How to Be Dental Hygiene Instructor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 26, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The importance of dental hygiene instruction is evident in the fact that it leads to a variety of positive outcomes. Studies have shown that proper dental hygiene instruction can lead to improved oral health, decreased incidence of cavities and gum disease, and even a longer lifespan. In addition, teaching children about dental hygiene can lead to better self-esteem and self-care, as well as improved social skills.

Furthermore, providing access to dental hygiene education can help reduce the costs associated with dental care, since proper instruction can help prevent costly dental procedures. Finally, teaching proper dental hygiene can also help spread awareness about the importance of oral health, which can help reduce the stigma associated with poor oral hygiene.

Steps How to Become

Obtain an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene. To become a dental hygiene instructor, you must first earn an associate degree in dental hygiene from an accredited dental hygiene program. This typically takes two years to complete, and includes courses on anatomy, dental materials, periodontics, pharmacology, and nutrition.
Get a Bachelors Degree. In order to be eligible for most teaching positions, you need to obtain a bachelors degree in dental hygiene or a related field. This typically takes four years to complete and includes courses on health promotion and education, research methods, and healthcare management.
Obtain Licensure. In order to work as a dental hygiene instructor, you must obtain a license from your states board of dentistry. To do this, you must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and fulfill other requirements such as completing continuing education credits.
Earn a Masters Degree. Most states require dental hygiene instructors to have a masters degree in order to teach at the college level. A masters degree typically takes two years to complete and involves courses on instructional design, curriculum development, teaching methods, and assessment techniques.
Obtain Teaching Experience. Most colleges require dental hygiene instructors to have teaching experience before they are hired. You can gain experience by teaching at a community college or by volunteering at a local dental clinic.
Apply for Jobs. Once you have all the requisite qualifications, you can begin applying for jobs as a dental hygiene instructor. You can search for job openings on job boards or websites such as Indeed and Monster.

Regular continuing education and training is essential for maintaining competence and staying up-to-date in the dental hygiene field. Participating in professional organizations and attending seminars, conferences, and workshops can help dental hygiene instructors stay informed on the latest trends and techniques. keeping abreast of new technology and reading trade magazines and journals related to the field are also important for staying current.

By continually engaging in professional development activities such as these, dental hygiene instructors can remain knowledgeable and proficient in their roles as educators. Consequently, students will benefit from their instructors expertise and be better equipped to provide quality care to their patients.

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Job Description

Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Teach dental hygiene theory and clinical skills in classroom, laboratory and/or clinical settings.
Develop and implement student assessment instruments and evaluation systems to measure student progress.
Develop lesson plans and deliver lectures to students.
Monitor and evaluate student progress in the clinical setting.
Advise students on academic and career matters.
Supervise and mentor students while they are in the clinical setting.
Coordinate clinical activities with other members of the dental team.
Ensure that clinical facilities and equipment meet safety standards.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of developments in the field of dental hygiene.
Participate in professional development activities to stay current with new developments in the field of dental hygiene.
Remain compliant with all accreditation standards for the program.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of dental anatomy and tooth morphology
Knowledge of the fundamentals of dental science
Understanding of dental hygiene theory and practice
Possess excellent communication skills
Ability to assess student knowledge and understanding
Knowledge of curriculum development and instruction
Ability to develop and deliver effective lesson plans
Knowledge of current trends in dental hygiene
Knowledge of patient education techniques
Ability to provide guidance and counseling to students
Demonstrate leadership skills
Possess strong organizational skills
Ability to maintain accurate records and reports
Expertise in the use of computers and other teaching technology
Ability to work cooperatively with faculty, staff, and students

Good communication is a key skill for any Dental Hygiene Instructor to have. Effective communication helps instructors to clearly explain concepts and procedures to their students and allows them to understand the material more fully. This, in turn, encourages students to ask questions and become more engaged in their learning.

