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

The effects of not practicing proper oral hygiene can be detrimental. Poor oral hygiene can lead to an increased buildup of plaque and tartar, which can cause bacteria to grow, leading to cavities and tooth decay. In turn, this can result in pain, bad breath, gum inflammation, and other dental complications.

To prevent these issues from occurring, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene habits and to visit a Registered Dental Hygienist regularly for professional cleanings. Regular professional cleanings can help remove plaque and tartar, reduce the risk of cavities and tooth decay, and help maintain good overall oral health.

Steps How to Become

1. Earn an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene. The first step to becoming a Registered Dental Hygienist is to earn an associate degree in dental hygiene from an accredited college or university. This program typically takes two years to complete and will provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become a RDH.
2. Pass a National Exam. After graduating from an accredited dental hygiene program, students must then pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). This exam tests students on their knowledge of dental hygiene procedures, patient care, and dental terminology.
3. Obtain State License. After passing the NBDHE, students must then obtain a license from their state’s dental board. Each state has its own requirements for licensure, so it is important for prospective RDHs to check with their state’s dental board for exact requirements.
4. Obtain Certification. To become a Registered Dental Hygienist, students must then obtain certification from the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA). To be eligible for this certification, students must have completed an accredited dental hygiene program and passed the NBDHE.
5. Maintain Certification. To maintain certification, Registered Dental Hygienists must participate in continuing education courses and keep up with the latest developments in dental hygiene technology. They must also adhere to the professional standards of the ADHA and their state’s dental board.

Being an ideal and competent Registered Dental Hygienist requires a combination of knowledge, skill, and attitude. The knowledge component comes from understanding the fundamentals of dental hygiene, including dental anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, and pathology. Skill comes from hands-on experience in performing clinical procedures, such as scaling and polishing teeth, taking radiographs, and applying sealants and fluoride.

Attitude is also key, as it involves demonstrating empathy, being patient-centered, and exhibiting excellent communication skills with patients. strong organizational skills are essential for staying on top of all the necessary paperwork. All of these elements together create an ideal and competent Registered Dental Hygienist.

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Job Description

1. Provide oral hygiene care, including scaling and polishing teeth, performing root planing procedures, and applying sealants.
2. Assess patient oral health, take and record medical and dental histories, and examine teeth, gums, and surrounding tissue for signs of oral disease.
3. Educate patients on oral hygiene techniques, such as brushing and flossing, and the relationship between diet and oral health.
4. Take digital X-rays, identify dental problems and provide treatment recommendations.
5. Apply topical anesthetics to gums or cavity-preventive agents to teeth.
6. Keep patient charts and records up-to-date.
7. Clean and sterilize dental instruments and equipment according to established protocols.
8. Prepare and maintain examination rooms, instruments, and materials.
9. Prepare and administer medications as prescribed by dentist.
10. Monitor and adjust dental equipment as necessary.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledgeable in preventive dental care and oral health
2. Proficient in the use of dental instruments and materials
3. Experienced in taking and interpreting dental x-rays
4. Skilled in periodontal charting
5. Knowledge of medical/dental terminology
6. Ability to provide patient education on oral hygiene
7. Capable of performing dental prophylaxis
8. Proficient in the use of infection control procedures
9. Experienced in applying fluoride treatments
10. Skilled in taking impressions
11. Able to monitor growth and development of teeth and jaws
12. Experienced in providing nutrition counseling
13. Knowledgeable in the use of computerized dental systems

Good communication is an essential skill for a registered dental hygienist. Being able to effectively communicate with patients and other healthcare professionals can make a great impact on the quality of care they provide. Effective communication can also help to build trust and rapport with patients, which in turn can lead to better compliance from them.

