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

Jun 1, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of negative effects on a persons health. Without regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the oral hygienist, plaque can accumulate in the mouth. This leads to increased bacteria, which can cause cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.

In addition, bad breath, or halitosis, is a common side effect of poor oral hygiene. Left untreated, oral health problems such as these can result in more serious issues such as tooth loss and even systemic diseases like heart or kidney disease. To avoid this, it is essential to practice good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting an oral hygienist for regular check-ups.

An oral hygienist is an important part of a persons oral health care team, as they are trained to identify early signs of tooth decay and gum disease and recommend treatments to prevent further damage. Regular visits to an oral hygienist also help to ensure that any existing problems are being adequately treated.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. To become an oral hygienist, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete an Oral Hygiene Program. After graduating high school, you must then obtain an accredited degree from an oral hygiene program. This program typically takes two to three years to complete and includes courses such as dental anatomy, physiology, nutrition, pathology, radiography, pharmacology and periodontology.
Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. After completing the oral hygiene program, you must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination administered by the American Dental Association.
Obtain Licensure. In order to legally practice as an oral hygienist, you must obtain licensure in the state you wish to practice in. Each state has its own requirements for licensure, so be sure to check with your state's board of dentistry for specific information.
Consider Advanced Certifications. To further your career as an oral hygienist, you may decide to pursue advanced certifications in areas such as local anesthesia, nitrous oxide and dental sealants.
Maintain Professional Membership and Licensure. To stay current in the field of oral hygiene, staying active in professional organizations and maintaining your licensure is important. This will ensure that you are up-to-date on the latest trends and technology in the field.

Maintaining competency and staying up to date as an oral hygienist is essential for providing quality care to patients. It is important for hygienists to keep up with the latest research, technology, and techniques so that they can give the best possible care. Taking continuing education courses, attending conferences, and subscribing to professional journals are all effective ways to stay informed.

In addition, networking with other hygienists and dental professionals can be beneficial in keeping up with the changing trends and regulations in the field. By keeping up with the latest developments and techniques, oral hygienists can ensure they are providing the highest level of care to their patients.

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Job Description

Perform professional dental cleanings
Take and develop dental X-rays
Evaluate the condition of patients teeth and gums
Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques
Perform sealant and fluoride treatments
Remove plaque and calculus
Apply preventive materials to teeth such as sealants and fluorides
Fabricate temporary crowns and bridges
Provide instruction on diet, brushing, flossing, and other oral hygiene techniques
Place, carve, and finish restorations

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of oral anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of dental materials and instruments
Knowledge of dental disease prevention and treatment
Ability to effectively and efficiently use dental equipment
Ability to provide patient education on proper oral hygiene techniques
Ability to perform professional oral hygiene procedures, including scaling, polishing, and fluoride treatments
Ability to take intra-oral radiographs
Knowledge of infection control protocols
Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations governing dental hygiene practice
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Good oral hygiene is essential for good health and overall wellbeing. By practicing good oral hygiene, one can help to reduce the risk of plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth, which can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. A key component of practicing good oral hygiene is visiting a professional Oral Hygienist.

Oral Hygienists are specially trained to provide preventive and therapeutic treatments for the teeth, gums and mouth. They can provide advice and instruction on proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as perform professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup. In addition, they may also take x-rays, diagnose oral diseases, and perform treatments such as sealants, fillings, and root planing.

By visiting an Oral Hygienist regularly, one can help to prevent oral health problems before they become serious, as well as maintain healthy teeth and gums.

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Frequent Interview Questions

How would you explain the importance of oral hygiene to a patient?
What techniques do you use when cleaning a patients teeth?
How do you ensure patient comfort during a dental cleaning procedure?
What experience do you have in educating patients about proper oral health practices?
How do you handle difficult or challenging patients?
Describe a time when you had to take initiative to ensure the quality of dental services.
What experience do you have working with dental instruments?
In what ways do you stay up to date with advances in dental care?
How would you handle a situation in which a patient was not compliant with your instructions?
What safety protocols do you follow when performing dental procedures?

Common Tools in Industry

Oral Irrigators. these are tools used to flush out plaque and food particles from the teeth and gums. Example: Waterpik Ultra Water Flosser.
Electric Toothbrushes. These are motorized toothbrushes that help remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gums. Example: Oral-B Pro 1000 Electric Toothbrush.
Interdental Brushes. These brushes are designed to reach in between teeth and help remove plaque and food particles. Example: Reach Access Flosser Interdental Brush.
Tongue Scrapers. These tools help remove bacteria from the tongue and help freshen breath. Example: Dr. Tungs Tongue Cleaner.
Flossers. These are tools designed to help floss hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. Example: Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Comfort Plus Flossers.

Professional Organizations to Know

American Dental Hygienists' Association
American Academy of Oral Hygiene
National Dental Hygienists Association
Canadian Dental Hygienists Association
World Federation of Dental Hygienists
International Federation of Dental Hygienists
European Federation of Periodontology
Academy of Laser Dentistry
American Academy of Periodontology
International Association for Dental Research

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Common Important Terms

Plaque. A sticky, colorless film of bacteria that accumulates on the teeth, causing tooth decay and gum disease.
Flossing. The act of using dental floss to clean between teeth and along the gum line.
Tartar. Hardened plaque that forms on the teeth over time and is more difficult to remove than plaque.
X-rays. Imaging technique used to examine the teeth and bones in the jaw area.
Prophylaxis. A professional cleaning of the teeth performed by a dental hygienist to remove plaque and tartar.
Fluoride Treatment. A procedure performed by a dental hygienist to apply a fluoride solution to the teeth in order to strengthen them and prevent tooth decay.
Scaling. The process of using an ultrasonic scaler to remove plaque, tartar and other debris from the teeth.
Root Planing. The process of smoothing out rough areas of the root surface of the tooth in order to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of degree do you need to become an Oral Hygienist?

The minimum educational requirement for becoming an Oral Hygienist is an Associate's degree in Dental Hygiene, although some states may require a Bachelor's degree.

How long does it typically take to complete an Associate's degree in Dental Hygiene?

An Associate's degree in Dental Hygiene typically requires two years of full-time study to complete.

What type of job duties do Oral Hygienists typically perform?

Oral Hygienists typically perform a variety of duties, such as providing preventive care, performing diagnostic tests, and providing patient education on proper oral health care.

What is the average salary for an Oral Hygienist?

The average salary for an Oral Hygienist is around $66,000 per year.

What certifications are required to become an Oral Hygienist?

To become an Oral Hygienist, individuals must obtain a license from their state's dental board and pass a clinical examination administered by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation.