Why we have dental hygienists at our practice

If you have visited Grange Road Dental for a teeth cleaning, you may have been cared for by one of our dental hygienists, Casey Bonner or Michelle Keepers-Heath. Some patients wonder why they see a hygienist rather than a dentist for their clean. The answer comes down to expertise, time and quality of care.

Hygienists are prevention specialists

Dental hygienists are university-qualified professionals who specialise in preventive oral health care. They are not dental assistants. Their training focuses specifically on cleaning teeth, treating gum disease, and helping patients maintain healthy mouths between visits.

This means when you see a hygienist, you are seeing someone whose entire focus is prevention and periodontal care. They have dedicated years of study to understanding how plaque, tartar and bacteria affect your teeth and gums, and how to address these issues effectively.

More time, more thorough care

When you book a hygiene appointment, you receive dedicated time with a professional whose sole focus is your cleaning and gum health. There is no rushing to fit in other procedures. This means a more thorough clean, more time for questions, and more opportunity to discuss your home care routine.

Both Casey and Michelle use EMS Airflow technology in every surgery. This advanced system uses a combination of warm water, air and fine powder to remove staining and biofilm more gently and effectively than traditional scaling alone. It is particularly helpful for patients with sensitive teeth or those who find traditional cleans uncomfortable.

Two sets of expert eyes

Our team-based approach means you benefit from multiple perspectives on your oral health. During your hygiene appointment, Casey or Michelle will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums. If they notice anything that needs attention, such as early decay, a cracked filling or signs of gum disease, they will flag it for one of our dentists to review.

This collaborative model means potential issues are less likely to be missed. Dr Andrew Zischke and Dr Yi-Lin (James) Yang can then confirm findings and discuss treatment options with you. It is a second set of expert eyes looking after your smile.

Meet our hygienists

Casey Bonner is our Practice Manager and Dental Hygienist. You might see her at reception, on the phone, or in the clinic providing hygiene care. Casey takes time to explain what she is seeing and why it matters, which helps patients make informed decisions. She is especially skilled at helping anxious patients feel comfortable and takes things at a pace that suits you.

Michelle Keepers-Heath is passionate about prevention and believes small, consistent changes make a big difference to long-term oral health. She creates a relaxed, informative environment with plenty of time for questions. Michelle works closely with the dentists to support your treatment plan and help you maintain results between visits.

You can learn more about our team on the team page.

Better outcomes for everyone

Having dedicated hygienists also benefits patients who need treatment from a dentist. Because Casey and Michelle handle preventive care, Dr Andrew and Dr James can focus their time on more complex procedures like fillings, crowns, root canals and dental implants. This means shorter wait times when you need treatment and more availability for emergency appointments.

It is not about being "passed off" to someone else. It is about seeing the right professional for the right care. When you need a thorough clean and gum assessment, a hygienist is the expert for the job. When you need a filling or crown, that is where our dentists shine.

What to expect at your hygiene appointment

During a typical hygiene visit at Grange Road Dental, you can expect:

• A thorough examination of your teeth, gums and soft tissues
• Professional cleaning using EMS Airflow technology
• Removal of plaque, tartar and surface staining
• Personalised advice on brushing, flossing and home care
• Discussion of any concerns or areas that need attention

If it has been a while since your last clean, or you would like to experience the difference a dedicated hygienist makes, we would love to see you. Get in touch to book your next appointment.