Regular check-ups and cleanings Dr. St. Germain: Routine care that's anything but routine. At many dental offices, patients see only the hygienist for their "routine" cleanings two or three times a year - with the dentist viewing the patient's mouth for 60 seconds or less once a year. At Dr. St. Germain's practice, nothing is "routine." That's because Dr. St. Germain focuses on preventative care, which means he sees each patient individually, every time, as well as performing the Five-Point Preventative Exam.