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

Sep 28, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Regular oral hygiene is a key factor in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Poor oral hygiene is a major cause of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. When not addressed, these issues can lead to serious health issues such as infections, tooth loss, and even heart disease.

Having a school hygienist on staff is important for preventing these types of issues because they can provide students with education on proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as regular screenings and cleanings. This can help students avoid cavities and gingivitis, as well as recognize early signs of more serious problems. School hygienists also play an important role in promoting dental health by providing oral health counseling to students and parents.

As a result, students are more likely to have good oral hygiene habits that can last a lifetime.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. Most employers require a bachelors degree in public health, health education or a related field to become a school hygienist.
Obtain Licensure. Depending on the state you live in, school hygienists may need to obtain licensure in order to practice. Licensure requirements can vary by state, so its important to check the specific requirements in your area.
Complete an Internship. Many schools and public health departments offer internships for those interested in becoming school hygienists. This can be a great way to gain real-world experience and learn more about the profession.
Take Continuing Education Courses. Its important for school hygienists to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in their field. Taking continuing education courses is one way to do this.
Get Certified. The American Association of School Health Professionals offers a certification program for school hygienists. Passing the exam can demonstrate your knowledge and proficiency in the field, and may help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs.

The lack of an ideal and competent school hygienist can have disastrous consequences for students, staff and the overall school environment. Poorly maintained classrooms, cafeterias and restrooms can lead to the spread of germs and disease, causing students to miss school due to illness. In addition, inadequate cleaning can lead to an unpleasant atmosphere that can negatively affect the morale of staff and students.

To prevent the spread of disease and create a pleasant learning environment, it is essential to have an ideal and competent school hygienist in place. A qualified hygienist should be able to ensure that all classrooms, bathrooms and other areas are clean and sanitized on a regular basis. Furthermore, they should be able to provide educational resources to students, staff and parents on proper sanitation and hygiene practices.

With an ideal and competent school hygienist in place, the overall health and wellbeing of the school will be greatly improved.

You may want to check Podiatry Hygienist, Food Hygienist, and Industrial Hygienist for alternative.

Job Description

Provide preventive oral health services to students in the school system, including screenings and fluoride treatments.
Educate students, staff, and families about oral health, proper brushing and flossing techniques, and the importance of regular dental visits.
Monitor student oral health and refer students for further care when needed.
Collect and document student oral health data and maintain accurate records.
Develop and implement in-school dental health programs.
Collaborate with school personnel, health care providers, and local health departments to ensure students receive adequate oral health care.
Remain up-to-date on new developments in the field of dental hygiene and regulations related to school-based dental health programs.
Ensure the school environment is clean and safe for students, staff, and visitors.
Administer local anesthetics and other medications as needed.
Monitor infection control procedures and regulations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of infection control procedures.
Ability to recognize and respond to potential health risks in the school environment.
Knowledge and understanding of the importance of preventive health care in school settings.
Knowledge of proper handwashing techniques and other hygiene practices.
Familiarity with child development and growth stages.
Ability to assess and respond to student health needs in a timely and appropriate manner.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines related to school health programs.
Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate health education curricula and programs that target children, adolescents, and families.
Ability to effectively communicate with students, parents, staff, and administration regarding health matters.
Ability to maintain accurate and complete health records and documentation in accordance with established guidelines.

Good hygiene is an essential skill to have in school, as it can have positive ripple effects on academic performance and student health. Poor hygiene can lead to an increased spread of germs, resulting in higher rates of absenteeism due to illness, and lower levels of academic achievement. The school hygienist plays a key role in helping to promote and maintain good hygiene among students.

They are responsible for providing instruction on proper hand washing techniques, ensuring proper disposal of trash and waste, and providing guidance on the use of personal hygiene products. the school hygienist should also be familiar with the proper cleaning and sanitizing protocols for shared spaces and surfaces, such as desks, bathrooms, and drinking fountains. By promoting good hygiene in the school environment, the hygienist helps to ensure that students remain healthy and the educational environment remains clean and safe.

Public Health Hygienist, Hospital Hygienist, and Water Hygienist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working as a school hygienist?
How would you prioritize the health and safety of students and staff?
What strategies do you use to promote good hygiene habits?
How do you ensure school facilities are kept clean and safe?
Have you ever handled disciplinary issues related to hygiene?
What challenges do you anticipate in this role?
Are you comfortable working with children of all ages and backgrounds?
How do you educate students about the importance of hygiene?
How would you handle a situation where a student or staff member is not following hygiene protocols?
What do you like most about working as a school hygienist?

Common Tools in Industry

Oral Hygiene Kit. This kit contains items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash to promote healthy oral hygiene habits among students. (eg: Colgate Kids Cavity Protection Toothbrush Kit)
Hand Sanitizer Dispensers. Portable, self-dispensing containers filled with hand sanitizer that allow students and staff to quickly and easily sanitize their hands upon entering the school building. (eg: Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer)
Disinfectant Wipes. Pre-moistened wipes that can be used to quickly clean surfaces and remove dirt and germs. (eg: Clorox Disinfecting Wipes)
Disposable Masks. Disposable face masks that can be used by students and staff to help prevent the spread of contagious diseases. (eg: 3-Ply Disposable Face Masks)
Air Purifier. A device that cleans the air in a room or building by removing dust particles, allergens, and other contaminants. (eg: Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA)
International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH)
National Association of Dental Hygienists (NADH)
American Academy of Dental Hygiene (AADH)
World Dental Hygienists Association (WDHA)
American Board of Dental Hygiene (ABDH)
Academy of Dental Hygiene (ADH)
American Association of Oral Health Therapists (AAOHT)
American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD)
National Oral Health Alliance (NOHA)

We also have Oral Hygienist, Animal Hygienist, and Laser Hygienist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Dental Hygienist A professional who provides preventive dental care and treatment of oral diseases.
Oral Health Education A process of teaching patients about proper oral hygiene and disease prevention.
Fluoride Treatments A procedure in which fluoride is applied to the teeth to help prevent tooth decay.
Sealants A plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to help prevent tooth decay.
Dental X-rays An imaging technique used to diagnose and treat dental problems.
Oral Cancer Screening A screening procedure used to detect signs of oral cancer in its early stages.
Nutrition Counseling Advice given by a professional regarding proper nutrition for oral health.
Emergency Care Immediate assistance for dental problems such as infections, broken teeth, and toothaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a School Hygienist? A1: A School Hygienist is a healthcare professional who works to promote proper hygiene and healthful living practices among school-aged children. They provide instruction on proper handwashing, sanitization, and other health-related measures to help prevent the spread of disease and illness. Q2: What qualifications are required to become a School Hygienist? A2: To become a School Hygienist, one must possess at least a bachelor's degree in public health or a closely related field, such as nursing, dental hygiene, or health sciences. In some states, certification may also be required. Q3: What does a School Hygienist do? A3: A School Hygienist's primary role is to educate students and staff on proper hygiene practices. This includes providing instruction on handwashing, sanitizing, and other health-related topics. School Hygienists may also work with school administrators to develop policies and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff. Q4: How many hours does a School Hygienist typically work? A4: The hours of a School Hygienist vary depending on the school system, but typically range from 30 to 40 hours per week. Q5: What is the average salary of a School Hygienist? A5: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for School Hygienists is $53,020 as of May 2019. That figure can vary widely depending on experience and location.

Web Resources

Dental Hygienist Schools | School Programs, Colleges, Education www.dentalcareersedu.org
Dental Hygienist Associate Degree | Madison College madisoncollege.edu
Dental Hygienist - Illinois Central College - icc.edu icc.edu