As a dental hygienist, it is my goal and duty to assess the patients current health state making sure they are taking care of themselves at home with the proper medications to medicate their active state of infections. It is also my duty to assess patients with special needs. An ideal prevention program, which may involve a parent or caregiver, should include education, plaque biofilm control, chemical agents such as antimicrobials and home fluorides, and diet counseling. Sealants should be considered for caries control and can only be professionally applied in the dental office. Regular dental visits should be part of the plan to evaluate effectiveness of the program and make modifications when necessary.
