Aim of the study. To evaluate the opinion of odontologists concerning the need for oral hygienists in Kaunas. Methods. Odontologists, working privately and in public institutions, were asked to fill in the anonymous questionnaires. 216 questionnaires were distributed to odontologists and 200 odontologists responded (response rate 92,6%). The data was analysed by SPSS 11.0 for Windows statistical software. Chi square and z criterions were used to evaluate relations between the variables. Results. Almost all odontologists (94.5%) indicated that there is a need for oral hygienist, i.e., they would like to work together. However only 40.9% of them affirmed, that oral hygienists are full time employed in their institution. Majority of odontologists (87.3%) noted, that it is important to work with oral hygienist because of the better image and financial profit. When odontologist and oral hygienist started working together, patients’ health status of oral cavity improved, odontologist’s work became easier, and patients’ attitude towards the oral hygiene has changed. Comparison of the responses of odontologists, working privately and in public institutions, revealed that oral hygienists are employed almost in all public institutions (97%) and only in half of private offices (p<0.05). Expensive maintenance was indicated by private odontologists as the reason, why oral hygienists are not employed, therefore majority of odontologists (69.1%) perform oral hygiene by themselves. Private... [to full text]