What essential data must a dental hygienist collect in a health care facility?

The essential data that a dental hygienist must collect in a health care facility is a patient's medical history. A thorough medical history is critical as it helps the hygienist to understand any underlying health conditions, allergies, medications, and previous dental treatments that could affect the patient's care. This information is vital for ensuring patient safety during dental procedures and for creating an effective, individualized treatment plan.

While details about insurance coverage, a patient's preferred treatment, and oral hygiene habits are important, they do not take precedence over the necessity of knowing a patient's medical history. Insurance details are typically managed by administrative staff, treatment preferences can be discussed but should not override medical safety considerations, and oral hygiene habits provide helpful context for care but don’t encompass the broader health implications the medical history covers. Collecting the patient's medical history allows a dental hygienist to identify potential risks and manage care effectively, making it a fundamental aspect of practice in a health care facility.