What key factor should a dental hygienist consider before providing treatment?

A dental hygienist must prioritize the patient's overall health status and any contraindications for treatment before proceeding with any dental care. This consideration is critical because a patient's medical background can significantly impact the effectiveness and safety of the treatment provided. For example, certain health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or bleeding disorders, may require modifications to standard procedures or even pre-treatment protocols, like obtaining medical clearance or administering prophylactic antibiotics.

Understanding a patient's overall health can help in identifying potential risks and ensuring that treatments are performed safely. Specific contraindications could include allergies to materials that might be used during the treatment, which could lead to severe reactions if not properly assessed beforehand. Thus, evaluating health status is integral to establishing a safe and effective treatment plan tailored to the individual patient's needs.