[Employment of a dental hygienist in Germany. 1. Experience and reminiscence of three decades].

Dental hygienists in most European countries and in America are highly qualified assistants to the dentist's daily professional life. Especially for long lasting achievements in periodontal therapy and maintenance, the hygienist's help is absolutely essential. All attempts to introduce a similar vocational reputation, as well as an adequate career training course throughout the Federal Republic have failed so far.