Home>Job Descriptions>Dental Hygienist Job Description

Dental Hygienist Job Description

What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?

A dental hygienist is a healthcare professional who focuses on preventive oral care. They are responsible for cleaning teeth, taking X-rays, providing patient education, and performing other routine tasks to help maintain oral health.

Dental Hygienist Job Description Example

Sioux Falls Smiles Dental is excited to welcome a new dental hygienist to the team! We are looking for an ambitious, passionate, and organized individual to help us serve our vibrant patient community.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The dental hygienist will be responsible for performing a variety of dental hygiene services in accordance with established dental hygiene protocols. The primary duties and responsibilities of the role include:

Assessing patient oral health needs and providing preventive and periodontal services
Administering anesthetic, topical fluoride, and sealant when necessary
Documenting care and educating patients on proper oral hygiene techniques
Assisting the dentist with treatment and patient management
Performing patient screenings and radiation surveys

Work Hours and Benefits:

This is a full-time position with flexible shifts. Benefits include health and dental insurance, paid time off, a 401(k) plan, and an opportunity for career development.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have an associate’s degree in dental hygiene or certification from a dental assisting program. They must have at least 2 years of experience in a dental office and be licensed to practice as a dental hygienist in the state of South Dakota. They should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to maintain a patient-focused attitude.

Training and Education:

Additional professional training or education may be required upon hire.

If you are interested in this role and have the qualifications and skills necessary to contribute to our dynamic team, we would love to hear from you!

What to Include on a Dental Hygienist Resume or Job Posting

Common dental hygienist responsibilities

Cleaning and polishing teeth
Taking and developing dental x-rays
Educating patients on proper oral hygiene
Examining patients for signs of oral disease
Applying sealants and fluoride treatments
Administering local anesthetics
Recording patient medical histories
Performing root planing and scaling
Assisting dentists during procedures
Maintaining patient records and scheduling appointments

Qualities & traits

Communication Skills – Dental hygienists must be able to effectively communicate with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals.
Compassion – A dental hygienist should have a compassionate and caring attitude towards their patients.
Attention to Detail – Dental hygienists must be detail-oriented and able to accurately assess a patient’s oral health.
Physical Stamina – A dental hygienist must be able to stand for long periods of time and perform repetitive tasks.
Technical Skills – Dental hygienists must be proficient with the use of dental instruments and technology.
Organizational Skills – Dental hygienists must be able to manage their time and prioritize tasks.
Problem-Solving Skills – Dental hygienists must be able to identify and resolve problems quickly and efficiently.

What a typical day looks like for a dental hygienist

On a day-to-day basis, a dental hygienist works with patients to improve oral health and hygiene. They review patients' medical histories and take X-rays where necessary. They also make sure to explain proper brushing, flossing, and other oral hygiene techniques. During a dental checkup they usually scale and polish teeth, apply sealants and fluoride treatments, and remove calculus, plaque and stains. They also provide nutritional advice to patients and work in consultation with a dentist. In addition, they may provide other specialist treatments such as gum treatment and root planing.

Compatible jobs and work history

Becoming a dental hygienist requires a certain set of skills and knowledge, even if they haven't yet been acquired in a formal work setting. Many jobs that involve customer service, communication, and organization of materials and data are compatible with the role of dental hygienist. Jobs in the healthcare, beauty, and retail industries are also well-aligned with the skills needed for a successful career as a dental hygienist. The following is a list of 10 job titles that are compatible with dental hygienist roles:

Healthcare Administrative Assistant
Medical Receptionist
Retail Sales Associate
Cosmetologist
Social Worker
Secretary
Customer Service Representative
Pharmacy Technician
Personal Care Aide
Certified Nursing Assistant

Similar Job Descriptions

Are you hiring? Our job description templates allow you to research, draft, and post your exciting job opportunity in minutes. Here are some jobs in the same industry as Dental Hygienist: