The dental hygiene process of care has five steps:

• Assessing the patient: This includes, but is not limited to, a full review of the patient's medical history, necessary x-rays to be taken, a clinical exam, and a periodontal assessment by probing and exploring areas of the patients mouth. During this stage a thorough documentation must be implemented.

• Dental hygiene diagnosis: Assessing of data pertaining to a client's condition/state in terms that will help identify problems so as to lead to a professional treatment plan/ therapies. The final diagnosis of disease and/or treatments solely lies with jurisdiction and/or approval granted by the doctor.

• Planning: creating a sequential treatment plan for the patient. The treatment plan will vary based on the patient's immediate needs.

• Implementation: Carrying out the plan timely and effectively keeping a strong data base.

• Evaluation: Determining the effectiveness of the treatment plan that was administered. If ineffective a complete evaluation on how to approach the patient's needs differently

Over a period of months or years a dental hygienist may evaluate their clients conditions several times, altering the diagnosis and plan as the client's condition changes.