Documentation is a critical aspect of dental hygiene practice and ensures continuity of care, legal protection, and accuracy in medical records. After a dental hygienist performs a procedure, it is essential to document each step in the patient's medical records. This includes noting the specifics of the treatment performed, any observations made about the patient's condition, and any instructions provided to the patient for aftercare. Proper documentation supports effective communication among healthcare providers and helps maintain a comprehensive health record for the patient.
While other activities such as charging the patient, notifying the dentist, or scheduling a follow-up might be relevant in a clinical setting, they are secondary to the foundational requirement of accurate and complete documentation. This ensures that all relevant information concerning the patient's treatment is recorded systematically for future reference and co-management of care.