Oftentimes the hygienist is the first producer in the dental office to meet and treat patients; they gather most of the diagnostic information before the dentist is introduced.  Patients trust their hygienists and oftentimes ask for their “advice” on proposed treatment.   It is therefore prudent that every hygienist recognize the signs and symptoms of the most undiagnosed problem in a patient’s mouth- OCCLUSAL DISEASE.  It is also important that every hygienist know and understand the terminology to be able to explain these issues to a patient in preparation for the doctor’s examination.