Which professional is primarily responsible for providing therapeutic dental cleanings?

The role of a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) is essential in the dental care team, particularly when it comes to providing therapeutic dental cleanings. These cleanings, often referred to as periodontal maintenance or scaling and root planing, are critical for patients with gum disease or those at risk of developing it.

An RDH is specially trained and licensed to perform a wide range of duties, which include assessing patients’ oral health, removing plaque and calculus from teeth, applying fluoride treatments, and providing education on proper oral hygiene practices. The therapeutic cleanings involve more than just removing surface stains; they require an understanding of periodontal disease and the ability to perform deep cleanings that reach below the gum line.

In contrast, while dentists also perform cleanings and are responsible for diagnosing and treating oral conditions, their role is more about the overall management of dental health and procedural work, such as fillings and extractions. Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs) play important supportive roles but do not perform the actual cleanings or therapeutic treatments. Dental Technicians primarily focus on the creation of dental appliances and do not interact directly with patients in a clinical cleaning capacity.

Thus, the correct answer highlights the specialized training and duties of the Registered Dental Hygienist,