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Meet Your Dental Team at Primary Health Care: Who Does What?

Ever wondered who’s who behind the masks and instruments during your dental checkup? At Primary Health Care, with dental clinics in Ames, Des Moines, and Marshalltown, we have both dentists and dental hygienists ready to keep your smile healthy. While both play important roles, they have different duties. Here’s a look at what each does to care for your teeth. And yes, we accept Medicaid!

An illustration in anime style with a soft pastel color scheme, showing a dental hygienist with textured auburn hair attending to a patient Dental Hygienist: Your Daily Dental Care Partner

Think of your dental hygienist as your personal oral health coach. These trained professionals focus on preventing dental problems and educating you on how to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Our dental hygienists at Primary Health Care usually have an associate or bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene and are licensed by the state.

During your appointment, your dental hygienist will:

  • Deep Clean Your Teeth: They remove plaque and tartar buildup around your teeth and gums.
  • Check for Dental Problems: They examine your mouth for signs of gum disease, cavities, or other issues.
  • Offer Personalized Advice: They answer your questions, give tips on brushing and flossing, and explain how good dental hygiene is linked to overall health.
  • Apply Preventive Treatments and Take X-Rays: Depending on what you need, they might apply fluoride treatments, sealants, or take x-rays to keep your teeth protected.

female dentist with dark brown hair talking to a young patient in the dentist chair, created in the soft pastel anime style.Dentist: The Oral Health Expert

Dentists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing oral health problems. At Primary Health Care, our dentists have completed four years of dental school after their undergraduate degrees, earning either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). Some may even have extra training in areas like orthodontics, oral surgery, or pediatric dentistry.

During your visit, your dentist will:

  • Perform a Full Oral Exam: This includes reviewing x-rays, checking for oral cancer, assessing your jaw and bite, and looking for any issues with your gums and teeth.
  • Diagnose and Treat Oral Health Issues: They find oral health problems and create treatment plans to fix them.
  • Perform Dental Procedures: This could include fillings, tooth extractions, root canals, crowns, and bridges.
  • Handle Dental Emergencies: If you have sudden tooth pain, an injury, or other urgent issues, your dentist will provide quick and effective care.

Working Together for Your Healthy Smile

Your dentist and dental hygienist at Primary Health Care work together as a team to keep your mouth healthy. They each have unique roles, but both are important for your oral and overall health. By visiting our clinics in Ames, Des Moines, or Marshalltown for your regular checkups, you can enjoy a bright and healthy smile for years to come.

If it’s been a while since your last dental appointment, don’t wait! Contact Primary Health Care today. Remember, we’re here to help, and we accept Medicaid!

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