Who is typically responsible for taking vital signs such as pulse rate and blood pressure?

In dental practice, the role of taking vital signs, including pulse rate and blood pressure, typically falls to the dental hygienist. This responsibility is integral to the comprehensive care that the hygienist provides, as they often conduct a thorough assessment of the patient’s overall health prior to dental treatments. The ability to monitor vital signs is essential, as it helps to identify any potential health concerns that may affect dental procedures or indicate the need for further medical evaluation.

Dental hygienists are trained to understand how a patient's systemic health can influence oral health, and they are prepared to assess these vital signs as part of their routine clinical duties. This task ensures that any health risks are identified early, allowing for informed decision-making during dental care.

While registered dental assistants and licensed dental assistants also play significant roles in patient care and may assist in taking vital signs in some practices, the dental hygienist is specifically trained and expected to perform this task as part of their scope of practice. General dentists typically focus on diagnosis and treatment, delegating the responsibility of taking vital signs to auxiliary staff like hygienists or dental assistants.