Dental Hygiene
Dental hygienists are licensed health care professionals who promote oral health and wellness. Dental hygienists educate patients, regarding oral hygiene and preventive oral care.
Hygienists remove plaque, calculus and stains from teeth; expose and develop dental X-rays; and apply cavity-preventive agents such as fluorides and pit and fissure sealants. In some states, they also administer local anesthetics and nitrous oxide; place and carve filling materials, temporary fillings, and periodontal dressings; remove sutures and perform root-planing.
Hygienists may not diagnose diseases, but they can prepare clinical and laboratory diagnostic tests for the dentist to interpret. Hygienists may also work chairside with the dentist during treatment.
Latest Headlines
Lakers celebrate Juneteenth with local community at Hampton block party
Faculty, staff, and students celebrated Juneteenth into the weekend alongside the rest of the Clayton County community at the “Clayton Connected: Juneteenth Block Party” on Saturday, June 22, at the Gerald Matthews Complex in Hampton.
Read more Lakers celebrate Juneteenth with local community at Hampton block party
Heather Eddy selected as member of ADHA Professional Fellows Program
Eddy has served as a dental hygienist for more than 20 years and is currently working on her doctorate at the University of North Georgia. With her new fellowship, she hopes to encourage both students and dental hygienists in the field to further their education as they continue their respective careers.
Read more Heather Eddy selected as member of ADHA Professional Fellows Program
All Smiles: Department of Dental Hygiene to begin training students in administration of local anesthesia
Several members of faculty from the Clayton State University Dental Hygiene program became board certified in Georgia in Spring 2024 to educate and train students in the administration of local anesthesia to patients in need.
Dental Hygiene Academic Programs
