An oral hygienist’s dental check-up assesses the health of the client’s mouth and teeth and identifies the need for further treatment. The oral hygienist may consult a dentist during the check-up. If necessary, the client will receive an appointment with the oral hygienist or dentist in the same way as after a dentist’s check-up.
“We aim to make it easier for our clients to access dental care services through dental check-ups by oral hygienists,” says Sebastian Kaste, Director of Oral Health Care Services at the City of Helsinki.
“I am delighted that we are making the skills of our professionals more widely available. The oral hygienist’s studies and area of expertise now also includes periodic oral check-ups. We want to take advantage of this resource,” Kaste says.
Currently, more than 1200 people in Helsinki have had a dental check-up by oral hygienists. Sebastian Kaste says that the check-ups have been well received by clients. Appointments to oral hygienists have improved access to care. Kaste would like to thank the oral hygienists who have performed dental check-ups and other professionals.
If a client’s periodic check-up with an oral hygienist reveals the need for further examinations by a dentist, an appointment will be made within four weeks of the visit.
In non-urgent cases, dental care services in Helsinki primarily offer clients a service voucher. It allows them to visit a private clinic immediately or within a month at the latest. Helsinki is actively working to ensure that in the future, access to dental care in the city’s dental clinics will also be possible within four months as required by law.
Nice variety
Oral hygienist Pirjetta Sinkkonen performs dental check-ups at Porolahti dental clinic. Porolahti dental clinic in Roihuvuori is a small unit, usually staffed by two dentists and an oral hygienist.
How have clients reacted to the dental check-ups carried out by oral hygienists?
“Very well, and for me the check-ups offer nice variety,” says Pirjetta Sinkkonen.
“I tell my clients at the appointment that if something is found, they can make an appointment with the dentist or alternatively the dentist can come to the treatment room to check the situation,” Sinkkonen continues.
“Often, when a patient learns that they have come to see an oral hygienist, they want tartar removal or dental home care advice. I can then book them another appointment for a check-up, if necessary.
More information
- The website of the City of Helsinki’s dental care services is available atwww.hel.fi/dentalcare
- Dental care access times in Helsinki are regularly published in the internet