Did you know that a healthy mouth is integral to keep us healthy? A dental hygienist plays a very important role in looking after our teeth. A dental hygienist works with you to help keep your mouth healthy and to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. When compared to a dentist or orthodontist, a dental hygienist primarily works to treat minor oral health conditions. In the office, they also perform the cleaning procedure and apply treatments to the teeth. This can include fluoride treatment, sealing cracks in the teeth, and giving advice to patients.