Dental Hygiene
Our licensed hygienists deliver thorough preventive care — cleanings, oral cancer screenings, and personalized coaching to keep your smile healthy between visits.
Our hygienists are licensed to deliver thorough dental care, including the administering of local anesthetic to provide greater patient comfort. Your hygienist is perhaps the most crucial person in our office for maintaining your oral health and sharing the latest hygiene techniques tailored to your individual needs.
Services our hygiene team provides
Dr. Patel and his hygiene team work together at every appointment. Services may include:
- Patient screening procedures: assessment of oral health conditions, health-history review, oral cancer screening with Velscope, head and neck inspection, dental charting, and blood pressure and pulse readings
- Oral cancer screening
- Digital X-rays
- Removal of calculus and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from all tooth surfaces
- Application of preventive materials (sealants and fluorides)
- Personalized oral hygiene coaching — tooth brushing, flossing, and nutritional counseling
- Guidance on nutrition and its impact on oral health
- Intra-oral camera examination
Because your well-being is always our priority, we encourage you to stay informed about oral cancer. The Oral Cancer Foundation is an excellent resource.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I have a professional dental cleaning?
Most patients benefit from cleanings every six months. Patients with a history of gum disease or other risk factors may need visits every three to four months. Dr. Patel and your hygienist will recommend the schedule that's right for you.
Do you offer oral cancer screenings?
Yes. Every routine appointment includes a thorough oral cancer screening, both visually and with our Velscope device, as well as an intra-oral camera examination.
What is included in a dental hygiene appointment?
Your appointment includes patient screening, health-history review, oral cancer screening, dental charting, digital X-rays as needed, removal of plaque and calculus from all tooth surfaces, application of fluoride or sealants where appropriate, and personalized oral hygiene coaching.
Ready to get started?
Call our Claremont office or request an appointment online — we welcome new patients.