Susan
For most patients, the person that they spend the most time with in the dental chair is the hygienist. It is always nice to have a familiar friendly face when you come in for your regular dental check up and cleaning. Here at Adler Cosmetic & Family Dentistry we are lucky to have an outstanding hygienist, Susan. She has been in dentistry for more years then she would care to admit and has been a valued member of Dr. Adler’s staff for over 12 years. Her experience is a great asset to her patients and co-workers.
The hygienist plays as an important a role in your dental care and treatment as the doctor.  Hygienists are highly trained professionals with degrees from accredited hygiene schools and are licensed by the state in which they practice. One of the major roles of a hygienist is to help patients maintain healthy teeth and gums. This is done by removing both soft and hard deposits from teeth, teaching patients how to practice good oral hygiene, and provide other preventive dental care. They examine patients’ teeth and gums, recording the presence of any diseases or abnormalities. One of the procedures that you would see a hygienist for include, Scaling and Root Planning – a procedure where the hygienist administers local anesthetic and removes calculus deposits from below the gum line.  This procedure can be required for patients with periodontal disease to clear up pockets of infection beneath the gums that could eventually lead to bone and tooth loss if left untreated.  Hygienists use an assortment of tool such as hand scalers, rotary instruments, and ultrasonic devices to clean and polish teeth, which includes removing tartar, stains, and plaque. They also take dental x-rays and apply cavity-preventative agents such as fluorides and sealants. Often times hygienist are your first line of defense against gum disease and cavities.
Susan does all of this and more. Many of our patients have commented on her friendly nature and her thorough but gentle treatment. More often then not you can overhear Susan talking to our patient about how their children and pets are doing. Being a dog-lover, Susan is always happy to exchange stories with our patients about their furry friends or if they ask tell them the latest about her beloved Doberman, Stetson. Susan is a great combination of highly developed skill and personal care. Come into Adler Cosmetic & Family Dentistry and see for yourself.
