How to Be Clinical Hygienist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Clinical hygienists play an important role in a patient's overall oral health. By performing regular cleanings, they can help prevent cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. This, in turn, helps reduce the risk of other health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Clinical hygienists are also trained to detect signs of oral cancer and provide instruction on proper oral hygiene techniques, such as brushing and flossing. In addition, they provide preventive services such as dental sealants and fluoride treatments to help protect teeth from decay. By taking these steps, clinical hygienists can help promote a lifetime of good oral health for patients.

Steps How to Become

  1. Earn a Degree. To become a clinical hygienist, you must first earn an associate's degree in dental hygiene from an accredited college or university.
  2. Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. After completing your degree, you must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination in order to obtain your license.
  3. Obtain a License. Once you have passed the exam, you must obtain a dental hygiene license from the state in which you plan to practice clinical hygiene.
  4. Complete Clinical Experience. Most states require that clinical hygienists complete at least one year of supervised clinical experience prior to practicing independently.
  5. Participate in Continuing Education. As a clinical hygienist, you must participate in continuing education courses in order to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and developments in the field.
  6. Consider Specialization. Clinical hygienists can specialize in areas such as pediatric dentistry, periodontics, or public health. Depending on your interests, you may choose to pursue additional training and certification in one of these specialties.

Poor oral hygiene can lead to a number of dental and health problems. Without regular brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up on teeth, leading to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. These conditions can cause pain, infection, and can even lead to more serious health issues, such as heart disease and stroke.

To maintain reliable and efficient oral hygiene, it is important to brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit a dentist regularly for professional cleanings. limiting sugary drinks and snacks can help reduce the risk of cavities and other dental problems. By following these simple steps, individuals can keep their mouths healthy and have the confidence that comes with a clean and healthy smile.

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Job Description

  1. Perform dental prophylaxis (cleanings)
  2. Examine oral cavity for signs of periodontal disease, caries, and other abnormalities
  3. Take and develop x-rays
  4. Record medical and dental histories
  5. Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques
  6. Provide preventive services such as fluoride treatments and sealants
  7. Make impressions of teeth for study models
  8. Administer local anesthesia
  9. Remove calculus (tartar) and plaque
  10. Perform periodontal scaling and root planing
  11. Place and remove temporary restorations
  12. Polish and finish amalgam restorations
  13. Monitor patients for adverse reactions to medications, dental materials, and treatments
  14. Provide postoperative instructions to patients

Skills and Competencies to Have

  1. Knowledge of oral anatomy, physiology, and pathology
  2. Knowledge of dental materials, instruments, and equipment
  3. Ability to use hand instruments, ultrasonic scaling devices, and other dental hygiene equipment
  4. Ability to apply preventive techniques, such as fluoride treatments and sealants
  5. Knowledge of dental x-rays and radiation safety
  6. Knowledge of local anesthesia administration and pain control techniques
  7. Knowledge of infection control procedures
  8. Ability to take medical histories and assess patients for periodontal disease
  9. Ability to educate patients about proper oral hygiene techniques
  10. Ability to communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals
  11. Ability to maintain accurate patient records
  12. Ability to follow instructions and adhere to safety protocols
  13. Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and other applicable laws governing the practice of dental hygiene

Good communication skills are essential for clinical hygienists to succeed in their profession. Clinical hygienists must be able to clearly explain treatment plans and care instructions to patients, while also listening attentively to their concerns and inquiries. Being able to establish a good rapport with patients is crucial to ensure that they feel comfortable and confident in their care.

clinical hygienists must have strong organizational skills to manage their time and keep accurate records of patient visits. They must also be aware of the latest developments in dental hygiene and be able to apply them in their practice. Without these skills, it can be difficult for clinical hygienists to provide the best possible care for their patients.

As a result, having strong communication, organizational, and knowledge-based skills are essential for clinical hygienists to do their job effectively and provide quality care for their patients.

