Hygienist and examination

easy1

Hi.

I always fix and clean my teeth aboard,so last time when I was there (2 years ago) I had examination and very good clean and polish.

I decided when is time to visit hygienist again,but this time I wanted to do it in Ireland.

I booked my first appointment for cleaning and polish and I was informed about extra examination fee.

I said i just wanted to clean my teeth and no examination,because I was more then sure,when all my teeth are healthy.

But lady at reception told me,I cant do cleaning without examination,so at the end I was pushed to book 2 procedures (cleaning 55 euro+ examination 40 euro)

I went for my cleaning today and dentist did small examination,cleaned my teeth for 20 minutes and recommended mouthwash and charged 55 euro,which was very good price,she didn't charge for examination because she said their x ray machine broke and i need to book the x ray for my back teeth next time.Also she said I have to visit their hygienist (in different clinic) which will coast me 85 euro.

My teeth are healthy,cleaning is done,but I don't mind do visit proper hygienist after some time,but question is,if I want to go to different clinic,do I need pay "new" clinics examination fee prior hygienist procedure?

Thank you in advance.
Kind regards.

davo10

The fees are not "new", Hygienists are required to work on prescription of a dentist, ie dentist must examine you and then tell Hygienist what needs to be done. Once the examination is done, the dentist can write in chart "needs teeth cleaned every 6 months" then Hygienist is free to see you without a dental examination each time.

The reason for this is that a considerable percentage of the population think their teeth are being checked for hard and soft tissue pathology each time they visit the Hygienist, they are not. A Hygienist will only check for soft tissue pathology and loss of supporting bone, not cavities.

easy1

Thank you very much,I didn't know all this before.

So basically if I wish attend different clinic in future,I will need to do dental examination again?

In my case,dentist agreed with me when my teeth are good,but cleaning is needed,but why she wanted me to book x ray then?

Unfortunately I cant afford to change my existing fillings for brand new ones,because I think they are more then fine.

So that's why I feel very suspicious about dentist recommendations.

davo10

A dentist will examine, inform you of any issues which are noted. He/she will advise you of any treatment deemed necessary, it is up to you to take these recommendations on board and then decide what treatment, if any, you want.

If you elect to not follow that advice , no problem, the dentist just records in your chart that you were informed of the issues but declined treatment. He/she will not be liable for any future problems arising from those issues.

If your teeth are heavily filled, the X-ray is necessary to check for decay under them. Also heavily filled teeth are more difficult to clean between, more likely to accumulate plaque, more likely to suffer gum disease and bone loss.

Yes, if you want to visit a Hygienist at another clinic, you will most likely need to see the dentist there first.

easy1

davo10 wrote: »

A dentist will examine, inform you of any issues which are noted. He/she will advise you of any treatment deemed necessary, it is up to you to take these recommendations on board and then decide what treatment, if any, you want.

If you elect to not follow that advice , no problem, the dentist just records in your chart that you were informed of the issues but declined treatment. He/she will not be liable for any future problems arising from those issues.

If your teeth are heavily filled, the X-ray is necessary to check for decay under them. Also heavily filled teeth are more difficult to clean between, more likely to accumulate plaque, more likely to suffer gum disease and bone loss.

Yes, if you want to visit a Hygienist at another clinic, you will most likely need to see the dentist there first.

Thank you very much,you explained everything very well.