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Usually I will have a dental hygienist help with the cleaning and xray. But the dentist would step in to do the examination. I'm interesting in seeing a new dentist. I stated I would like to schedule my first visit on a Friday and I was told on Fridays he does all 3. Is this a good idea? I never heard of that before.
My dentist does everything except take the x-rays. He does this every day. I'm not sure how I feel about this, it's the first time I've been to a dentist who does the actual cleaning. I'm interested in the answers you get here so I hope people read and reply.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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My wife recently had her cleaning done by the dentist, but only because he was short on staff and trying to hire two more.
She told me afterward that the dentist was faster but not as thorough as in the past when done by the hygienist. Not surprising, since he had probably not done it in many years. I suppose if the OP's dentist always does it, the result might be better than having a hygienist do the cleaning, but if it's another case of staffing shortage, the dentist is not going to be as experienced in it.
This has been the routine at my last two dental practices. My teeth are generally quite healthy (never needed a filling until college) but I am a determined bruxer so have accumulated grinding damage that has needed repair over the years. Repairs need maintenance over time; old fillings need replacement, etc.
Hygienist does a routine cleaning and takes any routine x-rays that have come due according to my chart schedule (one complete set as a new patient, views of teeth that had watches or notations made about them during a previous checkup, or a new xray of a tooth the hygienist has concerns about, etc.).
Dentist comes in to do a full exam using an assistant to take chart notes. Cleaning teeth before evaluating them makes sense. During the exam the dentist may do some more focused cleaning, examine any new xrays, do comparisons to older views. If the dentist feels repairs may be necessary, we discuss them. The dentist shows me xrays or takes photos of the tooth in question right then and there that supports the discussion. We agree on any work.
I was told on Fridays he does all 3. Is this a good idea? I never heard of that before.
I have never heard of it before either, but I don't know that it's a good idea or a bad idea. It's an unusual idea. I think a hygienist might do a better job though, since that's what they do every day.
Every day except Friday, I guess.
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