When you sit down in the dental chair, you know you’re there for a checkup, but you might not be sure about the specific role of each person who looks after your smile. Both dental hygienists and dentists are key to your oral health, but they have different jobs and responsibilities during your visit.
The main difference is that a dental hygienist focuses on preventive care and cleaning, while a dentist is responsible for diagnosing and treating oral health conditions. Together, they form a team at Markham Dental dedicated to keeping your teeth and gums healthy in the long term.
The Dental Hygienist’s Role & Responsibilities
What to Expect From Your Hygienist
Your appointment often starts with the dental hygienist. You’re likely very familiar with this part of the appointment, as they provide the care that leaves your teeth feeling smooth and clean. There are a few things they may do during your visit:
- Professional teeth cleaning and polishing
- Taking dental X-rays
- Performing an initial oral health screening
Focus on Prevention & Education
Though cleaning might be what you associate with a hygienist, their job goes beyond that. They are your first line of defence against future dental problems. A hygienist can review your home care routine, demonstrate correct brushing and flossing techniques, and apply treatments like fluoride and sealants to give your teeth extra protection.
The Dentist’s Role & Responsibilities
Diagnosis & Treatment Plans
After your cleaning, the dentist can perform an examination. They can look at your teeth, gums, and the inside of your mouth for any signs of trouble. The dentist can also interpret the X-rays taken by the hygienist to spot issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye, then develop a personalized treatment plan for you.
Innovative & Restorative Procedures
If you need treatment, the dentist can perform it. This can range from filling cavities and placing crowns to more complex restorative procedures, like extractions. The dentist at the clinic can also offer solutions for a range of needs, from cosmetic options like Invisalign® to treatments for snoring and sleep apnea. For those seeking full-arch restoration, options like all on 4 implants are available. If you end up needing a procedure, oral and IV sedation options can be discussed.
How Dentists & Hygienists Work Together
An Integrated Approach to Your Care
Your dental care is a team effort. The hygienist performs the initial assessment and cleaning, gathering important information about your oral health, and communicates it seamlessly to the dentist, who can review those notes before seeing you. The dentist then uses that information to confirm findings, make a final diagnosis, and recommend the next steps for your care.
Your Appointment Flow
This collaboration makes your visit efficient. You’ll typically start with the hygienist for your cleaning and preliminary checks. Afterwards, the dentist comes in for the final exam, helping you receive thorough care from start to finish.
Your Typical Dental Visit Step-by-Step
Part 1: The Hygienist
Your time with the hygienist is focused on getting your teeth clean and gathering information. First, the hygienist can talk with you about your health history to understand any changes since your last visit. Next comes cleaning, during which plaque and tartar are carefully removed from your teeth before they are polished. Throughout this process, the hygienist can also note any areas that might need the dentist’s attention.
Part 2: The Dentist
Once your cleaning is done, the dentist takes over for the diagnostic part of your appointment. The dentist can perform an oral exam, checking your teeth and gums and reviewing your X-rays. If any treatment is needed, this is when they can discuss the options with you. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and understand the next steps for your oral health.
After Your Appointment & When to Book Next
Tips for After a Cleaning
To get the most out of your professional cleaning, it helps to be mindful for a short time afterwards. Avoiding foods and drinks known to stain teeth and being gentle if you have any sensitivity can help that fresh feeling last as long as possible.
Schedule Your Next Visit
Knowing who to book with makes scheduling simple. For routine cleanings, you’ll book with a hygienist. For specific concerns or treatments, you’ll see the dentist.
Visit Us Today
Understanding the roles of your dental team can help you feel more comfortable and informed at every visit. At Markham Dental, our multidisciplinary team works together to provide you with a smooth and pleasant experience. If you’re ready for your next checkup, you can book an appointment online today.
Specialty Servicesfor Every Smile
Sleep Better, Breathe Better
Start your home sleep study today with no family doctor referral needed. Through our partnership with Resolve Health, you can complete a convenient WatchPAT ONE home sleep test from the comfort of your home, followed by personalized care from our team.
From oral appliances and CPAP support to myofunctional therapy and airway-focused treatment, we provide comprehensive solutions for children and adults.
Train Your Muscles, Improve Your Sleep
Our myofunctional therapy programs retrain the tongue, lips, and facial muscles to support nasal breathing, reduce snoring, and improve airway function. We work with children and adults to build long-term habits that benefit sleep, oral posture, and facial development.
Straighten Teeth, Support Healthy Breathing
We offer comprehensive orthodontic care for all ages, including braces and Invisalign. Beyond aesthetics, our approach improves bite, jaw function, and airway health, helping both children and adults achieve a healthy, functional smile.
Relieve Jaw Discomfort and Improve Function
Our TMJ treatment addresses jaw discomfort, clenching, and muscle tension using tailored therapies. From bite adjustments to neuromodulator support, we focus on restoring jaw function and reducing discomfort for a better quality of life.
Relax Facial Muscles, Improve Comfort
Neuromodulator treatments like Jeuveau/Neuceiva can reduce tension in the jaw and face, relieve TMJ discomfort, treat migraines, and refine fine lines. Our team customizes treatments for both therapeutic and aesthetic benefits.
Replace Missing Teeth with Stability and Function
Our dental implant services, including all-on-4 implants, restore missing or damaged teeth for a secure, natural-feeling smile. Implants support bite function, improve chewing and speaking, and prevent bone loss. Our team provides personalized planning, guided surgery, and ongoing support for long-lasting results.
What SetsMarkham Dental Apart
We approach your care differently, with a focus on health, function, and long-term prevention. At Markham Dental, we are:
We look beyond your teeth, incorporating assessments like blood pressure, airway and tongue analysis, and sleep screening to better understand how your oral health connects to your overall well-being.
With denturists, prosthodontists, orthodontists, and general dentists working together, your care is coordinated, comprehensive, and tailored to your needs.
Every exam is designed to be in-depth and intentional, with advanced assessments included at no additional cost, so nothing is overlooked.
What Our PatientsAre Saying
Come Visit Usin Markham
You can find us on Woodbine Avenue, with plenty of parking available outside the clinic. We look forward to seeing you!
Our Address
- 8241 Woodbine Ave, Unit 17
- Markham, ON L3R 2P1
Contact Information
- Phone: (905) 470-0220
- Fax: 289-806-1423
- Email: info@markhamdentalhw.com
Hours of Operation
Markham Dental
- 8241 Woodbine Ave, Unit 17
- Markham, ON L3R 2P1
- Phone: (905) 470-0220
- Fax: 289-806-1423
- Email: info@markhamdentalhw.com