This term goes back to the time when dental hygienists did not need to go to school to clean teeth. Many years ago any staff member could become a hygienist by performing these duties for a period of time and then registering with the state. Alabama still has this type of program in place.

          In the State of Georgia a Registered Dental Hygienist must first graduate from an accredited dental hygiene school of at least two years length and the RDH must also pass the National Hygiene Board exam. Once these are done the RDH then takes the Southeast Region Dental Boards which are primarily clinical exams using real patients. After passing these examinations the hygienist can then register with the state dental board.

          Hygienists today are highly trained professionals who provide excellent care to their patients.They perform routine cleanings and also are licensed to do scaling and root planing procedures. However in Georgia, a dentist must examine the patient after the dental hygienist has completed her work.

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