A ental hygienist is a licensed dental auxiliary who specializes in preventive dental care, typically, but not limited to, focusing on techniques in oral hygiene. Local dental regulations determine the duties hygienists are able to perform. In most jurisdictions, hygienists work for a dentist, and some are licensed to administer restricted techniques of local anesthesia. Common procedures performed by hygienists include cleaning, scaling and root planing, radiography, and dental sealing.