What a dental hygienist does

Last reviewed: 2 November 2026

Many dental practices have a dental hygienist or oral health therapist on the team. This guide explains what they do, what a professional clean usually involves and how they work with dentists. It is general information only.

The role of a dental hygienist

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) says a dental hygienist’s work mainly focuses on preventing dental disease and promoting good oral health, working in consultation with a dentist. The ADA’s consumer site, teeth.org.au, says a hygienist’s duties can include:

• education on caring for your teeth and gums
• check-ups
• professional teeth cleaning
• preventive care, such as fluoride treatments

Dental hygienists are registered with the Dental Board of Australia. Our guide on how to choose a dentist explains how to check a practitioner’s registration.

Related roles

You may also see other dental practitioners for preventive care. Queensland Health and the ADA describe:

• Oral health therapists. Qualified in both dental hygiene and dental therapy. They may work as a hygienist, a therapist or both.
• Dental therapists. Mainly provide assessment, treatment and preventive care for children and adolescents. If trained, they may also treat adults.

Each of these roles is registered with the Dental Board of Australia. Healthdirect says check-ups may be carried out by a dentist, dental hygienist, oral health therapist or dental therapist.

What a professional clean involves

Plaque that is not removed can harden into calculus (tartar). Healthdirect says tartar can only be removed by a dental professional. The Better Health Channel describes professional cleaning as removing built-up plaque and calculus, then polishing the teeth with a rotating brush and polishing paste. It says plaque and calculus are the main causes of gum disease, and that professional cleaning helps treat and prevent it.

A visit may also include:

• questions about your health and medicines
• checking your gums
• fluoride treatment
• advice on brushing, flossing and diet

If your gums are sensitive or you feel nervous, tell the hygienist before they start. See visiting the dentist when you feel anxious.

Hygienists and gum disease

Healthdirect says treatment for gum disease includes cleaning plaque and tartar from the teeth and, if needed, treating the roots of the teeth to remove bacteria. A hygienist or oral health therapist may provide this care as part of the dental team, and your dentist may refer you to a periodontist, a dentist registered as a specialist in periodontics (gum care), if needed. See gum disease: signs and care.

How often to go

How often you need a clean depends on your teeth and gums. Healthdirect suggests visiting your dental professional regularly for check-ups and cleaning. Ask your dental practitioner how often is right for you. See what happens at a dental check-up.

Costs and health funds

Fees vary between practices. Healthdirect says routine dental cover in private health insurance extras may include examinations, cleaning and polishing, and fluoride treatment, but policies differ and there may be annual limits. Ask the practice for the item numbers and check with your fund before you book. See health funds and HICAPS.

Questions to ask when booking

• Will I see a dentist, a hygienist or an oral health therapist?
• Does the visit include a check-up by a dentist, or is that a separate appointment?
• What will the visit cost, and what item numbers will be used?
• Can I claim on the spot with my health fund?

General information, not medical or dental advice. Speak to a registered dental practitioner about your situation.