At York House Dental Practice in West Byfleet, Surrey, the dental hygienist plays a key role in prevention, patient education, and gentle treatment of gum disease. The hygienist helps patients keep teeth and gums healthy, avoid future problems, and feel confident about their oral care routine.
This position suits a caring professional who enjoys hands-on clinical work, clear communication, and helping patients build lifelong habits.
What a Dental Hygienist Does
- Performs routine scale and polish to remove plaque and tartar
- Provides non-surgical periodontal therapy for gum disease
- Conducts gum health charting and risk assessments
- Applies fluoride varnish and places fissure sealants when appropriate
- Coaches patients on brushing, flossing, and interdental cleaning
- Offers diet, smoking cessation, and home-care advice
- Works alongside the dental team to coordinate treatment plans
Typical Appointment Flow (Patient-Facing)
- Review medical history and oral health goals
- Gum assessment and periodontal charting if needed
- Scaling (ultrasonic and hand instruments) and stain removal
- Polishing and tailored fluoride or desensitising treatment
- Personalised home-care plan and recall interval
Duration: Most hygiene appointments are 30–45 minutes; periodontal sessions may be longer
Key Responsibilities (Role-Facing)
- Deliver high-quality preventive care with excellent infection control
- Diagnose and manage gingivitis and periodontitis within scope
- Document findings, treatment provided, and outcomes accurately
- Educate patients with simple, clear guidance they can follow at home
- Collaborate with the clinical team on complex cases and referrals
- Maintain equipment, order hygiene supplies, and ensure room readiness
- Contribute to audits, recalls, and practice quality standards
Skills and Attributes
- Gentle clinical technique with good patient rapport
- Clear, confident communication in plain language
- Strong periodontal knowledge and instrumentation skills
- Time management and calm, organised workflow
- Commitment to CPD and evidence-based care
Qualifications and Compliance
- Recognised dental hygiene qualification/diploma
- Current registration and professional indemnity (where applicable)
- Valid CPR/basic life support certification
- Up-to-date immunisations and infection control training
Treatment Types Supported by the Hygienist
- Routine cleaning and polishing
- Periodontal maintenance and root surface debridement
- Desensitising and remineralising therapies
- Preventive care for children (fluoride and sealants)
- Oral hygiene instruction for orthodontic, implant, and restorative patients
Ideal Patients for Hygiene-Led Care
- Adults and children seeking preventive maintenance
- Patients with bleeding gums, bad breath, or sensitivity
- Orthodontic patients needing bracket-friendly home care
- Implant and crown/bridge patients who require long-term stability
Appointment Duration and Scheduling
- Standard hygiene: 30–45 minutes
- Periodontal therapy: 45–60 minutes per quadrant/area
- Review visits: 20–30 minutes for outcome checks and home-care updates
Factors Influencing Care Plans
- Gum health status (pocket depth, bleeding, plaque score)
- Medical conditions and medications affecting oral health
- Lifestyle factors: smoking, diet, stress, dry mouth
- Restorations and orthodontics requiring adapted techniques
Patient Feedback (Typical)
- “Gentle but thorough—my gums stopped bleeding.”
- “I finally understand how to clean around my braces.”
- “The home routine they gave me actually fits my day.”
Possible Post-Visit Effects
- Mild tenderness or sensitivity for a day or two after deep cleaning
- Temporary gum soreness if tartar build-up was heavy
- These effects are short-lived and manageable with advice and soothing products
Benefits of a Strong Hygiene Service
- Fewer cavities and less gum disease over time
- Fresher breath and brighter, smoother teeth
- Better outcomes for implants, crowns, and orthodontics
- Lower long-term costs by preventing advanced treatment
- Confident, informed patients who maintain results at home
Tools and Products Commonly Used
- Ultrasonic scalers and precision hand instruments
- Disclosing agents to coach technique
- Fluoride varnishes and desensitising gels
- Interdental brushes, floss aids, and water flossers for specific needs
- Patient-friendly printouts for home routines
Development and Progression
- Advanced periodontal training and certification
- Extended duties (e.g., sealants, whitening assistance) as appropriate
- Mentoring junior clinicians and supporting practice protocols
- Leading preventive initiatives and patient education campaigns
How This Role Supports the Practice
- Drives prevention-led dentistry and patient retention
- Reduces emergency visits through early detection
- Enhances outcomes for restorative and implant patients
- Strengthens community trust with approachable education
