Dental Hygienist
Gentle, pain-free teeth cleaning and gum care designed to prevent decay and gum disease and support long-term oral health.
“We focus on prevention. By choosing modern approaches like AIRFLOW® alongside gentle scaling, our hygienists ensure your teeth are cleaned comfortably, and gums are healthier between dentist visits.”
What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?
A dental hygienist is a registered dental practitioner who supports everyday oral health. Hygienists focus on prevention and gum care, and they work closely with your dentist.
A dental hygienist may help by:
Keeping your gums healthy and stable
Removing plaque and tartar (calculus) that you cannot reach at home
Screening for early signs of gum disease, tooth decay and oral cancer
Teaching practical ways to care for teeth and gums each day
Your dentist manages diagnosis and treatment for more complex problems, such as fillings, crowns, and extractions. At Mona Vale Dental, hygiene care and dentist checks happen under one roof, so your care stays coordinated.
Why See a Dental Hygienist Regularly?
Most people benefit from a professional hygienist cleaning every 6–12 months. Some need more frequent visits to keep their gums stable and plaque under control.
- Have a history of gum disease
- Have diabetes or other health conditions linked with gum health
- Smoke or vape
- Have braces, implants, bridges or lots of dental work
- Notice bleeding gums, bad breath or heavy build-up
- Reduce gum inflammation and bleeding
- Keep your breath fresher between visits
- Lower the risk of sudden pain from decay or infection
- Protect dental work by keeping edges and gumlines clean
More Than a Clean: Ongoing Gum Care
Gum disease often develops quietly, without obvious symptoms. Regular dental hygiene visits help detect early changes and support long-term gum health. Your dental hygienist focuses on prevention and everyday oral care, working alongside your dentist as part of your overall dental care, using modern techniques designed to be both effective and gentle.
What to Expect at your Appointment
Health & Gum Assessment
Your hygienist reviews your history, checks your gums for bleeding or recession, measures pocket depths if needed, screens for oral changes, and notes wear from clenching, so issues are found early.
Gentle Professional Clean
Your hygienist removes plaque and tartar, may use AIRFLOW® with warm water, air and fine powder, cleans around dental work, polishes teeth and applies fluoride when suitable for comfort.
Dentist Examination & Treatment
After the cleaning, a dentist checks teeth, gums and bite, reviews X-rays or scans if needed, explains findings in plain language and outlines options and costs before any treatment starts.
Personalised Home Care Plan
Before you leave, your hygienist gives a simple plan for brushing, cleaning between teeth and caring for implants or braces, with practical diet tips, so you can protect gum health at home.
Dental Hygienist vs. Dentist
Focus on prevention and gum health
Remove plaque, tartar and surface stains
Assess gum health within their scope
Provide personalised oral health education
Diagnoses and treats dental disease
Plans and performs restorative treatment
Manages complex cases and overall planning
Explains options and expected costs
You will often see both over time. The hygienist helps prevent problems, and the dentist treats issues if they arise.
Technology for a Pain-Free Clean
At Mona Vale Dental, we use modern equipment to keep cleaning efficient and comfortable. Your hygienist may use:
- AIRFLOW® “dental spa” cleaning
- Ultrasonic tartar removal
- Fine hand instruments
- Digital X-rays, if needed
We invest in modern hygiene technology because it allows us to deliver care that is gentler, more precise, and better suited to long-term oral health.
AIRFLOW® is especially helpful for patients who have sensitive teeth or gums, those with braces, implants or crowns, and anyone who has found dental cleans uncomfortable in the past.
What Makes AIRFLOW® Different From a Standard Clean?
AIRFLOW® is designed to remove dental plaque, also known as biofilm, which plays a key role in gum disease and tooth decay. By gently breaking up this layer first, your hygienist can clean more precisely and avoid unnecessary scraping, focusing only on the areas that need extra care.
AIRFLOW® targets plaque without harsh scraping
Allows thorough cleaning with minimal pressure
Uses warm water, air and fine powder
Often feels gentler than traditional methods
“Comfort matters. We design our clinic to feel calm and non-clinical, with gentle care, weighted blankets, essential oils and sedation support when needed, so patients can truly relax.”
Why Choose Mona Vale Dental for Hygiene Visits?
Preventive Care With Long-Term Focus
Your hygienist and dentist focus on prevention first, helping lower your risk of decay and gum disease.
Experienced Clinicians You Can Trust
You will see qualified, registered clinicians who explain findings clearly, including options and costs.
Gentle Care for Nervous or Sensitive Patients
The team works at your pace, explains each step, and can use numbing gel if needed.
Modern Technology for a Comfortable Clean
These technologies are chosen to support a modern, preventive approach to dental care, with your comfort and long-term oral health in mind.
Book an Appointment at Mona Vale Dental
Book a dental hygiene visit at Mona Vale Dental and receive preventive care focused on comfort, clarity, and long-term gum health on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Phone Us:
Business Hours:
Monday to Friday
8:30am to 5:00pm
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a dental hygienist the same as an oral hygienist or oral health therapist?
People often say oral hygienist. In Australia, many are oral health therapists, trained in hygiene, plus some therapy. They are AHPRA-registered and follow national standards.
Does a hygienist hurt when cleaning?
Most cleans feel comfortable, especially with AIRFLOW® using warm water and fine powder. Inflamed gums may feel sensitive at first, and this often settles. Numbing gel can help.
Do I still need to see the dentist if I see the hygienist?
Yes. The hygienist cleans your teeth, but the dentist checks for problems and decides what treatment you need. Cleanings are based on the dentist’s exam, so both work together during your visit.
Can children see the dental hygienist?
Yes. Hygiene visits suit kids and teens, especially with braces or tricky flossing. Hygienists clean hard-to-reach areas and teach age-appropriate brushing and flossing tips.
How long does a dental hygienist appointment take?
Most appointments take 45 to 60 minutes. Time depends on build-up, gum health needs and whether X-rays are needed. Your visit can also include coaching for better home care.
Is AIRFLOW® safe for implants, braces and fillings?
Yes, when used correctly. AIRFLOW® can clean around braces, implants above the gumline and restorations like crowns and fillings. Your hygienist adjusts settings for safety.
Will my health fund cover a hygienist clean?
Many health funds include benefits for preventive cleans, but rebates vary. We can provide item numbers so you can confirm your cover with your health fund before treatment.
- Dr Alistair Graham
- January 23, 2026
