax hand treatment, massaging dental chair, flat panel TV to watch during the appointment, and hot/cold towel service to freshen up afterwards. With benefits like these, you almost forget you’re having your teeth scaled.

Impressions, The Dental Hygiene Spa offers a revolutionary experience in oral health care for less than the dentist. Read their educational blog, which details important aspects of oral hygiene and overall well being, follow them on Twitter, or join their Facebook group.