A dental hygienist is a trained oral health professional responsible for preventive dentistry and oral health care. They perform professional cleanings and polishing and instruct patients on oral care for a lifetime of optimal oral health.

The dental hygienist helps prevent and treat dental problems by removing plaque and tartar. Oral hygienists also perform routine checks for signs of gingivitis or periodontitis. In addition, dental hygienists help improve oral health with personal advice on such topics as nutrition and personal oral hygiene.

The treatments the dental hygienist performs include: removing plaque, removing tartar, polishing teeth, applying fluoride, applying sealants, advising patients on oral hygiene and oral health, assessing oral health, performing complex dental cleanings both above and below the gums, and removing deposits.

The main duties of a dental hygienist in the Netherlands include cleaning teeth, polishing teeth, providing education on oral care and identifying and treating oral diseases.

The main purpose of a visit to a dental hygienist is to keep the mouth optimally healthy by removing plaque and tartar, identifying (possible) disorders early on and by providing oral hygiene advice.

It is recommended to make an appointment with the dental hygienist at least once a year. Depending on your specific needs, the hygienist may recommend more frequent appointments.

Visiting the dental hygienist has several benefits, including, among others:

• Improving oral health: A dental hygienist will thoroughly clean and inspect your teeth and gums, which helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health problems.

• Preventing cavities: Regular visits to the dental hygienist can help prevent cavities, such as by removing plaque and tartar that can cause tooth decay and other conditions.

• Breath improvement: A thorough mouth cleaning by a dental hygienist can help improve breath odor and identify any problems that may be causing bad breath.

• Improving overall oral health: Regular visits to the dental hygienist can help identify potential oral health problems early on and treat them in a timely manner, thereby improving overall oral health.

• Comfort and confidence: Clean, healthy teeth can contribute to a sense of comfort and confidence in yourself and positively impact your daily interactions with others.

A dentist is a medical professional responsible for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of dental conditions, while a dental hygienist is responsible for the prevention and treatment of dental and gum problems, including cleaning teeth and giving advice on oral hygiene.

Yes, registered dental hygienists have been allowed to perform anesthesia, take X-rays and treat caries since 2020 in the Netherlands

Accredited dental hygienists have completed higher education in dental hygiene. The title of dental hygienist is a protected title. Oral hygienists can register with the publicly available diploma register of the Dutch Association of Oral Hygienists (NVM).

It depends on your health insurance and insurance plan. Some health insurance plans offer reimbursement for treatment by a dental hygienist, while others do not. It is recommended that you check your insurance coverage before making an appointment. Mondfit can help you with this. Contact us for more information.

Yes, dental hygienists in the Netherlands are required by law to have liability insurance in order to treat.