Ask to See the RDH: Why Your Oral Health Depends on It

When you walk into a dental office to visit your Dental Hygienist, you may not realize the level of education, training, and expertise that the Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) brings to your care. Dental hygienists complete rigorous coursework—typically between 2,000 to 3,000 hours of clinical and didactic education—focused solely on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases. Many hygienists earn associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in dental hygiene, and some pursue master’s degrees to specialize even further. Their schooling covers anatomy, pharmacology, periodontology, radiology, infection control, and patient management, making them highly skilled, licensed healthcare professionals.

More Thank Just a Cleaning

A visit with an RDH is far more than “just a cleaning.” During your appointment, your hygienist assesses your oral and overall health by checking for signs of gum disease, oral cancer, tooth decay, and other systemic health issues that often manifest first in the mouth. They perform comprehensive periodontal charting, take and interpret dental X-rays, and remove plaque and calculus that you cannot eliminate at home, even with the best brushing and flossing habits. Beyond clinical care, RDHs educate patients about proper oral hygiene practices and how factors like nutrition, smoking, and systemic diseases such as diabetes impact oral health. Their care isn’t just about a brighter smile—it’s about protecting your whole body’s health.

Growing Shortage Means Growing Challenges

However, a growing shortage of dental hygienists is leading some states to propose alarming changes. In an attempt to fill workforce gaps, there are efforts to delegate many of the skilled procedures that hygienists perform to minimally trained dental assistants. While dental assistants are valuable members of the dental team, their education typically ranges from on-the-job training to a year and focuses on chairside assisting, basic office procedures, and support functions, not independent patient assessment or periodontal therapy.

This shift raises serious concerns about patient safety and quality of care. Dental hygienists are trained to detect subtle signs of disease that could easily be missed without the depth of education and clinical expertise they possess. Allowing less trained personnel to take over these responsibilities risks undermining preventive care, delaying diagnosis, and ultimately compromising the oral and overall health of patients.

Always Ask To See the RDH

When you visit the dentist, you have every right to ask who is providing your care. Don’t hesitate to ask: “Am I being seen by a Registered Dental Hygienist?” It’s not about questioning the capability of the dental team—it’s about protecting your health. A licensed hygienist has the training, skills, and critical judgment to deliver the highest standard of preventive care.

Your mouth is a window to your whole-body health. Make sure the professional providing your care has the skills to protect it. Always ask to see the RDH.