Dental Hygienists are registered health professionals who contribute to overall health. They are regulated by the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario. There is a tendency to think of the dental hygienist simply as the person who cleans your teeth and teaches you how to brush and floss. Although this is true, it is only part of the story. In helping to attain and maintain optimum oral health, dental hygienists provide a process of care that involves assessing the oral condition, planning the treatment, implementing the plan and evaluating the success. As members of the oral health care team, they are responsible for professional treatment that helps prevent periodontal disease (gum disease) and dental caries (cavities).