Dentist with a young patient.

Your Dentist

Your dentist is an oral health expert and knows how the health of your teeth, gums and mouth relates to your general health.

Only your dentist has the training, skills and expertise to:

• Examine and diagnose your oral health condition
• Recommend and carry out treatment, and
• Inform you about the general oral health and/or post-operative care you need.

Hygienist polishing a patient's teeth.

The Dental Hygienist

The dental hygienist works in conjunction with your dentist to prevent dental disease and keep your mouth healthy. The dental hygienist is registered and certified to clean your teeth and discuss with you the importance of caring for your teeth and gums at home.

The dental hygienist may do a basic exam of your teeth and gums, and will inform your dentist about the results of the exam. In some dental offices, the dentist alone performs the exam and may also provide dental hygiene care. Your dental hygienist may take X-rays, make dental impressions or clean, polish and apply fluoride to your teeth.

Dental assistant (left) helping a dentist with a treatment procedure

The Dental Assistant

The dental assistant helps the dentist during patient examinations and treatment procedures. The dental assistant prepares patients for treatment, passes instruments and materials to the dentist and keeps the mouth dry using suction during treatment procedures. The dental assistant sterilizes dental instruments and may take X-rays, make dental impressions or polish and apply fluoride to your teeth.

Dental office staff booking an appointment.

The Dental Office Staff

Your dentist may have a receptionist or several dental office staff depending on the size of the practice. The office staff, including the receptionist, is often your first point of contact with a dental office.

The office staff manages the flow of patients through the office by booking and scheduling appointments, taking care of billings and payments, as well as day-to-day office administrative duties.