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Frequent Interview Questions

  • What experience do you have as a clinical hygienist?
  • What challenges have you faced in clinical hygiene?
  • How do you stay current with new developments in the field of clinical hygiene?
  • How do you interact with patients to ensure their comfort during a dental visit?
  • What strategies do you use to motivate patients to maintain good oral hygiene?
  • How do you handle difficult or uncomfortable conversations with patients?
  • What techniques do you use to ensure accuracy and safety when performing dental procedures?
  • How do you prioritize patient care when working in a busy clinic?
  • Describe a recent case that you found particularly challenging to treat.
  • What do you believe sets you apart as a clinical hygienist?

Common Tools in Industry

  1. Ultrasonic Scaler. An instrument used to remove plaque and calculus from teeth (e. g. Cavitron Ultra Sonic Scaler).
  2. Prophy Jet. A device used to blast off and remove stains from teeth (e. g. Air-Flow Prophy Jet).
  3. X-Ray Machine. A device used to take X-rays of teeth and the surrounding area (e. g. Carestream Digital X-Ray Machine).
  4. Cavitron. A hand-held instrument used to perform deep scaling of teeth (e. g. Cavitron Ultrasonic Scaler).
  5. Air Polisher. A device used to polish teeth, remove surface stains and prepare enamel for bonding (e. g. Cavitron Plus Air Polisher).
  6. Intraoral Camera. A device used to take close-up pictures of teeth and gums (e. g. Carestream Intraoral Camera).
  7. Water Flosser. A device used to remove plaque and debris from between teeth using a stream of water (e. g. Waterpik Water Flosser).
  8. Dental Hand Instruments. A variety of tools used for scraping, cleaning and polishing teeth (e. g. Hu-Friedy Dental Hand Instruments).

Professional Organizations to Know

  1. American Dental Hygienists' Association
  2. American Academy of Periodontology
  3. International Federation of Dental Hygienists
  4. Academy of Dental Hygiene
  5. British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy
  6. Canadian Dental Hygienists Association
  7. Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapists Association
  8. European Federation of Periodontology
  9. World Federation of Periodontology
  10. International Association for Dental Research

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Common Important Terms

  1. Prophylaxis. A dental cleaning procedure that involves removing plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth.
  2. Periodontal Disease. A chronic inflammatory condition of the gums and other supporting structures of the teeth that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
  3. Scaling and Root Planing. A deep cleaning procedure that involves removing plaque and calculus from the root surfaces of teeth.
  4. Fluoride Treatment. A preventive dental treatment that helps to strengthen teeth and reduce the risk of decay.
  5. Dental X-Ray. An imaging technique used to identify problems inside the teeth and jawbone.
  6. Oral Hygiene Education. A process of teaching patients how to properly brush, floss and care for their teeth and gums.
  7. Nutritional Counseling. An approach to improving dental health through dietary and lifestyle changes.
  8. Sealants. A thin, plastic coating applied to molars to help prevent decay.
  9. Tobacco Cessation Counseling. A process of assisting patients with quitting smoking or using other forms of tobacco.
  10. Geriatric Dental Care. Dental care specifically designed for elderly patients with special needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tasks do Clinical Hygienists typically perform?

Clinical Hygienists typically perform tasks such as teeth cleaning, dental exams, taking x-rays, applying sealants, and providing preventive care advice.

How long does it typically take to become a Clinical Hygienist?

It typically takes two to three years of study to become a Clinical Hygienist. This includes earning an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene.

How much does a Clinical Hygienist earn?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Clinical Hygienists earn an average annual salary of $74,820.

What skills are needed to become a Clinical Hygienist?

To become a Clinical Hygienist, one must possess strong communication skills, have knowledge of dental anatomy and procedures, and be detail-oriented.

What is the job outlook for Clinical Hygienists?

The job outlook for Clinical Hygienists is positive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of Clinical Hygienists will grow by 11 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.

Web Resources

  • Clinical - Dental Hygiene/Hygienist (DHYG 2261) - Lamar Institute … www.lit.edu
  • What Does a Dental Hygienist Do? | Role & Job Description www.herzing.edu
  • What Does a Dental Hygienist Do? | University of Bridgeport www.bridgeport.edu
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