the ability to actively listen to questions and feedback from students is important for an instructor to be able to adjust the lesson plans and accommodate for different learning styles. Having a good sense of empathy and understanding of the students needs is also important for an instructor to build relationships and create a positive learning environment. All of these skills are essential for a Dental Hygiene Instructor to succeed and provide quality instruction to their students.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a dental hygiene instructor?
How do you stay current with the latest developments in dental hygiene?
What strategies do you use to ensure your students have a comprehensive understanding of dental hygiene?
How do you motivate your students to stay engaged and interested in the subject?
Describe the approach you take to teaching dental hygiene concepts.
What challenges have you faced as a dental hygiene instructor and how did you overcome them?
How do you use feedback from students to improve your teaching methods?
What methods do you use to assess your students knowledge and skill?
What do you think sets you apart from other dental hygiene instructors?
How would you handle a student who is struggling to understand the material?

Common Tools in Industry

Ultrasonic Scaler. A handheld device used to remove calculus build up and perform root planing. (e. g. Cavitron Ultrasonic Scaler)
Air Polisher. An instrument used to polish and clean the surfaces of teeth. (e. g. Prophy-Jet Air Polisher)
Diagnostic Camera. A digital camera used to capture images of teeth and soft tissues for dental evaluation. (e. g. DEXIS Digital X-Ray System)
X-ray Machine. An imaging device used to take radiographs of the oral cavity. (e. g. DEXIS Digital X-Ray System)
Intraoral Camera. A device used to take close-up images of the mouth for diagnosis and treatment planning. (e. g. Kodak Intraoral Camera System)
Hand Instruments. Various instruments used to clean, diagnose and treat the teeth, gums and other hard and soft tissues in the mouth. (e. g. Gracey Curettes, Probe, Excavators)
Charts & Models. Visual aids used to demonstrate dental anatomy and conditions that may require treatment. (e. g. Dental Plaster Models, Tooth Charts)
Computer Software. Software programs used to store patient data and records, manage schedules and track billing information. (e. g. Dentrix Practice Management Software)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA)
American Academy of Dental Hygiene (AADH)
International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH)
National Dental Hygienists Association (NDHA)
American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA)
European Federation of Periodontology (EFP)
World Health Organization (WHO)
European Dental Hygienists Association (EDHA)
Academy of Dental Hygiene Research and Practice (ADHRP)

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Common Important Terms

Biofilm. A thin, slimy film of microorganisms that can form on teeth and other surfaces, causing tooth decay and gum disease.
Caries. A type of tooth decay caused by bacteria that can break down the enamel of the tooth, leading to cavities.
Plaque. A sticky, bacteria-filled substance that forms on teeth and gums, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
Gingivitis. Inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup, leading to redness and swelling.
Periodontal Disease. A progressive condition of the gums and tissues around the teeth caused by plaque buildup, leading to gum recession and tooth loss.
Fluoride. A mineral found naturally in water that helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening enamel and making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria.
X-ray. An imaging technique used to diagnose dental problems, such as cavities and impacted teeth.
Sealants. A protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent decay.
Prophylaxis. A professional dental cleaning used to remove plaque and tartar buildup, thus preventing cavities and gum disease.
Oral Hygiene. The practice of maintaining good oral health through regular brushing, flossing, and other preventive measures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to become a Dental Hygiene Instructor?

To become a Dental Hygiene Instructor, one must hold a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene and have at least two years of clinical experience.

What type of work does a Dental Hygiene Instructor perform?

Dental Hygiene Instructors are responsible for providing instruction to students in the field of dental hygiene. This includes teaching courses on topics such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, nutrition, radiology, and dental hygiene techniques.

What type of environment does a Dental Hygiene Instructor work in?

Dental Hygiene Instructors typically work in academic settings, such as universities, colleges, or technical schools. They also may be employed in clinical settings, such as private practices or hospitals.

What is the salary range for a Dental Hygiene Instructor?

The salary range for a Dental Hygiene Instructor can vary depending on experience, location, and other factors. Generally speaking, salaries range from $50,000 to $90,000 per year.

What other responsibilities do Dental Hygiene Instructors have?

In addition to teaching dental hygiene courses, Dental Hygiene Instructors may be responsible for developing curricula, assessing student performance, and providing mentorship and guidance to students. They may also be required to conduct research and perform administrative tasks such as record keeping and preparing reports.