Hygienist
/haɪˈdʒiː.nɪst/noun
A professional who specializes in promoting or maintaining health and cleanliness, especially oral health.
Did you know?The word ultimately invokes Hygieia, the Greek goddess of health and prevention, whose name also gave English hygiene.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ὑγιής (hugiēs)
“Healthy, sound, or in good condition”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Ὑγίεια (Hygieia)
“Health; also the name of the goddess associated with health and prevention”
19th Century
French
hygiène
“The practice of preserving health through cleanliness and preventive care”
19th Century
English
hygiene
“Conditions or practices that promote health”
19th Century
English
hygienist
“A person specializing in hygiene, later especially dental hygiene”