Who is responsible for removing hard deposits from the surfaces of the teeth?

The role of removing hard deposits from the surfaces of the teeth is specifically designated to the Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH). The RDH is trained and licensed to perform dental cleanings, which include the removal of calculus (tartar) and plaque through techniques such as scaling. They have specialized education in understanding periodontal disease and maintaining oral health, allowing them to perform these important preventive measures.

While dental assistants play an important role in the dental office, their responsibilities typically do not include the direct removal of hard deposits; they often support the dentist and hygienist in various tasks but do not perform cleanings themselves. Oral surgeons focus on surgical procedures related to the mouth, teeth, and jaw, and dentists are responsible for overall patient care and treatment planning, but they might delegate routine cleanings to hygienists. Hence, the Registered Dental Hygienist is uniquely qualified and authorized to carry out the task of removing hard deposits from teeth surfaces.