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

Sep 16, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The lack of proper dental hygiene can lead to a variety of dental health issues, such as cavities and gum disease. Cavities occur when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that eat away at the enamel of the teeth. Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth and gums, which can cause the gums to become inflamed and infected.

Without proper brushing and flossing, these issues can worsen over time and cause discomfort and pain. To prevent such dental health issues, it is important to brush and floss regularly and visit the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. it is important to use a fluoride toothpaste, avoid sugary foods, and limit acidic beverages.

Taking these steps can help maintain dental health and reduce the risk of dental health issues.

Steps How to Become

Complete a High School Education. Before you can become a dental hygienist, you must first complete a high school education or the equivalent. Depending on the state you live in, you may need to obtain a high school diploma or a GED.
Obtain an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene. To become a dental hygienist, you must obtain an associate degree in dental hygiene. This typically takes two to three years to complete. During your studies, you will learn about dental anatomy, oral pathology, nutrition and other topics related to the profession.
Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. After you have completed your associate degree, you must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. This comprehensive test covers many areas of dental hygiene, such as oral anatomy, pharmacology and periodontology.
Obtain Licensure. In order to practice as a dental hygienist, you must obtain licensure from the state in which you will be practicing. Each state has its own licensing requirements, which may include passing a practical exam, completing a certain number of clinical hours and/or passing a written exam.
Consider Continuing Education. Once you have become a licensed dental hygienist, you may want to consider continuing your education. There are many opportunities to pursue advanced degrees or certifications in order to increase your expertise and knowledge base.

Good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining a healthy, attractive smile. Neglecting even basic hygiene habits can lead to a variety of dental problems, including cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. To ensure good oral hygiene and avoid these unpleasant consequences, it is essential to keep up with regular brushing, flossing and visits to the dentist.

Brushing twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is recommended to remove plaque and food particles from the teeth and gums. Flossing between the teeth is also important to remove plaque and food particles that brushing cant reach. Visiting the dentist regularly (at least twice a year) allows the dentist to monitor your oral health, detect potential problems early, and provide professional cleaning to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Following these simple steps can help prevent dental problems and keep your smile looking great.

You may want to check Orthodontic Billing and Coding Specialist, Aesthetician, and Prosthodontist for alternative.

Job Description

Examine patients' teeth and gums and diagnose oral health conditions
Take x-rays of patients' teeth and examine x-ray films for abnormalities
Clean and polish teeth, using cleaning and polishing instruments
Apply preventive materials to teeth, such as sealants and fluorides
Educate patients on proper oral hygiene, including diet, brushing, flossing and the use of fluoride
Remove deposits (calculus) and stains from teeth with scalers, curettes and other instruments
Place fillings and other restorative materials as directed by dentist
Prepare dental materials such as amalgam, composite, plaster and gypsum products
Remove sutures, fix temporary crowns and perform other minor oral surgery
Perform other related duties as assigned by dentist

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of dental anatomy and periodontal diseases.
Knowledge of dental materials, instruments, and laboratory techniques.
Ability to apply preventive and therapeutic measures in clinical practice.
Ability to perform basic dental hygiene procedures including scaling, polishing, and root planing.
Knowledge of infection control procedures.
Strong oral communication skills.
Ability to educate patients on oral hygiene practices and preventive care.
Knowledge of dental software systems for patient records and scheduling.
Good manual dexterity for working with small objects and instruments.
Ability to work collaboratively with other dental professionals.

Good oral hygiene is essential for overall health, and a hygienist plays a key role in helping patients maintain it. The most important skill for a hygienist to have is effective communication. By communicating clearly with patients, a hygienist can assess the patient's needs, educate them about dental hygiene, and explain the importance of proper oral hygiene for their overall health.

Good communication also helps to build trust between the patient and the hygienist, which helps to ensure that the patient is compliant with the hygienist's instructions. a good hygienist must have excellent observational skills in order to assess the patient's oral health and identify any issues or concerns. This can help to prevent long-term dental problems and ensure that the patient is receiving the best possible treatment.

Finally, a hygienist should also have strong organizational skills in order to keep accurate records and stay on top of their daily tasks. By having these skills, a hygienist can effectively provide quality care to their patients and help them maintain good oral health.

Pediatric Dentist, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist, and Denturist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the field of dental hygiene?
How do you remain up-to-date on the latest developments in dental hygiene?
Tell me about a time when you provided exceptional patient care.
What challenges have you encountered in your previous dental hygiene positions and how did you overcome them?
Can you describe a time when you had to take initiative in order to solve a problem?
What strategies do you employ when educating patients about oral health?
How do you handle difficult patients or situations?
What is your experience with using digital x-rays and other dental technology?
What do you think makes a successful hygienist?
How do you ensure that work is completed efficiently and accurately?

Common Tools in Industry

Ultrasonic Scaler. Used to remove hardened plaque and calculus from teeth surfaces. (eg: Cavitron)
Prophy Angles. Used to polish teeth with fluoride paste. (eg: Gracey Curettes)
Air Polisher. Used to clean and polish teeth with a jet of air and fine powder particles. (eg: Air Flow)
Flossing Tools. Used to remove plaque and food debris from between the teeth. (eg: Dental Floss)
X-ray Machine. Used to take radiographs of the teeth and supporting structures for diagnosis. (eg: Kodak RVG 6100)
Hand Instruments. Used to remove plaque, calculus, and soft tissues from the mouth. (eg: Explorers, Scalers, Curettes)
Toothbrushes. Used to clean the teeth and remove plaque. (eg: Oral B Pro 1000 Electric Toothbrush)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Dental Association (ADA)
Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
American Association of Dental Hygienists (AADH)
American Academy of Periodontology (AAP)
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)
American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (AAOMR)
American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
American Board of Dental Examiners (ABDE)
American College of Prosthodontists (ACP)

We also have Orthodontics Insurance Coordinator, Orthodontics Practice Manager, and Orthodontic Clinical Supervisor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Dental Assistant. A healthcare professional who provides support for dentists during procedures and helps with clerical duties.
Dental Hygienist. A healthcare professional who specializes in the prevention of oral diseases and the promotion of good oral health.
Periodontics. A specialty of dentistry that focuses on treating diseases of the gums and supporting structures of teeth.
Prosthodontics. A specialty of dentistry that focuses on the replacement and restoration of teeth and other oral structures.
Endodontics. A specialty of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp and root canal systems.
Oral Surgery. A specialty of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects of the mouth, jaws, and face.
Orthodontics. A specialty of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of malocclusions (improper bites) and other irregularities of the teeth and jaws.
Pedodontics. A specialty of dentistry focused on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental issues in children.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a dental hygienist?

A dental hygienist is a healthcare professional who is responsible for providing preventive and educational dental services, such as teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants. They may also provide additional services, such as taking x-rays and diagnosing oral diseases.

How many years of schooling is required to become a dental hygienist?

To become a dental hygienist, you must have a minimum of an associate degree in dental hygiene, which typically takes two to three years to complete.

What type of license is required to practice as a dental hygienist?

In order to practice as a dental hygienist, you must obtain a license from the state in which you wish to practice. Generally, this requires the completion of an accredited dental hygiene program and passing a written and practical exam.

What is the average salary for a dental hygienist?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for dental hygienists in 2019 was $76,220.

What is the job outlook for dental hygienists?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of dental hygienists is expected to grow 7% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.

Web Resources

What Does a Dental Hygienist Do? | Role & Job Description www.herzing.edu
Dental Hygienist - Illinois Central College - icc.edu icc.edu
How to Become a Dental Hygienist: Career Guide - San Joaquin Valley www.sjvc.edu