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

Sep 24, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Orthodontic hygienists are key players in the field of orthodontics, as they play a vital role in the prevention of dental disease. These professionals specialize in preventive care, helping patients maintain healthy smiles through proper brushing and flossing techniques as well as regular cleanings. The effects of proper orthodontic hygiene can be seen in the form of fewer cavities, healthier gums, and improved overall oral health.

these hygienists can help identify the signs and symptoms of orthodontic issues early on, enabling patients to begin treatment sooner and potentially save money by avoiding more costly procedures later on. orthodontic hygienists must keep up to date with the latest technologies such as digital x-rays and intraoral cameras to ensure that their patients receive the highest standard of care. by adhering to the highest standards of dental hygiene, orthodontic hygienists play an important role in helping their patients achieve beautiful and healthy smiles.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. All dental hygiene programs require applicants to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete a Degree Program in Dental Hygiene. An associates degree in dental hygiene is the minimum requirement for becoming an orthodontic hygienist. These two-year programs usually include courses in anatomy and physiology, dental materials, periodontology, and radiography.
Get Licensed. Licensing requirements vary by state, but typically include passing written and clinical examinations.
Specialize in Orthodontics. After becoming licensed, you can specialize in orthodontic hygiene by completing a specialized program or by taking continuing education courses in orthodontic hygiene.
Obtain Certification. You can become certified as an orthodontic hygienist through the American Dental Hygienists Association. Certification requires that you have at least two years of experience in orthodontic hygiene and have completed at least 60 hours of continuing education in orthodontics.
Join Professional Organizations. Joining professional organizations such as the American Dental Hygienists Association or the American Association of Orthodontists can help you stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field and network with other professionals.

Brushing and flossing are essential for oral hygiene, and the importance of having a qualified orthodontic hygienist cannot be overstated. Without proper oral hygiene, individuals can be at risk for cavities, gum disease, and other oral diseases. An orthodontic hygienist is trained to detect and treat these conditions before they cause more serious issues.

They also provide educational materials and advice on how to maintain healthy teeth and gums. In addition, they can identify any potential orthodontic problems before they become serious and can recommend orthodontic treatments if necessary. Having an orthodontic hygienist clean and check your teeth and gums on a regular basis is essential for maintaining optimal oral health and preventing more serious issues from developing in the future.

You may want to check Insurance Coordinator, Periodontist, and Oral Surgeon for alternative.

Job Description

Examine patients teeth and mouth for signs of oral disease
Clean and remove plaque and tartar from teeth
Take X-rays and record patient medical history
Apply fluoride treatments and sealants
Provide patient education on proper oral hygiene habits
Construct and adjust orthodontic appliances
Monitor patient progress during treatment
Make impressions of teeth and bite
Document patient treatment plans in medical records
Maintain a sterile environment in the treatment area

Skills and Competencies to Have

Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of orthodontics and orthodontic hygiene.
Utilize proper techniques and materials in cleaning orthodontic appliances, including braces, aligners, and clear retainers.
Provide patient education on oral hygiene, diet, and preventive strategies for healthy teeth.
Monitor patient progress and document findings in patient records.
Maintain sterilization and infection control standards in accordance with OSHA regulations.
Prepare treatment rooms for patient visits and maintain instrument sets for orthodontic procedures.
Participate in continuing education to stay abreast of current developments in orthodontics and hygienic practices.
Fabricate and adjust orthodontic devices as directed by the orthodontist.
Liaise with other healthcare professionals, such as dentists, dental assistants, and dental hygienists, to ensure optimal patient care.
Keep up-to-date with new technology and techniques, such as digital scanning and 3D printing of orthodontic appliances.

An orthodontic hygienist plays an important role in the practice of orthodontics. Having the necessary skills to perform their job effectively is essential to providing the best possible care for patients. Attention to detail, excellent communication, and a comprehensive knowledge of orthodontic procedures are all important skills for an orthodontic hygienist.

strong organizational and problem-solving skills are necessary in order to prioritize tasks and ensure effective patient care. With these skills, an orthodontic hygienist is able to properly evaluate the patients condition, provide effective treatment plans and instructions, and ensure that the patient is comfortable with the orthodontic process. By having these skills, an orthodontic hygienist can provide the best possible care to patients and help ensure a successful treatment outcome.

Dental Reimbursement Specialist, Orthodontic Billing and Coding Specialist, and Orthodontic Sales Representative are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in orthodontic hygiene?
How would you handle a difficult patient during a cleaning procedure?
What techniques do you use to ensure the highest standards of patient care?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and techniques in orthodontic hygiene?
Describe a time when you had to adapt to a challenging situation in orthodontic hygiene.
What strategies do you use to keep patients comfortable during an orthodontic cleaning?
How do you prioritize patient care while managing multiple tasks?
What strategies do you use to effectively communicate with patients and colleagues?
What do you feel are the most important qualities for a successful orthodontic hygienist?
How have you incorporated new technologies into your practice of orthodontic hygiene?

Common Tools in Industry

Dental Prophy Angle. A hand-held device used for polishing and cleaning teeth, with a rubber cup for applying prophy paste. (eg: Dentsply Sirona Prophy Angle)
Rubber Dam. A thin, rubber sheet that is placed over a tooth to keep it dry during dental procedures. (eg: Hygenic Corporations FlexiDam)
Orthodontic Pliers. A hand-held tool used to bend and shape wires and other orthodontic appliances. (eg: American Orthodontics Ortho Plier)
Orthodontic Tweezers. A pair of tweezers used to pick up and manipulate orthodontic appliances and wires. (eg: Hu-Friedy Orthodontic Tweezers)
Orthodontic Scissors. A pair of scissors used to cut orthodontic wires and elastics. (eg: American Orthodontics Ortho Scissors)
Curing Light. A special light used to harden and cure dental materials like composite resin and sealants. (eg: 3M ESPEs Elipar Freelight 2)
Saliva Ejector. A suction device used to remove saliva and debris from the oral cavity. (eg: DenTeks Saliva Ejector)
Intraoral Camera. A digital camera used to take detailed images of the mouth. (eg: DenTeks Intraoral Camera)
Ultrasonic Scaler. An instrument used to remove plaque and calculus from teeth. (eg: EMS Piezon Master 700)
Orthodontic Band Seating Pliers. A hand-held tool used to place and remove bands from teeth. (eg: American Orthodontics Band Seating Pliers)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
American Board of Orthodontics (ABO)
American Dental Association (ADA)
American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA)
American Orthodontic Society (AOS)
World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO)
American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (AAOMR)
International Association for Orthodontics (IAO)
European Orthodontic Society (EOS)
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)

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

Common Important Terms

Orthodontics. A branch of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and correction of misaligned teeth and jaws.
Braces. A device used to align and straighten teeth and to correct bite issues.
Retainer. An appliance used to maintain straight teeth after the braces are removed.
Oral Hygiene. The practice of keeping the mouth and teeth clean and healthy.
Tooth Decay. The breakdown of the enamel of a tooth caused by bacteria and acid.
Plaque. A sticky substance made up of bacteria, which can cause tooth decay.
Mouthguard. A device worn in the mouth to protect the teeth from damage during sports or other activities.
X-Ray. A type of imaging that uses radiation to create a picture of the inside of the body.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Orthodontic Hygienist?

An Orthodontic Hygienist is a dental professional specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases, particularly those related to braces and other orthodontic appliances.

What qualifications do you need to become an Orthodontic Hygienist?

To become an Orthodontic Hygienist, you must complete a state-approved educational program and obtain a dental hygiene license. You must also have a minimum of two years of experience in the field and complete continuing education courses to maintain your license.

What tasks do Orthodontic Hygienists typically perform?

Orthodontic Hygienists are responsible for providing preventative oral care services such as cleaning, examining and X-rays, as well as providing patient education on proper oral hygiene techniques. They may also remove plaque and calculus, apply sealants and fluoride treatments, and provide instruction on how to use orthodontic appliances correctly.

What salary can an Orthodontic Hygienist expect to make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Orthodontic Hygienists in 2019 was $72,330.

What is the job outlook for Orthodontic Hygienists?

The job outlook for Orthodontic Hygienists is projected to grow 11% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This is due to an increased demand for preventive dental care services.