At the Hořovice Hospital we are expanding our dental outpatient clinics to include dental hygiene, a part of preventive dental care. One of the hygienists is Viktorie Vlasáková, DiS.
How many patients seek your help?
We opened an outpatient clinic at Hořovice Hospital in mid-September, so we cannot yet assess how much interest there will be from patients. I have a practice in Pilsen, Prague. There, there was a great interest in dental hygiene, people in the area came for treatment regularly.
Who seeks dental hygiene? Is a request from a doctor necessary?
Patients usually come on the recommendation of their dentist, but there are also people who take prevention very seriously and come on their own initiative. In my opinion, everyone should visit a dental hygiene clinic, even if it is just for prevention, because you will never clean your teeth the way a dental hygienist does.
How does the first visit work?
The first visit lasts around 60 minutes, during which time we brief the patient on the course of the consultation. An examination of the current state of the mouth takes place. We then alert the client to findings, with the most common being periodontal disease, gingivitis. We agree on the next course of treatment or come up with an immediate treatment. After the treatment comes instruction on proper brushing, explaining the motivation behind why certain cleaning procedures are preferable, and selecting the right tools for cleaning the teeth, from toothbrush to interdental floss.
How frequent are the visits then?
It always depends on the patient's condition. Mostly it also depends on the patient's personal attitude and responsibility. For some people, one visit a year is enough, for others, the severity of the condition means that they have to visit the dental hygienist several times. What is most important is setting up the right treatment process, which is often done in cooperation with the dentist.
What are the most common problems you encounter in the dental office?
Mostly periodontal disease, gingivitis. Then, of course, patients also come in to improve the aesthetic appearance of their teeth and want to whiten their teeth, for example.
What are some of the most basic aids to good dental hygiene?
In my opinion, the essential tools are a manual toothbrush, an interdental brush, dental floss and a single-bristle toothbrush. All aids are available in the hospital pharmacy. We in the outpatient clinic can show you the most suitable ones and demonstrate their proper use, either on a model or directly in your mouth. We also encourage patients to bring their toothbrush to their first consultation to discuss its proper use.
Treatment by a dental hygienist is not fully covered by health insurance. How much does dental hygiene cost in the hospital?
The price list is up-to-date on the hospital's website, an initial visit with a dental hygienist costs CZK 1,300, a follow-up visit costs CZK 700, aesthetic treatments include teeth sanding and re-polishing, which costs CZK 400, and teeth whitening costs CZK 4,800. Appointments can be made via the hospital's website or by calling the reception on 311 559 650 or 311 555 000.
