TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida House has included a proposal in its budget to expand the duties of dental hygienists. Experts suggest this move could help address Florida’s ongoing oral health crisis.
While dental hygienists perform what many refer to as a “cleaning” at the dentist’s office, Catherine Cabanzon explains that their work focuses more on eliminating bacteria and preventative care.
“So we remove any of the toxins that are on your teeth under your gums in a preventive way,” she said.
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However, they cannot reach all harmful germs in the mouth.
“It’s been proven by science that we leave bacteria behind because bacteria can go into that tissue,” Cabanzon said. “These pathogens go into the bloodstream, too. They can go into your respiratory system and your digestive tract, and they have been connected with 57 different diseases and conditions.”
A tool that could enhance their capabilities is a dental diode laser. Dental hygienists in 45 other states can use these lasers under the supervision of a dentist, but not in Florida. According to Cabanzon, the lasers specifically target bacteria, ensuring they do not harm gums or teeth.
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If the state approves the use of lasers, Cabanzon believes it could reduce the number of patients facing costly oral health issues or severe diagnoses.
“We need to lower the level of these pathogens so there’s no inflammation and none of these entering into the rest of the system playing havoc on it. These pathogens are being found in the brain cells of patients with Alzheimer’s,” she explains.
In order to use a laser, a dental hygienist must first complete a continuing education course in laser use specific to the procedures to be performed by the dental hygienist. The continuing education must consist of at least 12 hours of in-person training, of which three hours must include clinical simulation laser training.