Dental hygienists focus primarily on disease prevention of the gums, teeth, and mouth. They assess teeth and gums and provide treatments that include cleaning teeth above and below the gums, anti-cavity and anti-bacterial treatments, dental sealants, and oral health instruction for improved homecare. Dental hygienists may also work with dentists providing restorative and orthodontic procedures and services.
In Ontario, regulated health professions are governed under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA) and health profession acts (e.g., Medicine Act, 1991).