Rhonda J. Schwalbe

Dental Therapist

Ms. Rhonda J. Schwalbe is a Dental Therapist in Virginia, MN with special training and skill in restorative and preventative dental care. As a Dental Therapist, Rhonda J. Schwalbe performs dental care in isolated or underserved communities. Dental Therapy is the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of dental conditions under the supervision of a dentist. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Dental Therapists include dental plaque, gum disease, tooth injuries, and tooth decay. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Dental Therapists include imaging tests, routine cleanings, dental appliance creation, delivery of local anesthetic, cavity fillings, temporary crowns, and the extraction of baby or diseased teeth.

A Dental Therapist is an individual who has completed an accredited or non-accredited dental therapy program and who has been authorized by the relevant state board or a tribal entity to provide services within the scope of their practice under the supervision of a dentist. Functions that may be delegated to the dental therapist vary based on the needs of the dentist, the educational preparation of the dental therapist and state dental practice acts and regulations.

Dental Hygienist

An individual who has completed an accredited dental hygiene education program, and an individual who has been licensed by a state board of dental examiners to provide preventive care services under the supervision of a dentist. Functions that may be legally delegated to the dental hygienist vary based on the needs of the dentist, the educational preparation of the dental hygienist and state dental practice acts and regulations, but always include, at a minimum, scaling and polishing the teeth. To avoid misleading the public, no occupational title other than dental hygienist should be used to describe this dental auxiliary.