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

Oct 10, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Dental hygiene is an important part of overall health and wellbeing. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental issues such as gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss. It can also cause long-term systemic health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Receiving regular preventive care from a licensed dental hygienist is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. During a visit to the hygienist, they will provide an oral exam, clean the teeth, and offer advice on proper brushing and flossing techniques. They may also discuss diet and lifestyle changes that can improve oral health.

Regular visits to the hygienist will help prevent dental issues, leading to better overall health and reduced medical costs.

Steps How to Become

Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. High school students interested in becoming a dental hygienist should focus on taking courses in health, science, and mathematics.
Obtain an associate degree in dental hygiene. Most states require that dental hygienists have at least an associate degree in dental hygiene from an accredited institution. An associate degree typically takes two to three years to complete.
Get licensed. Dental hygienists must be licensed in the state in which they practice. Requirements vary by state, but typically include passing a written and/or clinical examination.
Maintain licensure. To maintain licensure, dental hygienists may need to complete continuing education courses throughout their career.
Consider earning a bachelors degree. Many dental hygienists choose to earn a bachelors degree in the field, which can open up opportunities for advancement and higher salaries.

Dental hygienists must stay up to date with the latest advancements in the field in order to remain qualified. This can be achieved by taking continuing education courses, attending seminars and conferences, and researching new technologies in the field. By doing so, they can stay informed on changes in techniques, procedures, and materials used in dental hygiene.

they may need to become certified in specific areas such as periodontal care, sedation and anesthesia, or dental hygiene education. Keeping updated and qualified helps dental hygienists maintain their knowledge and provides patients with the best quality of care and service.

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Job Description

Provide preventative oral health care services such as cleaning teeth and applying sealants
Educate and motivate patients on proper oral hygiene practices
Examine patients teeth and gums to detect signs of oral disease and provide treatment recommendations
Take and develop dental radiographs (x-rays)
Record and review patient medical histories
Provide fluoride treatments and other preventive treatments
Remove calculus, plaque, and stains from teeth
Apply topical anesthetics to gums or cavity-preventive agents to teeth
Administer local anesthetics to control pain during dental procedures
Fabricate temporary restorations or custom mouth trays
Consult with dentists in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of patients
Maintain patient records such as charting and filing insurance forms

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of dental anatomy, physiology, and pathology
Knowledge of dental materials and instrumentation
Ability to take and interpret dental radiographs
Ability to identify abnormalities in the oral cavity
Ability to explain oral hygiene procedures to patients
Ability to perform scaling and root planing
Ability to provide oral health education to patients
Ability to select and apply preventive materials
Ability to document patient treatment
Ability to use computer software for patient records management
Knowledge of basic periodontal treatment techniques
Knowledge of local anesthetics and other pharmacological agents
Knowledge of medical emergencies and the ability to respond appropriately
Knowledge of legal regulations pertaining to dental hygiene practice

Good dental hygiene is essential for maintaining a healthy mouth and smile. Poor dental hygiene can cause serious issues such as cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and tooth loss. Dental hygienists play a critical role in helping people maintain good oral health.

To be a successful dental hygienist, strong communication skills are essential. They must be able to clearly explain oral health topics to patients and their families, as well as build positive relationships. Interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with others are also important.

Hygienists must have excellent organizational and time management skills in order to keep track of appointments and stay on schedule. In addition, a basic understanding of dental anatomy and an ability to use dental instruments are required. Above all, a commitment to providing high-quality patient care is essential.

With the right combination of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills, a dental hygienist can help people enjoy better oral health.

Dental Biller, Dental Equipment Repair Technician, and Dental Scheduling Coordinator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in dental hygiene?
What motivated you to become a dental hygienist?
How do you approach educating patients about dental health?
How do you handle challenging situations with patients?
What techniques do you use to help patients relax during their dental visits?
Describe your experience working with different types of dental equipment.
How do you prioritize tasks while working in a busy dental office?
Describe your experience using digital technology in a dental setting.
What do you believe are the most important skills for a successful dental hygienist?
What challenges have you faced as a dental hygienist and how did you overcome them?

Common Tools in Industry

Ultrasonic Scaler. Used to remove plaque and tartar from teeth. (e. g. Cavitron)
Air Polisher. Used to clean and polish teeth surfaces. (e. g. Prophy Jet)
X-Ray Machine. Used to produce detailed images of the mouth and teeth. (e. g. Panoramic X-Ray)
Saliva Ejector. Used to remove saliva during dental procedures. (e. g. Saliva-Eze)
Hand Scaler. Manual tool used to scrape tartar and plaque from teeth. (e. g. Gracey Curette)
Periodontal Probe. Used to measure pocket depth around the tooth and to detect gum disease. (e. g. Williams Probe)
Floss Threaders. Used to help the hygienist floss in hard to reach areas of the mouth. (e. g. Sunstar Flossers)
Mirror. Used to help the hygienist inspect the mouth for signs of cavities or other problems. (e. g. Dental Mirror)
Prophy Cup. Used to polish teeth with tooth polishing paste or prophy paste to remove stains and give a brighter smile. (e. g. Triple A Prophy Cup)
Dental Care Kit. A set of tools used for daily oral care, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss. (e. g. Colgate Dental Care Kit)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA)
European Federation of Periodontology (EFP)
Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA)
World Dental Hygienists Association (WDHA)
International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH)
Academy of Dental Hygiene (ADH)
British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT)
Australian Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA)
National Dental Hygiene Certification Board (NDHCB)
American Society for Dental Hygiene (ASDH)

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Common Important Terms

Tooth Decay. The destruction of tooth enamel caused by acid-producing bacteria, leading to cavities.
Plaque. A sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and can lead to tooth decay.
Tartar. A hard substance that forms on teeth when plaque is not removed and allowed to harden.
Periodontal Disease. A severe form of gum disease caused by bacterial infection in the gums.
Flossing. The act of cleaning between the teeth to remove plaque and other debris.
X-rays. Radiographic images used to detect dental problems such as cavities, periodontal disease, and other issues.
Prophylaxis. A type of professional dental cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from teeth.
Oral Health. The overall health of the mouth, including the teeth, gums, and tongue.
Fluoride Treatment. A topical application of fluoride to strengthen teeth and prevent decay.
Sealant. A thin coating applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth to protect against decay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary of a Dental Hygienist?

The average salary of a Dental Hygienist in the United States is $72,330 per year.

What qualifications are required to become a Dental Hygienist?

To become a Dental Hygienist, individuals must have an associate's or bachelor's degree in dental hygiene, complete a state-approved licensure program, and pass a written and clinical exam.

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

It typically takes two to four years to become a Dental Hygienist.

What are some of the duties of a Dental Hygienist?

The duties of a Dental Hygienist include cleaning patients' teeth, taking X-rays, educating patients on proper oral hygiene, and applying fluoride and sealants.