good communication can help to ensure that the patient fully understands their treatment plan and any instructions given to them. Furthermore, having excellent communication skills can help to reduce anxiety for the patient, which can lead to better outcomes and a more positive experience.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have working as a Registered Dental Hygienist?
• Describe a challenging situation you faced while working as a Registered Dental Hygienist and how you handled it?
• What strategies do you use to ensure patient comfort during dental hygiene procedures?
• How do you stay up-to-date with developments in the dental hygiene field?
• How do you ensure that your patient records are accurate and up to date?
• How do you handle a situation when a patient refuses treatment?
• What qualities do you think make a successful Registered Dental Hygienist?
• What do you do to ensure that dental hygiene procedures are performed in accordance with regulations and standards?
• What techniques do you use to motivate patients to keep up with their dental hygiene routine?
• Describe a time when you identified an issue with a patient’s oral health and took appropriate action.

Common Tools in Industry

1. Ultrasonic Scaler. An electrical tool used to remove plaque and tartar from teeth. (eg: Cavitron Ultrasonic Scaler)
2. Portable X-ray Machine. A device used to take digital x-rays of the teeth and supporting structures. (eg: Carestream Portable X-Ray)
3. Prophy Jet. A hand-held device used to clean and polish teeth with a combination of air, water, and baking soda powder. (eg: Dentsply Prophy Jet)
4. Hand Instruments. A set of tools used for cleaning and polishing teeth, including scalers, curettes, and burnishers. (eg: Hu-Friedy Hand Instruments)
5. Local Anesthetic. A medication used to numb the gums and other soft tissues in the mouth during dental procedures. (eg: Lidocaine Local Anesthetic)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA)
2. American Academy of Dental Hygiene (AADH)
3. International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH)
4. Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA)
5. Australian Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA)
6. European Federation of Periodontology (EFP)
7. World Federation of Periodontology (WFP)
8. American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD)
9. Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD)
10. National Dental Hygiene Certification Board (NDHCB)

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Common Important Terms

1. Oral Health. The general condition of a person’s mouth, teeth, and gums.
2. Prophylaxis. A professional cleaning of the teeth to prevent and reduce the development of cavities and gum disease.
3. Fluoride Treatment. A topical application of fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, prevent cavities, and help remineralize teeth.
4. Scaling and Root Planing. A procedure done by a dental hygienist to remove plaque and tartar from teeth and root surfaces.
5. Sealants. A thin coating applied to the grooves of molars to protect them from decay.
6. X-Rays. Radiographs used to diagnose cavities and other dental issues.
7. Periodontics. A branch of dentistry dealing with diseases and conditions of the gums and tissues surrounding the teeth.
8. Plaque. A sticky film on teeth made up of bacteria, food particles, and saliva.
9. Gingivitis. Inflammation of the gums caused by plaque that is not removed with brushing and flossing.
10. Gingival Recession. The loss of gum tissue around a tooth, usually caused by improper brushing or periodontal disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum number of hours of continuing education required for Registered Dental Hygienists?

Registered Dental Hygienists must complete a minimum of 15 hours of continuing education each year.

What qualifications are needed to become a Registered Dental Hygienist?

In order to become a Registered Dental Hygienist, individuals must complete an accredited dental hygiene program, pass national and regional board exams, and receive a license from the state in which they will practice.

What is the scope of practice for a Registered Dental Hygienist?

The scope of practice for a Registered Dental Hygienist includes assessing the oral health of patients, providing preventive care, cleaning teeth, taking and interpreting dental X-rays, educating patients on oral health care and referring patients to other dental professionals.

What type of supervision is required for a Registered Dental Hygienist?

Registered Dental Hygienists must practice under the supervision of a licensed dentist.

How many states currently recognize the Registered Dental Hygienist credential?

Currently, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands recognize the Registered Dental Hygienist credential.

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Web Resources

• How to Become a Dental Hygienist: Take These 4 Steps www.herzing.edu
• Dental Hygienist Education Requirements - University of Bridgeport www.bridgeport.edu
• What Does a Dental Hygienist Do? | Role & Job Description www.herzing.edu