The role of the dental hygienist in the public health sector; an Australian perspective

A review of the literature on dental hygienists and their utilisation in th e dental workforce is presented. Dental hygienists are employed as part of a dental team in the prevention and management of the two most common and c ostly oral diseases; dental caries and periodontal disease. The potential s cope for dental hygienists in the public health sector in Australia is exam ined in the light of broader issues relating to changing disease patterns, service delivery and the treatment of patients with special needs. Preventi on and treatment of oral disease by the dental hygienist in schools, instit utions, nursing homes, hospitals and residential facilities is discussed, w ith emphasis on such issues as legislation, productivity and quality assura nce. Implications for the future training of dental hygienists are presente d and recommendations made for increasing their utilisation in the public s ector.